Level 3 Enters Wireless Backhaul Market
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, October 26, 2009 · 
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Level 3 Communications announced last week that it is entering the wireless backhaul market with the launch of Level 3 Tower Access, a new service that offers direct wireless tower connectivity to the Level 3 network.
The new service allows a wireless carrier to backhaul its voice, data and Internet services, and scale its network capabilities as mobile bandwidth and end-user demand grow.
Level 3 Tower Access offers wireless providers the opportunity to connect to the Level 3 IP backbone and, in some cases, the company will construct wireless towers at or near its existing network facilities.
Level 3 is billing the service as a prime competitor to rural incumbent providers. The first phase of this initiative will target unserved and underserved markets focusing on areas with the greatest concentration of end-user demand.
One aspect that could resonate for wireless operators is the fact that Tower Access offers shared infrastructure so they don’t have to build out fiber or get dedicated tower access. In fact, the company said that it is working with multiple partners to erect wireless carrier-neutral towers directly on the Level 3 network.
“Level 3 has been a key enabler of the wireless ecosystem for over 10 years,” said Sureel Choksi, chief marketing officer for Level 3. “Level 3 Tower Access offers the next evolution of our services to support wireless carriers as they keep pace with the growing consumer appetite for mobile connectivity.”
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