Level 3 to Provide Network Services to Euronext

[NewsDesk]

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:LVLT) today announced that it's providing network services in the U.S. to Euronext.liffe, one of the largest exchanges for equities, bonds, derivatives and commodities in Europe.

Euronext has signed agreements to purchase private line, colocation and metropolitan dark fiber services to provide the financial exchange company's LIFFE CONNECT(R) electronic trading platform service to the Chicago Board of Trade, the world's oldest futures exchange.

"Level 3's reach, commitment to colocation and ability to demonstrate the physical diversity of its network were key factors in our selection process," said Mark Hemsley, managing director, Market Solutions at Euronext.liffe. "In particular, we were also pleased with Level 3's willingness to offer flexible leasing options for its metropolitan dark fiber services."

"With more than 1,500 listed companies representing a market capitalization of more than 2 trillion Euros, Euronext is a driving force behind consolidation of the European capital markets," said Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3's European operations. "Euronext is also widely recognized as a world leader in the application of technology to trading systems. We are very pleased to be partnering with Euronext and look forward to enabling them to leverage the operational capabilities and cost efficiencies of Level 3's network platform."

Level 3's dark fiber services help customers reduce their local loop expense and increase the physical diversity of their network. The company's 2,100-mile metropolitan backbone is complimented by Level 3's network expansion capabilities, which extend Level 3's fiber reach by constructing route extensions and integrating third party fiber where customer demand requires.

Additionally, Level 3 is one of the largest providers of colocation space in the world, operating more than 70 carrier-neutral data center facilities in 66 markets in the U.S. and Europe. Colocation customers in most major cities can access 8 to 10 other network providers in each Level 3 facility.

Level 3's completely diverse physical backbone network also ensures that private line service provided to Euronext is protected from equipment failures and fiber cuts. As a result, Euronext will receive nearly 100 percent availability on its Level 3 private line service.

Registered in Amsterdam, Euronext was created in September 2000 through the merger of the Amsterdam Exchanges, Brussels Exchanges and ParisBourse. In December 2001, the company acquired the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE), and in February 2002 it merged with BVLP, the Portuguese cash and derivatives market.

Euronext is also purchasing network services from Level 3 in Europe.

About Level 3 Communications


Level 3 (NASDAQ:LVLT) is an international communications and information services company. The company operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, is one of the largest providers of wholesale dial-up service to ISPs in North America and is the primary provider of Internet connectivity for millions of broadband subscribers, through its cable and DSL partners. 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, Genuity managed services, and patented Softswitch-based managed modem and voice services. Its Web address is www.Level3.com .

The company offers information services through its subsidiaries, (i)Structure and Software Spectrum. For additional information, visit their respective web sites at www.softwarespectrum.com , and www.i-structure.com .