Level 3 Issues Statement, Says Pact Has Ended on Global Crossing Purchase

Recent media attention has focused on a 2003 "network security agreement" between Global Crossing and "Team Telecom" – a collection of U.S. government agencies that includes the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Many of these reports leap to conclusions that are factually incorrect. The 2003 agreement between Global Crossing and Team Telecom was terminated in 2011 as a result of Level 3's LVLT acquisition of Global Crossing. In September 2011, shortly before the closing of the Global Crossing acquisition, Level 3 signed a new agreement with the Team Telecom agencies. That agreement is publicly available on the FCC's website here. There is no provision in the terminated or existing network security agreement that permits the U.S. government to compel Level 3, or require Level 3 in any way, to cooperate in unauthorized surveillance on U.S. or foreign soil. Our 2011 network security agreement largely addresses the security of Level 3's U.S.-based communications assets. That agreement also requires us to comply with "Lawful U.S. Process," reiterating our obligations under applicable law. Level 3 does business in more than 55 countries in North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia. All of the countries where we deliver services have law enforcement and security concerns, and we are periodically compelled by government authorities to assist in their investigations. Our policy is the same everywhere. We comply with applicable local law while taking all reasonable steps to protect our customers' privacy. In general, jurisdictions that seek assistance in law enforcement or security investigations prohibit disclosure of the assistance provided.