SEC Info℠  
    Home      Search      My Interests      Help      Sign In      Please Sign In

Level 3 Parent, LLC – ‘10-K’ for 12/31/16 – ‘EX-101.PRE’

On:  Friday, 2/24/17, at 4:32pm ET   ·   For:  12/31/16   ·   Accession #:  794323-17-2   ·   File #:  1-35134

Previous ‘10-K’:  ‘10-K’ on 2/26/16 for 12/31/15   ·   Next:  ‘10-K’ on 3/1/18 for 12/31/17   ·   Latest:  ‘10-K’ on 2/22/24 for 12/31/23

Find Words in Filings emoji
 		  in    Show  and   ↓Hints

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size

 2/24/17  Level 3 Parent, LLC               10-K       12/31/16   97:18M

Annual Report   —   Form 10-K   —   Sect. 13 / 15(d) – SEA’34
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                       HTML   1.57M 
 3: EX-21       Subsidiaries List                                   HTML     66K 
 4: EX-23       Consent of Experts or Counsel                       HTML     28K 
 2: EX-12       Statement re: Computation of Ratios                 HTML     44K 
 5: EX-31.1     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     34K 
 6: EX-31.2     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     33K 
 7: EX-32.1     Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     28K 
 8: EX-32.2     Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     28K 
15: R1          Document and Entity Information Document            HTML     54K 
16: R2          Consolidated Statements of Operations               HTML     82K 
17: R3          Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income     HTML     42K 
                (Loss)                                                           
18: R4          Comprehensive Income (Loss) Parenthetical           HTML     32K 
                (Parentheticals)                                                 
19: R5          Consolidated Balance Sheets                         HTML    119K 
20: R6          Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals          HTML     48K 
                (Parentheticals)                                                 
21: R7          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows               HTML    132K 
22: R8          Consolidated Statements of Changes In               HTML     76K 
                Stockholders' Equity                                             
23: R9          Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     95K 
24: R10         CenturyLink Merger                                  HTML     32K 
25: R11         Events Associated with the Acquisition of tw        HTML     60K 
                telecom inc.                                                     
26: R12         Earnings Per Share                                  HTML     33K 
27: R13         Property, Plant and Equipment                       HTML     78K 
28: R14         Asset Retirement Obligations                        HTML     42K 
29: R15         Other Intangible Assets                             HTML     76K 
30: R16         Restructuring Charges                               HTML     35K 
31: R17         Fair Value of Financial Instruments                 HTML     73K 
32: R18         Long-Term Debt                                      HTML    115K 
33: R19         Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Notes)        HTML     58K 
34: R20         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation      HTML    209K 
35: R21         Income Taxes                                        HTML    176K 
36: R22         Segment Information                                 HTML    151K 
37: R23         Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items          HTML    101K 
38: R24         Condensed Consolidating Financial Information       HTML    730K 
39: R25         Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data                  HTML    156K 
40: R26         Subsequent Event                                    HTML     29K 
41: R27         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML    127K 
                (Policies)                                                       
42: R28         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     82K 
                (Tables)                                                         
43: R29         Events Associated with the Acquisition of tw        HTML     47K 
                telecom inc. (Tables)                                            
44: R30         Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)              HTML     82K 
45: R31         Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)               HTML     40K 
46: R32         Other Intangible Assets (Tables)                    HTML     74K 
47: R33         Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)        HTML     63K 
48: R34         Long-Term Debt (Tables)                             HTML     91K 
49: R35         Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)       HTML     55K 
50: R36         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation      HTML    189K 
                (Tables)                                                         
51: R37         Income Taxes (Tables)                               HTML    167K 
52: R38         Segment Information (Tables)                        HTML    150K 
53: R39         Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items          HTML     72K 
                (Tables)                                                         
54: R40         Condensed Consolidating Financial Information       HTML    731K 
                (Tables)                                                         
55: R41         Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)         HTML    149K 
56: R42         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML    122K 
                (Details)                                                        
57: R43         CenturyLink Merger (Details)                        HTML     38K 
58: R44         Events Associated with the Acquisition of tw        HTML    127K 
                telecom inc. (Details)                                           
59: R45         Earnings Per Share (Details)                        HTML     35K 
60: R46         Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)             HTML     63K 
61: R47         Asset Retirement Obligations (Details)              HTML     39K 
62: R48         Other Intangible Assets (Details)                   HTML     88K 
63: R49         Restructuring Charges (Details)                     HTML     44K 
64: R50         Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Liabilities,  HTML     60K 
                Recurring (Details)                                              
65: R51         Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt         HTML    124K 
                (Details)                                                        
66: R52         Long-Term Debt - Textuals (Details)                 HTML    345K 
67: R53         Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)      HTML     41K 
68: R54         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation -    HTML     48K 
                Non-cash compensation expensed and capitalized                   
                (Details)                                                        
69: R55         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation -    HTML    113K 
                Outperform Stock Options (Details)                               
70: R56         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation -    HTML     95K 
                Restricted Stock and Units (Details)                             
71: R57         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation -    HTML     52K 
                Defined Contribution (Details)                                   
72: R58         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation -    HTML     35K 
                Defined Benefits (Details)                                       
73: R59         Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation -    HTML     30K 
                Annual Discretionary Bonus Grant (Details)                       
74: R60         Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) by      HTML     62K 
                Current and Deferred (Details)                                   
75: R61         Income Taxes - Income (Loss) by Geographic Region   HTML     36K 
                (Details)                                                        
76: R62         Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax         HTML     75K 
                Expense (Benefit) (Details)                                      
77: R63         Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)    HTML     76K 
                (Details)                                                        
78: R64         Income Taxes - Operating Loss Carryforward          HTML     85K 
                (Details)                                                        
79: R65         Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)  HTML     56K 
80: R66         Segment Information Summarized Segment Information  HTML     72K 
                (Details)                                                        
81: R67         Segment Information Revenue From External           HTML     52K 
                Customers (Details)                                              
82: R68         Segment Information Adjusted EBITDA by Segment      HTML     58K 
                (Details)                                                        
83: R69         Segment Information Capital Expenditures by         HTML     38K 
                Segment (Details)                                                
84: R70         Segment Information Assets by Segment (Details)     HTML     37K 
85: R71         Segment Information Goodwill (Details)              HTML     45K 
86: R72         Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items -        HTML     60K 
                Lawsuits (Details)                                               
87: R73         Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items - Other  HTML    112K 
                Commitments (Details)                                            
88: R74         Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items -        HTML     42K 
                Purchase Commitments (Details)                                   
89: R75         Condensed Consolidating Financial Information -     HTML     31K 
                Narrative (Details)                                              
90: R76         Condensed Consolidating Financial Information -     HTML    167K 
                Statements of Operations (Details)                               
91: R77         Condensed Consolidating Financial Information -     HTML    174K 
                Balance Sheets (Details)                                         
92: R78         Condensed Consolidating Financial Information -     HTML    117K 
                Statements of Cash Flows (Details)                               
93: R79         Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details)        HTML    111K 
94: R80         Subsequent Event (Details)                          HTML     40K 
96: XML         IDEA XML File -- Filing Summary                      XML    172K 
95: EXCEL       IDEA Workbook of Financial Reports                  XLSX    145K 
 9: EX-101.INS  XBRL Instance -- lvlt-20161231                       XML   6.02M 
11: EX-101.CAL  XBRL Calculations -- lvlt-20161231_cal               XML    306K 
12: EX-101.DEF  XBRL Definitions -- lvlt-20161231_def                XML   1.29M 
13: EX-101.LAB  XBRL Labels -- lvlt-20161231_lab                     XML   2.49M 
14: EX-101.PRE  XBRL Presentations -- lvlt-20161231_pre              XML   1.55M 
10: EX-101.SCH  XBRL Schema -- lvlt-20161231                         XSD    273K 
97: ZIP         XBRL Zipped Folder -- 0000794323-17-000002-xbrl      Zip    433K

‘EX-101.PRE’   —   XBRL Presentations — lvlt-20161231_pre

This Exhibit is an XBRL XML File.

