Interpath Communications (Research Triangle Park, NC) announced it will double the size of its fiber-optic network, extending it from Atlanta, GA, through the Carolinas and Virginia, to Washington, DC. The expansion will result in more than 1000 route-mi of multi-fiber lines.

Level 3 Communications Inc. (Omaha, NE) and internext llc signed a cost-sharing network construction agreement valued at $700 million. Under the agreement, Level 3 will provide internext the right to use 24 fibers and certain associated facilities installed along the entire route of Level 3?s proposed 15,000-mi coast-to-coast intercity fiber-optic network, expected to be completed by 2001. internext is owned by nextlink Communications Inc. (Bellevue, WA), Nextel Communications Inc. (McLean, VA?subject to board approval), and Eagle River Investments llc (Washington, DC).