WESTFORD, Mass. -- Sonus Networks (Nasdaq: SONS) today announced that Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) has signed an agreement to purchase network architecture systems designed to support Level 3's wholesale IP voice service. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Level 3 plans to deploy a range of Sonus' voice infrastructure solutions, including the GSX9000* Open Services Switch, the PSX6000* SoftSwitch and the SGX2000* SS7 Signaling Gateway. Level 3 expects to deploy the Sonus voice infrastructure systems throughout its 16,000-mile U.S. fiber optic network. "Level 3 is widely recognized as a pioneer in the development of softswitch technologies, and is the first carrier to build a completely IP-based network worldwide," said Hassan Ahmed, president and CEO, Sonus Networks. "By deploying Sonus' voice infrastructure solutions, Level 3 will not only have the ability to differentiate their offerings, but significantly reduce the costs of delivering a range of voice services." Sonus Networks Inc. Level 3 Communications Inc.