News Release: Level 3 Expands European Network To Vienna

Company Also Doubling IP Capacity On German Network Ring

LONDON, December 18, 2003 - Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced it has expanded its European network to Vienna, Austria. The Level 3 network now serves 20 of Western Europe’s largest markets.

In addition, Level 3 is doubling IP capacity on one of the two network rings it operates in Germany. The ring, connecting Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Karlsruhe, Frankfurt and Leipzig, will have an expanded capacity of 10 gigabits per second. “These moves are the latest in a series of steps we’ve taken to augment our European network in response to customer demand,” said Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3’s European operations.

“Over the past two years, we have more than doubled the number of markets we serve in Europe. Doing so, we believe, has significantly increased our addressable customer base and enhanced the scope and quality of our product offerings. We look forward to having an expanded presence on the continent, and continuing to provide network services of the highest quality to our wholesale customers.”

Level 3’s latest European expansion follows recent announcements by the company that it was extending its network into Leipzig and Copenhagen and increasing network capacity into Stockholm. Level 3 accomplished the Vienna expansion with wavelengths leased from another carrier.

Level 3’s fibre optic network spans 22,500 miles and serves 20 of the largest markets in Europe, as well as 68 markets across North America. In addition, the company operates metropolitan networks in 36 cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. Level 3 also has network capacity on high-speed transatlantic cable systems.

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 22,500 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. Its Web address is www.Level3.com.

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

The Level 3 logo and (3)CrossRoads are service marks of Level 3 Communications, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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: changes in the overall economy relating to, among other things, the September 11 attacks and subsequent events, substantial capital requirements; development of effective internal processes and systems; the ability to attract and retain high quality employees; technology; the number and size of competitors in its markets; law and regulatory policy; and the mix of products and services offered in the company's target markets. 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.

Level 3 contacts:

Media: Josh Howell
720-888-2517

Nerissa Waring
+44-20-7954-5078

Investors: Robin Grey
720-888-2518

Sandra Curlander
720-888-2501


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