Level 3 Communications announced today that it has deployed core network backbone services for wireless provider Leap Wireless International. These include voice termination, intercity private-line and co-location services.

The deal can help Leap lengthen the long-distance reach of its Cricket service by using Level 3’s voice termination facilities, which are anchored by nearly 2 million voice-capable trunks connecting to the public switched network. Leap will also use Level 3’s intercity private line services to link its mobile switching centers to move data and voice traffic over a single network.

Additionally, the partnership can help Leap ready its network to support future high-speed 3G services such as music downloads, multimedia messaging and video content.

“As Leap begins to deploy revenue-generating 3G services, Level 3 will support its network to deliver capacity when and where it is needed,” said Peter Neill, senior vice president of wireless markets for Level 3’s wholesale markets group, in a prepared statement. “We are excited to be working with a customer like Leap to provide services that we believe will ultimately enable the next generation of mobile technology.”