                                                                                                                                                                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?>
<!-- XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva -->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossNotes" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossNotes" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CenturylinkMerger" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CenturylinkMerger" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CenturylinkMergerDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CenturylinkMergerDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItems" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItems" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsLawsuitsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsLawsuitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsPurchaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsPurchaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeLossParentheticalParentheticals" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ComprehensiveIncomeLossParentheticalParentheticals" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticalsParentheticals" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticalsParentheticals" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationAnnualDiscretionaryBonusGrantDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationAnnualDiscretionaryBonusGrantDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationDefinedBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationDefinedBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationDefinedContributionDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationDefinedContributionDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationNonCashCompensationExpensedAndCapitalizedDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationNonCashCompensationExpensedAndCapitalizedDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationOutperformStockOptionsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationOutperformStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndUnitsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndUnitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomInc" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomInc" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomIncDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomIncDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomIncTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomIncTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesRecurringDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesRecurringDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeLossByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeLossByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitByCurrentAndDeferredDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitByCurrentAndDeferredDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryforwardDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryforwardDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#LongTermDebtScheduleOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebtTextualsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#LongTermDebtTextualsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#OtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#OtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#OtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/RestructuringCharges" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/RestructuringChargesDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#RestructuringChargesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationAdjustedEbitdaBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationAdjustedEbitdaBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationAssetsBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationAssetsBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationCapitalExpendituresBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationCapitalExpendituresBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationSummarizedSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationSummarizedSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialData" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialData" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.level3.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" xlink:type="simple"/>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract_15DF6AEB63ED1B45C112707D35B7B598" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3261DE12F8439A255405702B9DA691E5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract_15DF6AEB63ED1B45C112707D35B7B598" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3261DE12F8439A255405702B9DA691E5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E4CDC00A1A714F9163F0702B9DA64C06" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3261DE12F8439A255405702B9DA691E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E4CDC00A1A714F9163F0702B9DA64C06" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_17453F429B213F2E68F7702B9DA681D0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E4CDC00A1A714F9163F0702B9DA64C06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_17453F429B213F2E68F7702B9DA681D0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_B54298894AAC4F40C197702B9DA7172C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_17453F429B213F2E68F7702B9DA681D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_B54298894AAC4F40C197702B9DA7172C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_E69DE5BC47B15F11E4A4702B9DA7CB3A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_17453F429B213F2E68F7702B9DA681D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_E69DE5BC47B15F11E4A4702B9DA7CB3A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_5D70A438985C29EAABF0702B9DA7B0DB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3261DE12F8439A255405702B9DA691E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_5D70A438985C29EAABF0702B9DA7B0DB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_D23A0A8618BF78D6B34E702B9DA79B6B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_5D70A438985C29EAABF0702B9DA7B0DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_D23A0A8618BF78D6B34E702B9DA79B6B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeReclassifications" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeReclassifications_1C4D036937DEC2159C66702B9DA7F105" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_5D70A438985C29EAABF0702B9DA7B0DB" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeReclassifications_1C4D036937DEC2159C66702B9DA7F105" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AmountsReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AmountsReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome_03527D3593814409CD99702B9DA7C995" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_5D70A438985C29EAABF0702B9DA7B0DB" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_AmountsReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome_03527D3593814409CD99702B9DA7C995" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossNotes" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract_EBA62BD51E97CE7C924D707CB78CB8EC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_1BA337CE6DB0C7366B67702B9DAD1B96" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract_EBA62BD51E97CE7C924D707CB78CB8EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_1BA337CE6DB0C7366B67702B9DAD1B96" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract_C9EF6FF7408B4CE6CE97707D0DF7345F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_AEED0816CF1BF18E4318702B9DAA7F28" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAbstract_C9EF6FF7408B4CE6CE97707D0DF7345F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_AEED0816CF1BF18E4318702B9DAA7F28" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/AssetRetirementObligations" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_F6F35D95487AEE7544CB3845C87F4C36" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureTextBlock_036D0B5F4DEF116EF3523845C87F1712" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_F6F35D95487AEE7544CB3845C87F4C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureTextBlock_036D0B5F4DEF116EF3523845C87F1712" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_650F06B56E8AE9DBFE015DC33623CFC1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_650F06B56E8AE9DBFE015DC33623CFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_D4F9C2F1CD0F5A6BFABC5DC3362459B7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_D4F9C2F1CD0F5A6BFABC5DC3362459B7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_A8255A60AF64B29432795DC336242524" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_A8255A60AF64B29432795DC336242524" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled_F3762A922847B5D9B2D35DC33624E08C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled_F3762A922847B5D9B2D35DC33624E08C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_23E9AD7F1C6EF6AF864A5DDD8CE9E5B4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