Crackle Selects Level 3 to Provide High-Speed Internet Access and Colocation

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 3/4 Level 3 Communications' Content Markets Group today announced that it has been selected by Crackle, Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, to support that company's high-quality video delivery service. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Level 3 will provide Crackle underlying network solutions including High Speed Internet Access via multiple 10 Gigabits per second (GigE) ports and colocation services to enable Crackle's continued growth and provide a better experience for Crackle's customers through improved speed and reliability.

"Level 3's global reach, proven scalability and reliability will give Crackle both the network performance and stability that will enable us to take our business to the next level," said Nate Underwood, vice president of Engineering & Operations at Crackle. "From the beginning of our relationship with Level 3, we have been impressed with their ability to address the complexities of our business and offer flexible solutions that meet our needs. With Level 3, we have the confidence to aggressively market and drive the evolution of online video, bringing viewers more professionally produced material and providing the next wave of creative talent a forum that will give them the exposure, including pathways to Hollywood and distribution to the widest audience, and the recognition they seek and deserve."

Crackle is a video entertainment network dedicated to the discovery and development of pioneering video creators across a diverse range of genres. Crackle delivers programmed and customized video streams to a global audience via a multi-platform syndication network that includes Sony devices, IPTV, leading social networks and one-click viral Web distribution, which facilitates and encourages voluntary distribution of content via the Internet.

"Crackle's unique programming and editorial strategy continues to drive the evolution of online video content," said Brady Rafuse, president of Level 3's Content Markets Group. "Their use of high-quality, full-screen experience raises the bar for content and video on the Internet. Level 3's network was built for the high-bandwidth demands of companies like Crackle and is ideally suited to continue to scale with Crackle as it grows in reach and popularity."

With one of the world's largest IP backbones, Level 3 provides reliable, high capacity bandwidth to meet growing traffic demand from customers with rich media applications. Level 3 offers Internet connectivity in 180 markets in addition to a comprehensive suite of network services that provide building blocks for its customers' diverse service offerings. Level 3 has the scale, performance and service portfolio to support content delivery solutions as its customers' network needs evolve.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) , an international communications company, operates one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, connecting 180 markets in 18 countries. The company serves a broad range of wholesale, enterprise and content customers with a comprehensive suite of services including: Internet Protocol (IP) services, broadband transport and infrastructure services, colocation services, voice and voice over IP services, and content delivery and media distribution services. These services provide the building blocks to enable Level 3's customers to meet their growing demands for advanced communications solutions. The company's Web address is 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 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 may be 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.