Level 3 Works with 52Eighty to Develop 200 New Wireless Tower Sites Connected to Level 3's Advanced Fiber Backbone

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced that it has signed an agreement with 52Eighty, a wireless tower infrastructure company, to develop 200 new wireless tower access sites near Level 3's strategic Extended On-Net (EON) sites. The new sites, which will be located in rural, suburban and metropolitan markets, will provide wireless operators with key access points to expand geographic service capabilities, optimize network performance, reduce operational expenses and leverage Level 3's extensive portfolio of advanced network services.

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Mainstream adoption of Internet-connected mobile devices has resulted in the explosive growth of wireless data traffic. As such, wireless operators require tower infrastructure solutions that enable them to meet the continuously growing demand for high-capacity wireless access. In order to ensure optimal network performance and mitigate the costs of transporting these high volumes of data, it is vital for wireless operators to leverage sites near advanced backbone networks that are capable of scaling to meet this demand.

"52Eighty is dedicated to providing mobile operators with the most reliable and cost-effective tower access solutions capable of handling large volumes of mobile-generated data traffic," said George Alex, CEO of 52Eighty. "Working with Level 3 on this project will enable us to offer customers a best-in-class solution for tower access and the provisioning of advanced wireless services."

Level 3's work with 52Eighty will result in 200 new wireless tower access sites, to be built on or near strategically selected Level 3 EON locations. Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 will grant 52Eighty access rights to develop the new tower sites near its facilities within a two-year period, while Level 3 will deploy the necessary optical transport equipment at the sites. Additionally, 52Eighty will cover the cost of the tower construction, and Level 3 will enable transport services to and from the compound structure.

"Wireless connectivity is a vital component for our increasingly mobile society, and Level 3's advanced optical networking capabilities are a crucial factor in delivering superior wireless services," said Paul Savill, senior vice president of Transport and Infrastructure Services for Level 3. "We are delighted to work with 52Eighty on this initiative and believe it will greatly enhance the ability of wireless service providers to continue improving their service area and performance."

For more information on Level 3's Tower Access solutions, visit http://www.level3.com/Products-and-Services/data-and-internet/rural-access-solutions/tower-access.aspx.

For more information on Level 3's Extended On-Net solutions, visit http://www.level3.com/Products-and-Services/data-and-internet/rural-access-solutions/extended-on-net.aspx.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a premier international provider of IP-based communications services to enterprise, content, government and wholesale customers. Over its reliable, scalable and secure network, Level 3 delivers integrated IP solutions, including converged, data, voice, video and managed solutions to help enable customers' growth and efficiency. Level 3 operates a unique global services platform anchored by owned fiber networks on three continents in more than 45 countries, connected by extensive undersea facilities. For more information, visit www.level3.com.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3 Communications, Level (3), Think Ahead, the Level 3 Logo and the Level 3 Think Ahead 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 company's ability to successfully integrate the Global Crossing acquisition, 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 future 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, Corporate Communications