_23E9AD7F1C6EF6AF864A5DDD8CE9E5B4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_A134A66D83D2040921425DC336258DA2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_A134A66D83D2040921425DC336258DA2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_CCFB7069FA396C3D01CB5DC336255DEE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_7F678099E3C3A70B2B225DC33624AB64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_CCFB7069FA396C3D01CB5DC336255DEE" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_F3032946B2794194EAC43845CA7A86FF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock_0511C21C62589C94F1A33845CA7A17F7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_F3032946B2794194EAC43845CA7A86FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock_0511C21C62589C94F1A33845CA7A17F7" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CenturylinkMerger" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_00050C0AAF8FD2F56FAB70CC26860ACA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock_4ACC3A27E0961C13397570CC268631EF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_00050C0AAF8FD2F56FAB70CC26860ACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock_4ACC3A27E0961C13397570CC268631EF" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CenturylinkMergerDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_6D2CBEDB0F5316DFC8B06638D60565EE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5F85D1AB1D5BD1BDC4E56638D6A1E727" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_6D2CBEDB0F5316DFC8B06638D60565EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5F85D1AB1D5BD1BDC4E56638D6A1E727" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_923D8E694C2D09F2C17E6638D6A7AB11" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5F85D1AB1D5BD1BDC4E56638D6A1E727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_923D8E694C2D09F2C17E6638D6A7AB11" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_64D20B0311D07A1A97B06638D6A8AC83" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_923D8E694C2D09F2C17E6638D6A7AB11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_64D20B0311D07A1A97B06638D6A8AC83" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CenturyLinkMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CenturyLinkMember_0B83EEF3F845FE9F3159663971B620C7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_64D20B0311D07A1A97B06638D6A8AC83" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CenturyLinkMember_0B83EEF3F845FE9F3159663971B620C7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5F85D1AB1D5BD1BDC4E56638D6A1E727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionDateOfAcquisitionAgreement1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionDateOfAcquisitionAgreement1_B49CA19B3961917034D16639EF1A08E3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionDateOfAcquisitionAgreement1_B49CA19B3961917034D16639EF1A08E3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Stockconversionratio" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Stockconversionratio_E9DBF7FB51D36A069CB66639EF2A6D63" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Stockconversionratio_E9DBF7FB51D36A069CB66639EF2A6D63" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_76DE80BB8FA0BC5DB7A7663A86F4362C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_76DE80BB8FA0BC5DB7A7663A86F4362C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Cashconsiderationpershare" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Cashconsiderationpershare_AE3DF6A57A0C83A161046639EF369283" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Cashconsiderationpershare_AE3DF6A57A0C83A161046639EF369283" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Percentageofownershipofcommonstock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Percentageofownershipofcommonstock_AD9EBA1DEECA562BC4316639EF45BDF9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_310E88835D86CB5CB13D6638D6AA6DB3" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Percentageofownershipofcommonstock_AD9EBA1DEECA562BC4316639EF45BDF9" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItems" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_A4E8BB5E90F25E0BDC253845C9544263" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_5420F8EB3246E4546F423845C95464AE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_A4E8BB5E90F25E0BDC253845C9544263" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_5420F8EB3246E4546F423845C95464AE" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsLawsuitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_CFC3960D03796F88340C702B9C74F46A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_CFC3960D03796F88340C702B9C74F46A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2A4CA41C636F7EF93B297051C6344070" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2A4CA41C636F7EF93B297051C6344070" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2A4CA41C636F7EF93B297051C6344070" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationBeforeInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationBeforeInterestMember_A8B28E40E582A3AA121870521354E915" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationBeforeInterestMember_A8B28E40E582A3AA121870521354E915" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationIncomeTaxwitholding2001And2002Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationIncomeTaxwitholding2001And2002Member_766EFA70DB2A7DD10155705702699F27" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationIncomeTaxwitholding2001And2002Member_766EFA70DB2A7DD10155705702699F27" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationVatFor2001And2002Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationVatFor2001And2002Member_1BAC539C96ADA0D8CE247057B2E87469" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationVatFor2001And2002Member_1BAC539C96ADA0D8CE247057B2E87469" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationDisallowanceOfVatIn2005Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationDisallowanceOfVatIn2005Member_275B96439EFF3EA8F3D670593B3B941D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationDisallowanceOfVatIn2005Member_275B96439EFF3EA8F3D670593B3B941D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationMember_12D703A856F84B361875705E6751BE19" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_86C39AF04F44E171764C705EA10C91E2" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationMember_12D703A856F84B361875705E6751BE19" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ReserveReleaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ReserveReleaseAxis_50B2C9E13CF566BCCA89702B9C74355C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ReserveReleaseAxis_50B2C9E13CF566BCCA89702B9C74355C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ReserveReleaseDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ReserveReleaseDomain_0BA802F5457D929FC025702B9C7458C3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ReserveReleaseAxis_50B2C9E13CF566BCCA89702B9C74355C" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ReserveReleaseDomain_0BA802F5457D929FC025702B9C7458C3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BrazilianTaxReserveReleaseMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BrazilianTaxReserveReleaseMember_D8794872A0D29A4C5FD4705E68A90E7C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ReserveReleaseDomain_0BA802F5457D929FC025702B9C7458C3" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BrazilianTaxReserveReleaseMember_D8794872A0D29A4C5FD4705E68A90E7C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_65BDF8213742A28E86D7702B9C7565F6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_65BDF8213742A28E86D7702B9C7565F6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_952E4211820F30DC140B702B9C758DA5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_65BDF8213742A28E86D7702B9C7565F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_952E4211820F30DC140B702B9C758DA5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_6ABBBFDC72A29C053EFF702B9C75C5F6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_952E4211820F30DC140B702B9C758DA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_6ABBBFDC72A29C053EFF702B9C75C5F6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LitigationByCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseAxis_CB49B008924204F5E568702B9C75C52F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseAxis_CB49B008924204F5E568702B9C75C52F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LitigationByCaseDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseDomain_C4151DA07BE9B8D1703D702B9C75D90B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseAxis_CB49B008924204F5E568702B9C75C52F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseDomain_C4151DA07BE9B8D1703D702B9C75D90B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseDomain_C4151DA07BE9B8D1703D702B9C75D90B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PeruvianTaxLitigationMember_12D703A856F84B361875705E6751BE19" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_EmployeeSeveranceAndContractorTerminationDisputesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_EmployeeSeveranceAndContractorTerminationDisputesMember_5CBAEAD59A1C489955E8702B9C76FC81" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseDomain_C4151DA07BE9B8D1703D702B9C75D90B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_EmployeeSeveranceAndContractorTerminationDisputesMember_5CBAEAD59A1C489955E8702B9C76FC81" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BrazilianTaxClaimsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BrazilianTaxClaimsMember_7F73B163E7E24E95F7B3705E692EA24D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_LitigationByCaseDomain_C4151DA07BE9B8D1703D702B9C75D90B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BrazilianTaxClaimsMember_7F73B163E7E24E95F7B3705E692EA24D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_22D090B429B7EE2EFD90702B9C7629EB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_22D090B429B7EE2EFD90702B9C7629EB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_5EB88FB9F543C5015B04702B9C76E6F5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_22D090B429B7EE2EFD90702B9C7629EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_5EB88FB9F543C5015B04702B9C76E6F5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember_33A140BC8031A1583DF8702B9C76475E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_5EB88FB9F543C5015B04702B9C76E6F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember_33A140BC8031A1583DF8702B9C76475E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_167BB168C46FA060EF78702B9C7454E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationReserve_59B1D784628B7E248F11702B9C7674E6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationReserve_59B1D784628B7E248F11702B9C7674E6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LossContingencyAssertedClaim" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LossContingencyAssertedClaim_9EDCF0CA917DC748027E702B9C772B48" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LossContingencyAssertedClaim_9EDCF0CA917DC748027E702B9C772B48" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ReleaseofLossContingencyAccrual" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ReleaseofLossContingencyAccrual_62F2303B591FFDA46797705E5CDFC792" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ReleaseofLossContingencyAccrual_62F2303B591FFDA46797705E5CDFC792" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease_060C52A90040681E2E72705E5E004FA2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease_060C52A90040681E2E72705E5E004FA2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments_835CB457FD19704CD1A5705E5E597E42" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments_835CB457FD19704CD1A5705E5E597E42" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued_03C8C08BE4A3C37DDC14705E5ED2AF54" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_2667236548D2E758B94F702B9C76198A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued_03C8C08BE4A3C37DDC14705E5ED2AF54" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_9E477E09E38812DEB1C5702B9C49C574" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_9E477E09E38812DEB1C5702B9C49C574" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedFinancings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedFinancings_AED223506471F54A2AB4702B9C4A405A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedFinancings_AED223506471F54A2AB4702B9C4A405A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationPurchases_056E9FFFCDA09CF3094D702B9C4A97CC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationPurchases_056E9FFFCDA09CF3094D702B9C4A97CC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_85963D187639762C9912702B9C4A1B41" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_85963D187639762C9912702B9C4A1B41" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_8453DEBD5BCEB6422DF7702B9C4A8856" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary_8453DEBD5BCEB6422DF7702B9C4A8856" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_FCA6E6F6513441E87FF8702B9C4B4D25" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_FCA6E6F6513441E87FF8702B9C4B4D25" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_57218C80E6395D29B4CA702B9C4B2EAD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_57218C80E6395D29B4CA702B9C4B2EAD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_384E41D00535AA32C493702B9C4B1D76" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_384E41D00535AA32C493702B9C4B1D76" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_7DAE9D3033F35C695051702B9C4B963F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_7DAE9D3033F35C695051702B9C4B963F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_A77D887C19BF6424EB4C702B9C4B8A85" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_A77D887C19BF6424EB4C702B9C4B8A85" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_5D125D10929CCED035D4702B9C4B000D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_5BFBAA92BB80F9B1491D702B9C4A5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount_5D125D10929CCED035D4702B9C4B000D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_E5ABDE442B619F328EF8702B9C51BDE5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_E5ABDE442B619F328EF8702B9C51BDE5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_1CB93DEA2A0A021B0830702B9C51AA38" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_1CB93DEA2A0A021B0830702B9C51AA38" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_17DCD7FA502BE97F20DB702B9C517A2D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_17DCD7FA502BE97F20DB702B9C517A2D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_BAB50A841AB28A7FB075702B9C51B94E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_BAB50A841AB28A7FB075702B9C51B94E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_85E9FD5EB6442A6F47C9702B9C52C212" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_85E9FD5EB6442A6F47C9702B9C52C212" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_5E17987DC00D8F7BDA54702B9C53DDCF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_5E17987DC00D8F7BDA54702B9C53DDCF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_B1B1BB791D25AA1200C3702B9C533A7A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_D9EF102E4C1501B1C018702B9C4B77F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_B1B1BB791D25AA1200C3702B9C533A7A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinOneYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinOneYear_CFF38E144E26D46EED9D702B9C54FE4A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinOneYear_CFF38E144E26D46EED9D702B9C54FE4A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinTwoYears_438BF2DA23791582CDDE702B9C54F209" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinTwoYears_438BF2DA23791582CDDE702B9C54F209" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinThreeYears_FC6D83B39A37B71C73B5702B9C542D87" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinThreeYears_FC6D83B39A37B71C73B5702B9C542D87" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinFourYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinFourYears_34831B84812DC171023B702B9C54AE3A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinFourYears_34831B84812DC171023B702B9C54AE3A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinFiveYears_7D61E47A4A72A2C9D366702B9C55F6D4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueWithinFiveYears_7D61E47A4A72A2C9D366702B9C55F6D4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueThereafter_E949A4B0A4E0ABEC163F702B9C557C0E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueThereafter_E949A4B0A4E0ABEC163F702B9C557C0E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDue" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDue_4AFE5243A896DA461447702B9C5530BA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAbstract_95B38F36F3CD99D9AC4D702B9C536748" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDue_4AFE5243A896DA461447702B9C5530BA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_626B7CEC3374B1F1F5E8702B9C55D93C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_626B7CEC3374B1F1F5E8702B9C55D93C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_A7B3BEF550BD0AF4CAB6702B9C554073" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_A7B3BEF550BD0AF4CAB6702B9C554073" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_169E0CAFBDE38DAC4416702B9C5550C9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_169E0CAFBDE38DAC4416702B9C5550C9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_D82805B98AA884BE0B6E702B9C5542B5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_D82805B98AA884BE0B6E702B9C5542B5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_DDD89F90CF7379543387702B9C559FF7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_DDD89F90CF7379543387702B9C559FF7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_2B240DDCF2F7AD075386702B9C564350" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_2B240DDCF2F7AD075386702B9C564350" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_869D4EFAB90DD7506B96702B9C569C2F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_67D1F6D0B70BBEA5BEEF702B9C55749D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_869D4EFAB90DD7506B96702B9C569C2F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObilgationPeriodCancelableAgreements" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObilgationPeriodCancelableAgreements_F8C5A3B9E40B70675759702B9C56F469" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