BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: LVLT - News) today announced it has signed an agreement to provide its new IP broadband service to Cox Communications in select markets. Cox is purchasing Level 3's (3)Packet MPLS Private Network (MPN) service to securely and reliably exchange traffic with service providers over Level 3's high-performance IP network. Cox also purchases Internet access, colocation, private line and metropolitan dark fiber services from Level 3."The new Level 3 private network service performed very reliably during trials," said Jay Rolls, vice president of Data Engineering for Cox. "We believe the (3)Packet service will enable us to cost-effectively peer with MSN and other content and service providers using Level 3's MPLS-based IP backbone as the facilitator. As Cox expands the number of peering locations on its nationwide backbone, the (3)Packet service allows us to bridge an important gap in peering while we await turn-up of those new sites." "Level 3 is committed to providing network services to the cable industry," said Dan Caruso, group vice president for Level 3. "For a number of economic and business reasons, many MSOs are evaluating the benefits of building their own nationwide network capabilities. We believe that (3)Packet provides MSOs with an ideal and cost-effective backbone and interconnection solution. Unlike traditional transport services, (3)Packet features flexible virtual circuits that transport data, voice and video traffic under a pricing structure that charges customers only for capacity that's actually used. Once connected to our backbone, our MPLS network platform can provide the additional benefits of 'advanced peering' and global Internet access without sacrificing security or class of service." Level 3 Communications Inc.Cox Communications Inc.