Level 3 Ups Conduit Installation through Inter-city Network

Communications and information services provider Level 3 Communications Inc. will install 10 to 12 conduits throughout the company's 16,000-mile inter-city network, upping the earlier announced 6 to 8 conduits. The company's network will be the first to use Internet Protocol (IP) technology end-to-end and the first to be continuously upgradeable.

The conduits can be installed without affecting the network's quality or production schedule. The company will install groups of 10 conduits (each 1-¼-in-dia.) in its inter-city IP network. However, up to 12 conduits will be installed in high-traffic areas, including segments between San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as from Chicago to Washington, D.C. to New York.

The inter-city network should be completed during the first quarter of 2001, and will connect about 50 local city networks where the company will have facilities to provide local service. It will also connect about 150 other cities where the company may determine not to build a local network.

Of the 10 to 12 conduits installed, fiber will be placed initially in only one conduit, allowing for future expansion or to meet increased customer demand. Installation of up to 12 conduits gives Level 3 nine to eleven times as many spare conduits as most traditional telephone companies. The installation of additional conduits is not expected to affect Level 3's previously announced network construction schedule.