_7F0C77C3CB709F257091702B9C49B9ED" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObilgationPeriodCancelableAgreements_F8C5A3B9E40B70675759702B9C56F469" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsPurchaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_836F3723A469107F7D243845C8629BA1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_98D4B306966CEF3FF8A93845C8620799" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_836F3723A469107F7D243845C8629BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_98D4B306966CEF3FF8A93845C8620799" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_C6A9E6772EBCCFE7F2AD3845C862E3F4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_98D4B306966CEF3FF8A93845C8620799" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_C6A9E6772EBCCFE7F2AD3845C862E3F4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_B431AB28D96311CF97383845C86296BE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_C6A9E6772EBCCFE7F2AD3845C862E3F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_B431AB28D96311CF97383845C86296BE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CostOfAccessServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CostOfAccessServicesMember_A9E8B84B3EB28FA454093845C8627466" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_B431AB28D96311CF97383845C86296BE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CostOfAccessServicesMember_A9E8B84B3EB28FA454093845C8627466" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ThirdPartyMaintenanceServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ThirdPartyMaintenanceServicesMember_F25068B445DA01F5D4F13845C862FA8D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_B431AB28D96311CF97383845C86296BE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ThirdPartyMaintenanceServicesMember_F25068B445DA01F5D4F13845C862FA8D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_98D4B306966CEF3FF8A93845C8620799" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount_D682C12F93E44DA6BA913845C862CF2B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount_D682C12F93E44DA6BA913845C862CF2B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueWithOneYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueWithOneYear_45CC58B4FB3F3AC4124C3845C862406F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueWithOneYear_45CC58B4FB3F3AC4124C3845C862406F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueInMoreThenOneYearAndLessThenThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueInMoreThenOneYearAndLessThenThreeYears_3CDD4C69B0457F55026C3845C86278A7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueInMoreThenOneYearAndLessThenThreeYears_3CDD4C69B0457F55026C3845C86278A7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueInMoreThenFourYearsAndLessThenFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueInMoreThenFourYearsAndLessThenFiveYears_1E51A484627E1CCD132C3845C863801A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueInMoreThenFourYearsAndLessThenFiveYears_1E51A484627E1CCD132C3845C863801A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueAfterFiveYears_E1C30F8F8BA0A6AB52413845C863C624" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_17529EEEA3C271BD95B73845C86271A1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmountDueAfterFiveYears_E1C30F8F8BA0A6AB52413845C863C624" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndOtherItemsTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_36E0075D55D734829EDE3845C84163F8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTableTextBlock_4B6273E4AD8B95B3FF043845C841E81D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_36E0075D55D734829EDE3845C84163F8" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAndUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationTableTextBlock_4B6273E4AD8B95B3FF043845C841E81D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock_CA7055CD8AE8314399CF3845C84180D5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_36E0075D55D734829EDE3845C84163F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock_CA7055CD8AE8314399CF3845C84180D5" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeLossParentheticalParentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_StatementofComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_StatementofComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract_9C7B2C7442B3DC7333E43845C836918B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_4E26FD9DB8FE2F8397473845C83669C1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_StatementofComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract_9C7B2C7442B3DC7333E43845C836918B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_4E26FD9DB8FE2F8397473845C83669C1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED837EF43DD00E8EECE33845C8369CD3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_4E26FD9DB8FE2F8397473845C83669C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED837EF43DD00E8EECE33845C8369CD3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F867EC5E5BC9317CA27F3845C83664C3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED837EF43DD00E8EECE33845C8369CD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F867EC5E5BC9317CA27F3845C83664C3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems_4818303E2E9BDB61D6C23845C83643B1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_4E26FD9DB8FE2F8397473845C83669C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems_4818303E2E9BDB61D6C23845C83643B1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax_8079A35D1691253D80093845C8362BC3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems_4818303E2E9BDB61D6C23845C83643B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax_8079A35D1691253D80093845C8362BC3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_ADD8D49DD0C7D79868B43845C836F4F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOnDerivativesLineItems_4818303E2E9BDB61D6C23845C83643B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_ADD8D49DD0C7D79868B43845C836F4F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_A32B7C6792BACAB250BE3845C8A1D528" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_BEE44A06E9A5F67D48AA3845C8A117D2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_A32B7C6792BACAB250BE3845C8A1D528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_BEE44A06E9A5F67D48AA3845C8A117D2" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_FEA9F3DD7D7F9BB7817670C7BE3D4B63" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_6EF1973ACF3E4C61CE8F70C7BE3D152E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_FEA9F3DD7D7F9BB7817670C7BE3D4B63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_6EF1973ACF3E4C61CE8F70C7BE3D152E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1A85F867CEF6D793D62770C7BE3D9800" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_6EF1973ACF3E4C61CE8F70C7BE3D152E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1A85F867CEF6D793D62770C7BE3D9800" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7E285EAE7BC02684F34270C7BE3D76DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1A85F867CEF6D793D62770C7BE3D9800" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7E285EAE7BC02684F34270C7BE3D76DE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_6B44DE9020C62833462870C7BE3D3CD9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7E285EAE7BC02684F34270C7BE3D76DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_6B44DE9020C62833462870C7BE3D3CD9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C3A3879EA37E009443670C7BE3D2C93" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_6EF1973ACF3E4C61CE8F70C7BE3D152E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C3A3879EA37E009443670C7BE3D2C93" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37750C33395B4B1B1E7170C7BE3D6AF3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2C3A3879EA37E009443670C7BE3D2C93" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37750C33395B4B1B1E7170C7BE3D6AF3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_E67E0DB7330FBC89040270C7BE3D6451" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37750C33395B4B1B1E7170C7BE3D6AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_E67E0DB7330FBC89040270C7BE3D6451" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember_D8B554C335BC73D39C2770C7BE3DA1AD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37750C33395B4B1B1E7170C7BE3D6AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember_D8B554C335BC73D39C2770C7BE3DA1AD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_7279F22F421C3A315C7470C7BE3DAC97" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37750C33395B4B1B1E7170C7BE3D6AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_7279F22F421C3A315C7470C7BE3DAC97" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_B2FB4D79BD418D8E5A2E70C7BE3E3F1B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37750C33395B4B1B1E7170C7BE3D6AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_B2FB4D79BD418D8E5A2E70C7BE3E3F1B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3B12FDBE67C98C1AF18870C7BE3E97F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_6EF1973ACF3E4C61CE8F70C7BE3D152E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3B12FDBE67C98C1AF18870C7BE3E97F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