Thomas C. Stortz Rejoins Level 3 as Chief Administrative Officer

BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: LVLT) announced today that Thomas C. Stortz has been named executive vice president, chief administrative officer and secretary for the company with a broad range of responsibilities. Stortz, who had served as the company's chief legal officer since 1998, announced his retirement at the end of last year.

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"I am particularly pleased that Tom has agreed to return in this important role," said Level 3 CEO James Crowe. "I have relied on Tom's counsel for many years and asked him to rejoin the management team at this transformational time as we navigate the acquisition of Global Crossing. He will advise me on a range of issues, and importantly, work with me and the board of directors to ensure a smooth transition."

In addition to his work with the board of directors and senior management team, the senior executives responsible for the legal, human resources and corporate communications groups of the company will report to Stortz.

"This is an exciting time to be at Level 3, and I am looking forward to rejoining my friends and colleagues," said Stortz. "A number of us have worked together for many years to build the company, and the combination of Level 3 and Global Crossing effectively creates a new company with greatly enhanced global capabilities. To be part of that and to help contribute to it is a compelling opportunity."

Stortz joined Level 3 in 1998 and most recently served as executive vice president, chief legal officer and secretary.  

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 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 www.Level3.com.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC.  All Rights Reserved.  Level 3, Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo  are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of 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 names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the 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 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 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.

SOURCE Level 3 Communications, Inc.