Level 3 Expands Global Network Reach to Slovenia and Croatia

LONDON, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:  LVLT) today announced that it has added points-of-presence in Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia, giving customers in these areas a central point of secure and direct access to Level 3’s highly scalable global network and a robust portfolio of IP-based communications solutions.

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The new points-of-presence underscore Level 3’s commitment to deepening its network in Eastern Europe, which is viewed by Level 3 as a growth region for Internet traffic. As a result of the new points-of-presence, Level 3 will now deliver a wider range of services to Croatian and Slovenian customers, including Ethernet private line and wavelength transport services, high-speed Internet protocol, direct Internet access and virtual private network (VPN), as well as content and media delivery services.

“Today’s global economy is fast-moving and increasingly connected, which means that it is critical to have access to a reliable, secure network with wide international reach,” said Mr. Tomaz Tomsic, Head of International Carrier Services for Telekom Slovenije. “The direct access to Level 3’s international IP backbone network will not only keep us and our customers more connected to businesses around the world, but it will keep us more competitive as well.”

“Level 3 is keenly focused on being the carrier of choice to support the growing demand for IP connectivity and services to customers in Eastern Europe, and our investments in Slovenia and Croatia are a significant step in strengthening that position,” said James Heard, president of European Markets for Level 3. “Our network expansion into these markets is designed to bring the scalability to handle unpredictable and growing bandwidth demands, the international reach to advance the global economy and network performance to ensure a superior customer experience.”

With the addition of Slovenia and Croatia to Level 3’s list of countries directly connected to its network, Level 3 now spans more than 20 countries in Europe and offers connectivity in 50 markets. For more information on Level 3’s services in Europe, please visit www.level3.com/index.cfm?pageID=254.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE:LVLT, news, filings) 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 Telekom Slovenije

The Telekom Slovenia Group is Slovenia`s leading and most advanced telecommunications operator in all key segments of the well-developed and highly competitive Slovenian market, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of fixed, mobile, Internet and state-of-the-art integrated telecommunication solutions. Beyond its clear number one presence in Slovenia, Telekom Slovenia Group is present in several high growth markets in Southeast Europe, in Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania. The Group’s acquisition of 50% stake in Gibtelecom, Gibraltar’s dominant fixed, mobile and Internet operator, represents further steps in the strategy to extend Telekom Slovenije’s geographic footprint into selected Southeast European and Mediterranean markets. www.telekom.si

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.