Corning Announces Level 3 Communications To Deploy LEAFT Optical Fiber in Nationwide Network.

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: http://pcs1.nyc.proxicom.com/analyst/index.html. - General information about Corning can be found at: http://www.corning.com

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