Short Take: Level 3 to install new Corning fiber

Level 3 Communications, a "next generation" carrier, plans to install new high-capacity fiber-optic strands from Corning in its network beginning early next year. Corning makes optical equipment including the fishing line-like fiber-optic glass wires that carry voice and Internet data as pulses of light. Corning's latest fiber product reduces distortion of the signal, intended to improve performance and therefore lowers costs for carriers. Level 3 will install more than 2 million kilometers of Corning fiber by the end of 2001.