LightCore Expands Network ReachLightCore Expands Network Reach

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. -- LightCore Wednesday announced its fiber optic network expanded to more than 10,000 route miles in the Central United States with the addition of newly acquired assets from Level 3 Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT).

LightCore assumed ownership of more than 1,400 route miles of lit fiber in Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri following Wednesday’s completion of a previously announced purchase agreement between Level 3 and CenturyTel (NYSE: CTL) which owns LightCore.

“This transaction strengthens our position as a dominant fiber transport provider in the Central United States,” said Matt Porterfield, senior vice president of sales and marketing for LightCore. “It is also evidence that CenturyTel remains committed to LightCore’s continued growth.”

In addition to increasing LightCore’s regional network density, the newly acquired fiber routes are complementary to existing CenturyTel telephone operations in Arkansas and Missouri. This will enable CenturyTel to boost operating efficiency and provide better end-to-end solutions to its customers.

Network integration is already underway and should be transparent to end users.

LightCore

Level 3 Communications Inc.