With broadband playing a bigger role in cable operators’ bottom lines, Time Warner Cable increased the reliability of its national network by signing a backbone agreement with Level 3 Communications.

The two companies, which had a previous strategic agreement in place, agreed on the terms and conditions under which they will exchange IP traffic between their respective backbone networks. The multi-year peering agreement was announced this morning and didn’t include the financial terms of the deal.

The agreement also includes the delivery of additional core infrastructure services that will enhance the redundancy and reliability of the Time Warner Cable network.

“The strength of our network is at the center of all the services we provide our more than 15 million customers, and we continue to expand the reach and capacity, as well as improve the reliability of that network, to best serve our customers today and in the future,” said Mike LaJoie, executive vice president and CTO for Time Warner Cable. “Through these agreements, Level 3 continues to be a valuable partner in the growth of our network’s capacity and strength.”

“Service providers recognize that network reliability is essential to a superior customer experience for both residential and enterprise clients,” said Jack Waters, Level 3’s chief technology officer. “By leveraging the extensive reach of the Level 3 network, Time Warner Cable will be better positioned to deliver a highly reliable portfolio of services to its customers. We are pleased to have expanded our long-standing business relationship with Time Warner Cable through these agreements.”

While Cox Communications signed a deal last year to use and resell Broomfield, Colo.-based Level 3’s fiber services, Comcast and Level 3 had a very public dustup over transmission fees several years back.