NHL Partners With Level 3

BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- Level 3 Communications’ Content Markets Group today announced that that it has signed a multi-year contract with the National Hockey League (NHL) to support that organization’s video, high-speed Internet Protocol (HSIP) and content delivery services needs. Through this expanded relationship, Level 3 serves as the primary provider of standard and high-definition video services to NHL headquarters and high-speed Internet access from NHL headquarters to each of the League’s 30 venues in North America.

Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Level 3 is providing its award-winning Level 3 Vyvx services to enable the acquisition and backhaul of all broadcasted NHL games. In addition, Level 3 has built on-net access to the NHL’s newly completed headquarters to provide high-speed Internet access and managed live video solutions to increase the NHL’s ability to receive and send high-quality video content. This comprehensive solution provides the NHL with a diverse and highly scalable IP connection for the delivery of the full range of file formats such as HD and SD video to all 30 NHL arenas in the U.S. and Canada. Level 3’s solution will enable NHL headquarters to initially receive and archive 10 live games simultaneously in the highest quality format, with the capability to scale up to 20 live events at once. This additional connectivity also enables the NHL to transmit selected highlights from concurrent games to other arenas for video screen display during intermissions.

“We are pleased to be working with Level 3, to assist us in managing our event content and network infrastructure consistently across all NHL venues,” said Peter DelGiacco, NHL executive vice president, chief technology officer. “With a comprehensive solutions portfolio and proven content delivery expertise, Level 3 will help us to meet growing consumer demand and provide viewers with a high-quality broadcast experience.”

Level 3 Communications Inc. (NYSE: LVLT)