Level 3 Expands Voice Offering

WilTel acquisition results in strong voice portfolio supporting every stage of customer VoIP implementation


SAN JOSE, Calif. (Spring VON, Booth 217) – March 14, 2006, Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) announced today that as a result of the WilTel acquisition, it is now offering an expanded portfolio of wholesale voice services that will help drive industry adoption of VoIP.

“The acquisiton brings together two of the industry’s top voice services providers. Level 3’s position as a premiere VoIP provider, combined with WilTel’s expertise in circuit-based voice services, strengthens our ability to serve customers,” said Sureel Choksi, executive vice president of voice services for Level 3. “In addition to expanding our worldwide footprint, Level 3 can now offer customers a deeper portfolio with expanded IP capabilities and the ability to seamlessly and cost-effectively migrate from circuit-based to IP technologies.”

The addition of WilTel’s extensive Feature Group D traditional voice network provides customers with access to nationwide toll-free services, a full portfolio of end-to-end switched services and expanded International termination capabilities.

By delivering a robust set of both traditional and IP-based services, Level 3 can now serve a wider range of customer needs. The expanded portfolio also provides the necessary components and services to help providers currently in the Time Division Multiplex (TDM) environment cost-effectively and seamlessly migrate to an IP platform.

“Level 3 can now help customers in every stage of VoIP adoption, from network planning to full implementation,” said Choksi. “As evidenced by our implementation of an E-911 platform 18 months before the FCC mandated it, we remain committed to understanding and delivering on our customers’ needs.”

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 23,000-mile broadband fiber optic network including Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport and infrastructure services, colocation services, and patented softswitch managed modem and voice services. Level 3 is an industry leader in IP and VoIP services, which it provides to cable operators, ISPs, carriers and others. Level 3’s E-911 service offering includes both fixed location and nomadic VoIP E-911 capabilities, supporting an FCC- compliant E-911 solution for interconnected VoIP providers. Its Web address is www.Level3.com.

The company offers information services through its subsidiary, Software Spectrum, and fiber- optic and satellite video delivery solutions through its subsidiary, Vyvx. For additional information, visit their respective Web sites at www.softwarespectrum.com and www.vyvx.com.

The Level 3 logo is a registered service mark of Level 3 Communications, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by a wholly owned subsidiary of Level 3 Communications, Inc.

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: increasing the volume of traffic on Level 3’s network; developing new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; successfully completing commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; stabilizing or reducing the rate of price compression on certain of our communications services; integrating strategic acquisitions; attracting and retaining qualified management and other personnel; ability to meet all of the terms and conditions of our debt obligations; overcoming Software Spectrum’s reliance on financial incentives, volume discounts and marketing funds from software publishers; and reducing downward pressure of Software Spectrum’s margins as a result of the use of volume licensing and maintenance agreements.

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.

Contact Information

Cheena Pazzo

Media Contact

Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Contact via E-mail