Under the terms of the agreement, Level 3 will continue to deliver primary Internet connectivity to the nine bank branches and the company's operations center and will provide primary `and redundant data storage. As part of the contract, Level 3 will augment the services it already delivers to include an IP-based virtual private network connecting all of the company's 10 locations.

"In this economy it is critical for all companies - banks included - to find cost-effective communications solutions that are also reliable and secure," said Render Swygert of FCB. "We turned to Level 3 because they have proven to us that they can deliver exactly what we need, when we need it, so we can focus on what's important to us: our customers."

"Level 3 understands the unique challenges financial institutions face when implementing multi-faceted communications solutions, and our ability to deliver those solutions is a core asset of ours," said Jeff Tench, president of Level 3's Business Markets Group. "Our consultative approach to our customers' communications needs coupled with our technical expertise and track record of timely implementation builds loyalty with customers and helps us expand our relationships with companies like FCB."

Level 3's Business Markets Group leverages the power of the company's extensive fiber-optic network, metro assets, and locally focused sales and sales support organization to deliver a world-class experience to enterprise customers throughout the United States.