BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- Level 3 Communications' Wholesale Markets Group today announced that it has deployed core network backbone services, including intercity private line, voice termination and colocation services for Leap Wireless International, Inc., a leading provider of wireless communications services.

Level 3's Voice Termination service enables Leap's Cricket(R) service to extend its long distance reach using Level 3's extensive voice termination facilities anchored by nearly 2 million voice capable trunks connecting Level 3 to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Leap will use Level 3 Intercity Private Line Services to connect its mobile switching centers to transport voice and data traffic over a single network. Additionally, Level 3 delivers this private line solution to Leap with cost effective Ethernet handoffs, making it possible for Leap to realize increased scalability and flexibility.

Level 3's comprehensive solution provides Leap with greater network efficiency and the ability to support future high-speed 3G (EV-DO) services such as music downloads, multimedia messaging and video content.

"We selected Level 3 because it has a reputation for reliable, scalable and efficient network services," said Dave Truzinski, vice president and chief information officer of Leap Wireless. "Level 3's network solution supports the incredible growth that we are experiencing, and we are confident that Level 3 will support our future growth needs. With Level 3, we have the ability to upgrade our network capacity within weeks -- without changing any of our network equipment. We value Level 3's collaborative approach, and believe that this solution will fit both our current and long-term needs."

"As Leap begins to deploy revenue-generating 3G services, Level 3 will support its network to deliver capacity when and where it is needed," said Peter Neill, senior vice president of wireless markets for Level 3's Wholesale Markets Group. "We are excited to be working with a customer like Leap to provide services that we believe will ultimately enable the next generation of mobile technology."

Level 3 Communications Inc. (NYSE: LVLT)