LVLT selects Corning Fiber for build-out--
Corning Announces Level 3 Communications To Deploy LEAFT Optical Fiber in Nationwide Network
BusinessWire, Thursday, April 30, 1998 at 08:03
CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30--Corning Incorporated
(NYSE:GLW) announced today that its LEAF(TM) brand optical fiber has
been selected by Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:LVLT) for use
in its nationwide network - the first telecommunications network to
use Internet technology end-to-end.
The network is expected to span 18,000 route miles, providing
both local and long-distance service, and will use approximately two
million kilometers of Corning's new LEAF(TM) brand optical fiber.
Level 3 has already begun network development activities and expects
to complete the installation of its end-to-end network by 2001. To
provide service in the interim, Level 3 previously signed an
agreement for leased national network capacity from another carrier.
On that leased network, Level 3 plans to begin offering advanced IP-
based services in selected cities in the third quarter of 1998.
Corning introduced LEAF fiber three months ago at the Optical
Fiber Conference in San Jose, Calif. According to the company, the
new fiber has a larger core area than conventional long-distance
fibers. Corning said it developed LEAF fiber for use with more
powerful amplifiers to boost data and voice transmission levels
without creating distortion.
Level 3's network will operate entirely on Internet Protocol (IP)
technology. The network will rely on Internet package-switching
technology instead of the older circuit-switching technology
predominantly used by major telephone companies.
Corning's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Roger G. Ackerman
said, "We're delighted with Level 3's decision to use our fiber. It
will represent the single largest deployment to date of a new
generation of optical fiber designed to deliver high bandwidth."
Established in 1851, Corning creates leading-edge technologies
for the fastest growing segments of the world's economy. For
communications and communications-related industries, Corning
manufactures optical fiber, photonic components, high performance
glass and components for television, and other electronic displays
and equipment. Corning also manufactures advanced materials for
scientific and environmental markets. Corning's total revenues in
1997 were $3.5 billion.
Editorial Note:
- Slides pertaining to this announcement are located on the Internet
at: pcs1.nyc.proxicom.com.
- General information about Corning can be found at:
corning.com
CONTACT: Corning Inc.
Robert W. DeMallie, 607/974-8778
demallierw@corning.com
or
Investor Relations Contacts:
Richard B. Klein, 607/974-8313
Katherine M. Dietz, 607/974-8217
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