3B12FDBE67C98C1AF18870C7BE3E97F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_FC0951A3D29240F895C270C7BE3ECA7E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_FC0951A3D29240F895C270C7BE3ECA7E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_3580E6C9606008B90A9D70C7BE3E6A0B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_3580E6C9606008B90A9D70C7BE3E6A0B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_151BA947CCD7A556A6DF70C7BE3EB5AD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_151BA947CCD7A556A6DF70C7BE3EB5AD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_B5B36FAE38BE05301F7A70C7BE3E56A3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_B5B36FAE38BE05301F7A70C7BE3E56A3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_BE5C5AF1049CA257F8B970C7BE3F5382" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_BE5C5AF1049CA257F8B970C7BE3F5382" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_066199DBE7CC246AFBD170C7BE3FE307" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2853122179B6A42B76F670C7BE3E8069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_066199DBE7CC246AFBD170C7BE3FE307" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_E965AB0C703EC1C27BF670C7BE3F564A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_E965AB0C703EC1C27BF670C7BE3F564A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent_92CB7D0E68C08659BD9670C7BE3F3DC3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent_92CB7D0E68C08659BD9670C7BE3F3DC3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesAssetsNet_F41637492CAEC597F5D770C7BE3F940E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_GoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesAssetsNet_F41637492CAEC597F5D770C7BE3F940E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAtFairValue_BF3EAB20F97276C819DE70C7BE3F4208" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAtFairValue_BF3EAB20F97276C819DE70C7BE3F4208" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_1D4F9590186E850D6EA470C7BE3F3DDB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_1D4F9590186E850D6EA470C7BE3F3DDB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_39A2B9B2C1FFC12738FF70C7BE3FA15F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_39A2B9B2C1FFC12738FF70C7BE3FA15F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_9D5B76625274B49A704E70C7BE3F8F35" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF8742E804820953EE4770C7BE3EA2A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_9D5B76625274B49A704E70C7BE3F8F35" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3B12FDBE67C98C1AF18870C7BE3E97F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_C3083D16ADDFF15C2B2270C7BE402806" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_C3083D16ADDFF15C2B2270C7BE402806" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_033EAB4549B4D680B78870C7BE408CDC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_033EAB4549B4D680B78870C7BE408CDC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_A5FA723EF1F3D63FDC3070C7BE40AC7C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_A5FA723EF1F3D63FDC3070C7BE40AC7C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_AD58C74D3CF4D69CEBCB70C7BE40527D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_AD58C74D3CF4D69CEBCB70C7BE40527D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_95A165F2C452759976AB70C7BE40C6A2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_95A165F2C452759976AB70C7BE40C6A2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_C0AADDA272465DFE1AD970C7BE408EBB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_C0AADDA272465DFE1AD970C7BE408EBB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_074DA3ABFE0097E94F2F70C7BE400ECA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_074DA3ABFE0097E94F2F70C7BE400ECA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_64B9ABD1F5ECAA225F2A70C7BE405DE4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_3813250159330409687E70C7BE40F25C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_64B9ABD1F5ECAA225F2A70C7BE405DE4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_4AA1918DF56F349E1AC770C7BE41199F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_4AA1918DF56F349E1AC770C7BE41199F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_8FAF646A82A38EBF74C470C7BE41A5A2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_8FAF646A82A38EBF74C470C7BE41A5A2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F828789E6F6F374DB47670C7BE41F9B7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F828789E6F6F374DB47670C7BE41F9B7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_06DB048252E505BC928270C7BE41FE02" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_06DB048252E505BC928270C7BE41FE02" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3127BFE6EC79177BEE8670C7BE41F5C5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3127BFE6EC79177BEE8670C7BE41F5C5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_378FAF94CB4469B6425C70C7BE417105" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_CCB95ABFD354465D001970C7BE3FEFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_378FAF94CB4469B6425C70C7BE417105" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_30DEE07A61EBC46ADD0F3845C8C3B52E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_848559FFC2BB9B12F2F43845C8C37CE5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_30DEE07A61EBC46ADD0F3845C8C3B52E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_848559FFC2BB9B12F2F43845C8C37CE5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_908F3E00A6FA641A89003845C8C3D6C3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_848559FFC2BB9B12F2F43845C8C37CE5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_908F3E00A6FA641A89003845C8C3D6C3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_09DFFEB933F3476311F83845C8C3E98B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_908F3E00A6FA641A89003845C8C3D6C3" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_09DFFEB933F3476311F83845C8C3E98B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Level3FinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_56E44D9C0A94C80CAA0A3845C8C36C02" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_09DFFEB933F3476311F83845C8C3E98B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_56E44D9C0A94C80CAA0A3845C8C36C02" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_020DFE6E99ADEC4554C73845C8C335C5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_848559FFC2BB9B12F2F43845C8C37CE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_020DFE6E99ADEC4554C73845C8C335C5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BE4C5425754DA04E892A3845C8C3743D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_020DFE6E99ADEC4554C73845C8C335C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BE4C5425754DA04E892A3845C8C3743D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member_45603AD69F37A9838C613845C8C349E1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BE4C5425754DA04E892A3845C8C3743D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member_45603AD69F37A9838C613845C8C349E1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1695E5F7870ECCF98A9D3845C8C3FD27" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_848559FFC2BB9B12F2F43845C8C37CE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1695E5F7870ECCF98A9D3845C8C3FD27" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_451F294BABD554EFD2173845C8C3EF0F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1695E5F7870ECCF98A9D3845C8C3FD27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_451F294BABD554EFD2173845C8C3EF0F" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_3D40640BB1FFB2E529B270C7BE2A9D8C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_26C9211266691B2A6E7F70C7BE2B614B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_3D40640BB1FFB2E529B270C7BE2A9D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_26C9211266691B2A6E7F70C7BE2B614B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A240A4512D58AE1FA70270C7BE2B7B64" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_26C9211266691B2A6E7F70C7BE2B614B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A240A4512D58AE1FA70270C7BE2B7B64" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8D337506AA930532D5AB70C7BE2B73CC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A240A4512D58AE1FA70270C7BE2B7B64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8D337506AA930532D5AB70C7BE2B73CC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7EB3F0D90146677AA9EE70C7BE2B30C7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8D337506AA930532D5AB70C7BE2B73CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7EB3F0D90146677AA9EE70C7BE2B30C7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65E8786293B0A0B16FAC70C7BE2C7B50" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_26C9211266691B2A6E7F70C7BE2B614B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65E8786293B0A0B16FAC70C7BE2C7B50" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C8F81D0CD0A0A084D71170C7BE2C2B33" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65E8786293B0A0B16FAC70C7BE2C7B50" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C8F81D0CD0A0A084D71170C7BE2C2B33" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_A7AB80B20A64F03DA5D470C7