Level 3 Acquires 360networks Unit

BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 14 -- Level 3 Communications Inc. announced it has acquired substantially all of 360networks' nationwide long-haul transport business. The agreement makes Level 3 the primary provider of North American optical wavelength services to T-Systems North America Inc., a subsidiary of T-Systems International.

360networks was T-Systems' broadband transport vendor in the US, using lit fiber it had acquired from Dynegy Inc. in 2002. Dynegy initially purchased that fiber from Level 3 under a 20-year IRU in October 2000. Through the new agreements, that fiber agreement has been terminated.

Level 3 will acquire 360networks' nationwide long-haul network; as a result, 360networks will cease making monthly payments to Level 3 for operations and maintenance services associated with the dark fiber contract.

Sean Parkinson, CEO of T-Systems North America, said, "Our new agreement with Level 3 will enable us to continue serving our US-based enterprise customers with industry-leading levels of efficiency, operational excellence and customer care. Level 3 Communications already serves as a valued provider of transport and other network services to T-Systems in both North America and Europe, where we have a reciprocal business arrangement, and we're pleased to continue this relationship now that Level 3 has absorbed the network of 360networks."

For more information, visit: www.Level3.com