BROOMFIELD, Colorado, December 2 /PRNewswire/ --

- NHL Adds Full Bench of Level 3 Content Delivery Services to Starting Line Up

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: LVLT) today announced that the National Hockey League (NHL) has expanded its network services commitment with Level 3 to include content storage, caching and downloading, and high-definition (HD) video streaming. These services complement the existing high-speed IP and video broadcast services already provided by Level 3.

Level 3 is an important partner in helping to meet our network technology needs, said Grant Nodine, vice president of technology for the NHL. Level 3 provides a single-source solution for content delivery that enables us to continue to build out our online presence and take advantage of the power of the Internet to reach fans around the world.

Level 3's services provide a key component of the technology solution to enable the NHL to offer live and on-demand access to hockey games, highlight reels and other online video content. Online video will be available in HD, optimized for video quality and download speed, to provide a premium end-user experience at http://www.NHL.com.

The NHL continues to reinforce their role as a leader in the development and delivery of compelling online content for professional sports, said Grant van Rooyen, president of Level 3's Content Markets Group. This expanded solution set for the NHL now provides all the building blocks necessary to support their content delivery needs and deliver an enhanced online viewing experience for hockey fans.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: LVLT) 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 http://www.Level3.com.

Level 3 Communications, Level 3, the red 3D brackets and the Level 3 Communications logo are registered service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service, product or company names recited herein are trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

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 company's ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on the network; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; 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.

Media, Kimberly Tulp, +1-720-888-3675, or Jennifer Daumler, +1-720-888-3365, or Investors, Valerie Finberg, +1-720-888-2501, or Mark Stoutenberg, +1-720-888-1662, all of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990721/LVLTLOGO