Level 3 Launches Wireless Tower Access Service

"Mobile data traffic will grow by an order of magnitude between 2009 and 2012," said Jennifer Pigg, vice president of enabling technologies for Yankee Group. "Mobile operators are scrambling to meet this capacity demand cost effectively in their wireless backhaul networks. Direct wireless tower access to the Level 3 network offers a unique service for wireless carriers to optimize network performance and capacity."

Level 3 Tower Access offers the capabilities to place wireless towers on or near existing Level 3 network facilities. Level 3 has identified more than 300 tower-ready network sites with the geography and right-of-way access to support the addition of wireless towers. Level 3 is working with multiple partners to erect wireless carrier-neutral towers directly on the Level 3 network in these locations.

Primarily located in rural areas, Level 3 Tower Access offers an alternative to incumbent providers, delivering a broad portfolio of voice, data and Internet services directly from the tower site. These services provide wireless carriers with more competitive options to backhaul wireless traffic and scale their network capabilities as mobile bandwidth and end-user demand continue to grow.

Level 3 Tower Access also offers shared infrastructure for wireless carriers to expand their wireless networks without the expense of costly fiber builds or dedicated tower access. Shared infrastructure creates an open platform for network connectivity that supports a broad range of technologies, regardless of the carrier or service.

"Level 3 has been a key enabler of the wireless ecosystem for over 10 years," said Sureel Choksi, chief marketing officer for Level 3. "Level 3 Tower Access offers the next evolution of our services to support wireless carriers as they keep pace with the growing consumer appetite for mobile connectivity."

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit www.Level3.com.

(C) Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to, the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing; as well as the company's ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on the network; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: Level 3 Communications, Inc.

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