Level 3 Communications Inc.’s operating subsidiary has purchased assets from AT&T Inc. that were divested as a result of the merger between AT&T and BellSouth.

The acquired assets include indefeasible rights of use (IRUs) for dark fiber connections to 27 buildings, as well as more than 450 metro fiber route miles in the nine markets where AT&T was required to divest assets – Atlanta; Birmingham, Ala.; Charlotte, N.C.; Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn.; and Jacksonville, Orlando and South Florida.

Level 3 retains intermediate splice rights, which will enable it to add new buildings to the acquired assets.

“The ability to add new buildings and offer the full portfolio of Level 3 services in each of these markets provides additional growth opportunities and reinforces our commitment to providing customers with facilities-based access to a comprehensive range of network solutions,” said Raouf Abdel, president of Level 3’s Business Markets Group.