BE2C1419" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C8F81D0CD0A0A084D71170C7BE2C2B33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_A7AB80B20A64F03DA5D470C7BE2C1419" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember_4DF2D4B42F81AC479C6F70C9B9CD0281" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C8F81D0CD0A0A084D71170C7BE2C2B33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember_4DF2D4B42F81AC479C6F70C9B9CD0281" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_22F82B5925C9173961B770C7BE2CDAB8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C8F81D0CD0A0A084D71170C7BE2C2B33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_22F82B5925C9173961B770C7BE2CDAB8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3FED427B74FD79F9EF6170C7BE2C0D06" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C8F81D0CD0A0A084D71170C7BE2C2B33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3FED427B74FD79F9EF6170C7BE2C0D06" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_26C9211266691B2A6E7F70C7BE2B614B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_A5CD677786277F73C45670C7BE2CC351" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_A5CD677786277F73C45670C7BE2CC351" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_6D7CC19D7A92C2D41C9C70C7BE2DF429" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_6D7CC19D7A92C2D41C9C70C7BE2DF429" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation_D57B142F699877AB9C5670C7BE2D5E14" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation_D57B142F699877AB9C5670C7BE2D5E14" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments_55CEBCFC7B94B558E99B70C7BE2D82E1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments_55CEBCFC7B94B558E99B70C7BE2D82E1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Proceedsfromsaleofpropertyplantandequipmentandotherassets" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Proceedsfromsaleofpropertyplantandequipmentandotherassets_3A84352C4EDFAFB2ED8170C7BE2DC019" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Proceedsfromsaleofpropertyplantandequipmentandotherassets_3A84352C4EDFAFB2ED8170C7BE2DC019" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_B2419512E930E2B4D9B370C7BE2D17F2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_B2419512E930E2B4D9B370C7BE2D17F2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_E9EF7D225E0127BE56A070C7BE2D99F4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_E9EF7D225E0127BE56A070C7BE2D99F4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_50A7C9FD8ECA434380D570C7BE2D3EB9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_021A4D264FDF8171F52A70C7BE2C884E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_50A7C9FD8ECA434380D570C7BE2D3EB9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3E7768F053B0DBE2CB5970C7BE2D245F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3E7768F053B0DBE2CB5970C7BE2D245F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecuritiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecuritiesNet_E6F130D6A14DF36405E270C7BE2DE6F1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3E7768F053B0DBE2CB5970C7BE2D245F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecuritiesNet_E6F130D6A14DF36405E270C7BE2DE6F1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_02ED31DCC6A726F2E96470C7BE2D301C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3E7768F053B0DBE2CB5970C7BE2D245F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_02ED31DCC6A726F2E96470C7BE2D301C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliatesFinancing" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliatesFinancing_FE8A60FA67CF88FBE1FC70C7BE2D0327" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3E7768F053B0DBE2CB5970C7BE2D245F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliatesFinancing_FE8A60FA67CF88FBE1FC70C7BE2D0327" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_1F41E38F89160ECEA33670C7BE2D0342" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3E7768F053B0DBE2CB5970C7BE2D245F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_1F41E38F89160ECEA33670C7BE2D0342" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_CCC795D305E6253C8DE570C7BE2D1B57" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_CCC795D305E6253C8DE570C7BE2D1B57" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_9C4943FA395AFC916B3470C7BE2E41D1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_9C4943FA395AFC916B3470C7BE2E41D1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0645B9427C08DFE3096770C7BE2E1C27" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0645B9427C08DFE3096770C7BE2E1C27" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_71F4C0BCCE35C8262BED70C7BE2EC649" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AF851E96F99C46438B3170C7BE2C00FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_71F4C0BCCE35C8262BED70C7BE2EC649" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_7553A169D79DD1523973702B9BEB8AC3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_2EA5C53CAEEFB3B86C00702B9BEC7D23" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_7553A169D79DD1523973702B9BEB8AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_2EA5C53CAEEFB3B86C00702B9BEC7D23" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A506FA6A305F9DC5FB01702B9BECEDA7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_2EA5C53CAEEFB3B86C00702B9BEC7D23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A506FA6A305F9DC5FB01702B9BECEDA7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63552857BC76A7314796702B9BEC6919" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A506FA6A305F9DC5FB01702B9BECEDA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63552857BC76A7314796702B9BEC6919" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_E5186BE24B1379F1AA36702B9BF1C934" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63552857BC76A7314796702B9BEC6919" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_E5186BE24B1379F1AA36702B9BF1C934" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_42EDAEB85009E1AA1E92702B9BF1E845" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_2EA5C53CAEEFB3B86C00702B9BEC7D23" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_42EDAEB85009E1AA1E92702B9BF1E845" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_99A5EAD678D5C2694BF1702B9BF1F452" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_42EDAEB85009E1AA1E92702B9BF1E845" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_99A5EAD678D5C2694BF1702B9BF1F452" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_307576D53E903524373C702B9BF131E4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_99A5EAD678D5C2694BF1702B9BF1F452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_307576D53E903524373C702B9BF131E4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember_3690BBFDF5CD665E7BD670AC950D049A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_99A5EAD678D5C2694BF1702B9BF1F452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember_3690BBFDF5CD665E7BD670AC950D049A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_0EE4F07CE3E95453B6DA702B9BF2E27D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_99A5EAD678D5C2694BF1702B9BF1F452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_0EE4F07CE3E95453B6DA702B9BF2E27D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_88E4CD418868AFD698B6702B9BF2FB14" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_99A5EAD678D5C2694BF1702B9BF1F452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_88E4CD418868AFD698B6702B9BF2FB14" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_2EA5C53CAEEFB3B86C00702B9BEC7D23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_E416A6B538347FAD2A2C702B9BF2DB3C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_E416A6B538347FAD2A2C702B9BF2DB3C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts_59629707E2405B8FDE61702B9BF2C866" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts_59629707E2405B8FDE61702B9BF2C866" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses_FFB46E02646E6D49CC21702B9BF29F9C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses_FFB46E02646E6D49CC21702B9BF29F9C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_5E36066563C85D2F70C5702B9BF277EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_5E36066563C85D2F70C5702B9BF277EA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_37979B356258DC3B80C0702B9BF2808B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_5E36066563C85D2F70C5702B9BF277EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_37979B356258DC3B80C0702B9BF2808B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_70E3024D650634A79CE8702B9BF25ED3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_5E36066563C85D2F70C5702B9BF277EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_70E3024D650634A79CE8702B9BF25ED3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_D26EB4FC91C1170D0545702B9BF22D3F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_5E36066563C85D2F70C5702B9BF277EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_D26EB4FC91C1170D0545702B9BF22D3F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4CD5EB130D4543595A32702B9BF27D9B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_5E36066563C85D2F70C5702B9BF277EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4CD5EB130D4543595A