Level 3 to Provide Internet Access Services to Claranet

LONDON, Jan 16, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (LVLT) announced today that it has signed an agreement to provide Internet access service in London, Frankfurt and Paris to Claranet, one of the largest ISPs in Europe.

Founded in the UK in 1996, Claranet provides Internet access, web hosting and IP security solutions to more than one million residential and business customers throughout the UK, France, Germany and Spain.

Under the terms of the agreement, Claranet will use (3)CrossRoads, a wholesale IP transit service that connects Level 3's customers and network in the U.S. and Europe with the networks that comprise the public Internet.

"We chose Level 3 because its IP network gives us the premium performance, reliability and scalability we require to continue providing our customers with the highest quality and affordable Internet services," said Neil Levine, chief technical officer for Claranet Group. "Level 3's financial stability and ability to provision services quickly and efficiently also weighed heavily in our decision."

"Claranet is one of the most successful and innovative ISPs in Europe," stated Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3 in Europe. "We're delighted that Claranet has chosen Level 3 as a network partner, and look forward to working with them to help deliver their wide range of superior Internet services."

Level 3 operates a 10-gigabit IP backbone that spans 56 North American markets and 16 European markets and is accessible from more than 500 traffic aggregation points. Level 3 has achieved a superior cost structure and class of service capability by being the first network operator to leverage MPLS technology consistently throughout the core of its network. Peering capacity with every major IP backbone provider ensures uncongested connectivity to the global Internet.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 (LVLT) is an international communications and information services company. The company offers a wide range of communications services over its 20,000 mile broadband fiber optic network including Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport, colocation services, and patented Softswitch-based managed modem and voice services. Its Web address is www.Level3.com.

The company offers information services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, (i)Structure, and Software Spectrum. (i)Structure is an Application Infrastructure Provider that provides managed IT infrastructure services and enables businesses to outsource IT operations. Its Web address is www.i-structure.com . Software Spectrum is a global business-to-business software services provider specializing in enterprise software management, licensing and support. Its web address is www.softwarespectrum.com .

(3)CrossRoads is a service mark of Level 3 Communications, Inc.

About Claranet

Established in the UK in 1996, Claranet was recently voted Best National Business ISP in the UK's prestigious ISPA Awards. The company provides reliable and effective Internet solutions for both business and home users throughout the UK, France, Germany and Spain, and is one of the most successful ISPs in Europe.

Forward Looking Statement

Some of the statements made by Level 3 in this press release are forward- looking in nature. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Level 3 believes that its primary risk factors include, but are not limited to: changes in the overall economy relating to, among other things, the September 11 attacks and subsequent events, substantial capital requirements; development of effective internal processes and systems; the ability to attract and retain high quality employees; technology; the number and size of competitors in its markets; law and regulatory policy; and the mix of products and services offered in the company's target markets. 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 release should be evaluated in light of these important factors.

SOURCE Level 3 Communications, Inc.