CNN Taps Level 3 for Managed Video

September 9th, 2010 by · 2 Comments

Level 3 Communications (NYSE:LVLT, news, filings) won an expanded relationship with CNN, under which the company has installed its Managed Video Network Services (MVNS) in the network’s global headquarters in Atlanta.  The deal goes beyond the long term video backhaul relationship CNN had with Vyvx, and now includes substantial raw bandwidth as well.  CNN’s Atlanta and NYC centers will have 10G connectivity, and there will be 2.5Gbps wavelengths connecting the network’s data centers and supporting ‘business continuity’ which I presume means backups for disaster recovery etc.

Both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint broadcast video are supported, with dynamic bandwidth allocation and prioritization offering maximum flexibility for the broadcaster  If there’s anyone that needs a heavy duty managed video solution, it’s CNN.  The 24 hour news cycle of the modern era has them producing, processing, and distributing what must be a ludicrously large number of video clips on a daily basis.  That the world of television is now seeing the convergence of bits and video at such scales can only be a good thing for all backbone providers.  Certainly it seems to be the start of Level 3 was dreaming of a decade ago, arriving at long last.

It’s a very nice followup to the expanded deal with Fox earlier this week and offers some more support for the hope of a Level 3 revenue surge in the second half.  We could still use some more of these though to make up some lost ground!

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Categories: Internet Backbones · Video

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2 Comments So Far


  • carlk says:

    We need a very large “government contract win,” Powell!

    One that VALIDATES former Sean Connery expenses in advance of MULTIPLE follow ons. Their guy Morche can do it!

    At the same time, I am wondering what “advertising” intelligence on a “value added” basis are part of (3)’s CDN services more towards SME customer bases?

    More specifically, I’m tired of hearing those AKAM chumps talking about “value added” CDN services which inform web customers about those who are clicking about their wares on web pages, etc.

    Do (3)’s CDN services educate their customers about their customers’ buying patterns and preferences?

  • carlk says:

    Let me summarize for Crowe, etal.

    Intelligently allocated bandwidth coupled with intelligently targeted advertisements are a recipe for “GREAT SUCCESS.”

    Did you say “GREAT SUCCESS.”

    You’re damn right!!! IMO

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