Level 3 Communications reported consolidated revenue of $1.09 billion for Q1 2008, an increase of 3 percent from $1.06 billion for the first quarter 2007. Fourth quarter 2007 consolidated revenue was $1.10 billion. The year over year growth rate for Core Communications Services revenue was 10 percent. The net loss for the first quarter 2008 was $181 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to a net loss of $647 million, or $0.44 per share for the first quarter 2007. In the first quarter 2007, excluding a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $427 million, the net loss would have been $220 million, or $0.15 per share. The net loss for the fourth quarter 2007 was $91 million, or $0.06 per share.
"Over the last several quarters, a growing number of telecommunications industry participants have noted the growth in the demand for optical and IP services," said James Q. Crowe, president and CEO of Level 3. "We certainly benefited from that trend during the quarter, driven by growth in the delivery of video and other media over the Internet. Additionally, the pricing environment for our Core Communications Services continued to be positive.
- During Q1, Core Network Services revenue increased by 8 percent from the first quarter 2007, primarily from increased demand for IP and optical services across the business.
- Wholesale Voice Services revenue increased by 23 percent from the first quarter 2007, primarily due to growth from cable and wireless customers.
