Middle Eastern Game Developer Tahadi Games Selects Level 3 to Enhance Performance of Online Game Delivery

DUBAI, UAE, October 18, 2011 -

- Level 3 CDN Services Optimize Capacity on Tahadi Servers, Enabling the Games Developer to Grow Business and Deliver Enhanced End-User Experience

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced at the Content Delivery & Digital Services Middle East 2011 tradeshow that it has been selected to provide content delivery network (CDN) services to support the online delivery of game content for Tahadi Games, a leading online games publisher in the Middle East.

(Logo:  photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111004/LA77008LOGO)

Based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tahadi Games delivers massively multiplayer online (MMO) and browser-based games to customers in the Middle East and North Africa. Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 is providing the company with object delivery services to support faster downloads for Tahadi’s game titles and a better online experience for its end-users. The agreement will also enable Tahadi to use Level 3’s origin storage and content analytic services to more efficiently scale Tahadi’s business and measure traffic delivery patterns.

“To be competitive, online games not only have to have rich and engaging media, but they have to be delivered with little to no delay or lag, and that’s why we turned to Level 3’s scalable and far-reaching CDN services,” said Steve Tsao, CEO of Tahadi Games. “The enhanced network performance we get with Level 3 directly translates to an enhanced end-user experience, and that is critical to business growth.”

As part of the agreement, Tahadi’s content will be delivered from Level 3’s recently activated CDN node in Saudi Arabia in order to provide faster and more efficient delivery of Tahadi’s content. Level 3 continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Middle East region through its ongoing infrastructure expansion and by working with Level 3’s regionally based Direct Sales Partners such as the Apex Group to develop Level 3’s customer base in the Middle East.

“Today’s gamers expect a fast, seamless experience from online games, and if they don’t get it from one game, they’ll quickly move on to the next,” said James Heard, regional president of EMEA for Level 3. “Our CDN solutions enable Tahadi to choose the appropriate mix of services that will best meet their needs, and the scalability, reach and reliability of our network will help them minimize risk and grow their business.”

For more information on Level 3’s CDN capabilities, please visit www.level3.com/en/Products-and-Services/Video/Content.aspx.

Level 3 provides service over 165,000 intercity, metro and subsea fiber route miles with presence in more than 45 countries, providing a size and depth of connectivity on a broad scale.

For more information on Level 3’s advanced network and service offerings, visit www.level3.com.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a premier international provider of IP-based communications services to enterprise, content, government and wholesale customers. Over its reliable, scalable and secure network, Level 3 delivers integrated IP solutions, including converged, data, voice, video and managed solutions to help enable customers’ growth and efficiency. Level 3 operates a unique global services platform anchored by owned fiber networks on three continents in more than 45 countries, connected by extensive undersea facilities. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. For more information, visit www.level3.com.

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 the Global Crossing acquisition, the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3’s ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate future acquisitions; 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.

    Contact Information
    Media:                       Investors:
    Monica Martinez              Mark Stoutenberg
    +1-720-888-3991              +1-720-888-2518
    Monica.Martinez@Level3.com   Mark.Stoutenberg@Level3.com

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