Level 3 Supports Increased Connectivity and Network Scalability for European Game Server Provider

LONDON, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced that it has been selected by Rotterdam-based game server provider Interactive 3D B.V. (i3D.net) to provide high-speed IP (HSIP) services to support the company's network scalability and connectivity needs, as well as wavelength transport services out of Level 3's Rotterdam point-of-presence, allowing Interactive 3D B.V. to peer in multiple locations.

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"On a daily basis, more than one million people play games on Interactive 3D hosted servers, and our ultimate goal is to help our customers deliver the best online experience possible for those gamers in terms of low latency, stability and reliability," said Stijn Koster, CEO of Interactive 3D. "With Level 3, we're getting the scalability of a Tier 1 network at our fingertips and a team as committed to the customer experience as we are."

Level 3's services give Interactive 3D a flexible solution to meet growing demand for Internet connectivity from its games customers, further enable connectivity to European Internet exchanges and provide more peering options at multiple locations. The services are the result of Level 3 expanding its network presence in The Netherlands through the creation of a point-of-presence (PoP) in the SmartDC datacenter in Rotterdam.

"Our relationship with Interactive 3D in Rotterdam is largely the result of our commitment to deepening our presence in Europe, providing greater connectivity options and consistently delivering service excellence," said James Heard, president of European Markets at Level 3. "We're regularly identifying opportunities like this to provide more of the telecommunications services our customers want in the locations that will allow them to more effectively grow their businesses."

The Level 3 PoP in Rotterdam is part of a broader company initiative to deepen its presence in Europe in line with demand. PoPs give customers a central point of secure and reliable access to Level 3's highly scalable global network. In some cases, Level 3 will have several PoPs in a single city, giving customers access the telecommunications services they need in a location that is convenient for their business. Currently, Level 3's network presence spans more than 20 European countries.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) 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.  Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. 

About Interactive 3D

Interactive 3D B.V. (i3D.net) is a Rotterdam-based game server provider with hosting locations in Europe, the United States, Japan and Australia. Our software and hosting services are used by game developers and publishers worldwide to support triple A game titles. Visit www.i3d.net for more information on our global game services.

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; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; 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.