32702B9BF27D9B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_3B196A238294E55774D9702B9BF34BD5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_3B196A238294E55774D9702B9BF34BD5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_6B8BFC819E3CA7FB2DE7702B9BF3A9BC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_6B8BFC819E3CA7FB2DE7702B9BF3A9BC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_8212DCB3C99FAE6DFDBB702B9BF329FE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_8212DCB3C99FAE6DFDBB702B9BF329FE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_InterestIncomeExpenseAffiliatesNet" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_InterestIncomeExpenseAffiliatesNet_B0761DB25E84FBDBD5A1702B9BF318E8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_InterestIncomeExpenseAffiliatesNet_B0761DB25E84FBDBD5A1702B9BF318E8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_IncomeLossFromEquityInIncomeOfSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_IncomeLossFromEquityInIncomeOfSubsidiaries_E82366966866F94954A6702B9BF3AC9E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_IncomeLossFromEquityInIncomeOfSubsidiaries_E82366966866F94954A6702B9BF3AC9E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseOther" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseOther_57706022A2EBEAC84C50702B9BF3917A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseOther_57706022A2EBEAC84C50702B9BF3917A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense_C5B76A53C8604F1F14C1702B9BF3D0CD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_D73D3E0B10DDB040F9E0702B9BF358E1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense_C5B76A53C8604F1F14C1702B9BF3D0CD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_D173B2FB81412EAC76C9702B9BF46DD5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_D173B2FB81412EAC76C9702B9BF46DD5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_164D8297EA5314B89B9F702B9BF4402C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_164D8297EA5314B89B9F702B9BF4402C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_C94E88C4E529AEB7877E702B9BF4B138" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_C94E88C4E529AEB7877E702B9BF4B138" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D91B08695B8FC671B809702B9BF4FDA3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D91B08695B8FC671B809702B9BF4FDA3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_13D8E98053F566A94D47702B9BF49862" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_13D8E98053F566A94D47702B9BF49862" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_F30DD425AC50EBD6EC9C702B9BF47103" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_9B3C9DAC6D3EB3CFBAE8702B9BF21C2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_F30DD425AC50EBD6EC9C702B9BF47103" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_26B20429179A3CD6E74F3845CA81D0C7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleofCondensedConsolidatingStatementsofOperationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleofCondensedConsolidatingStatementsofOperationsTableTextBlock_E96BA6C30709180E05A43845CA82DEDC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_26B20429179A3CD6E74F3845CA81D0C7" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleofCondensedConsolidatingStatementsofOperationsTableTextBlock_E96BA6C30709180E05A43845CA82DEDC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetsTableTextBlock_4E964FBD5EFFD1CE5C0B3845CA82E21D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_26B20429179A3CD6E74F3845CA81D0C7" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetsTableTextBlock_4E964FBD5EFFD1CE5C0B3845CA82E21D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfCondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfCashFlowsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfCondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfCashFlowsTableTextBlock_4ED822BBAAAD5B12C1F93845CA8255EE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationAbstract_26B20429179A3CD6E74F3845CA81D0C7" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfCondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfCashFlowsTableTextBlock_4ED822BBAAAD5B12C1F93845CA8255EE" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_6CA233EB2A195C279AFF5D33672E5C1E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A6BAC1C99EBC89292E8D5D33672EDD00" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_6CA233EB2A195C279AFF5D33672E5C1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A6BAC1C99EBC89292E8D5D33672EDD00" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C1FBE4D13A716F9B76315D33672FD394" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A6BAC1C99EBC89292E8D5D33672EDD00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C1FBE4D13A716F9B76315D33672FD394" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ABDBC932AE30896382F45D33672F349A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C1FBE4D13A716F9B76315D33672FD394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ABDBC932AE30896382F45D33672F349A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_855B06F55DE26518E93C5D33672F79DD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A6BAC1C99EBC89292E8D5D33672EDD00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_855B06F55DE26518E93C5D33672F79DD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_855B06F55DE26518E93C5D33672F79DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_A0C1A3C8466257AA258B5D33672F242B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_A0C1A3C8466257AA258B5D33672F242B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_D68B5214F41437879B4D5D33672F4FC7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_D68B5214F41437879B4D5D33672F4FC7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_FE604440C09C0475EB805D3367301A58" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_FE604440C09C0475EB805D3367301A58" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_45993CA4B419EF6A2FC85D3367306AC2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_45993CA4B419EF6A2FC85D3367306AC2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_5E080FE9453D2D30467E5D33673043FF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_5E080FE9453D2D30467E5D33673043FF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_44485902EF78665934C85D336730879C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_44485902EF78665934C85D336730879C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent_B8B4205C1E45763AEE785D336730433C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent_B8B4205C1E45763AEE785D336730433C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0B85560B705A9A97CB1C5D336730372E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0B85560B705A9A97CB1C5D336730372E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_E983C9FDE6F99A8B4B075D33673082A4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_E983C9FDE6F99A8B4B075D33673082A4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_4BADEFBB26E320B7B4B05D3367300744" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_4BADEFBB26E320B7B4B05D3367300744" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_98DDA0E2B177239C81AE5D3367308C41" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_98DDA0E2B177239C81AE5D3367308C41" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_8F9AAE40705EF33A1B3B5D336730D574" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_60620170569EA7D3BA435D33672F790D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_8F9AAE40705EF33A1B3B5D336730D574" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_855B06F55DE26518E93C5D33672F79DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_215E21A8F1D76CB51CE65D3367317BAB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_215E21A8F1D76CB51CE65D3367317BAB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_B72CA32FF54B65697D985D3367310B06" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_B72CA32FF54B65697D985D3367310B06" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_1700009670EA5AFC6C0D5D336731524A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_1700009670EA5AFC6C0D5D336731524A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_35C40A86A8581A4772CB5D336731FB6E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_35C40A86A8581A4772CB5D336731FB6E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_40A294E431EA3132ED905D33673168BC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_40A294E431EA3132ED905D33673168BC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_2CC553B6D8FB8C3B6D685D336736849C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_2CC553B6D8FB8C3B6D685D336736849C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_A42793F3B5E3128214285D336736FCBE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_A42793F3B5E3128214285D336736FCBE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_F6C07AF1B9BDFE2917F15D3367360C52" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_F6C07AF1B9BDFE2917F15D3367360C52" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_0E4F5A4BC5C7920A3AB65D3367373DD4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent_0E4F5A4BC5C7920A3AB65D3367373DD4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_D3EBABFDA45A482980955D3367370FFC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_D3EBABFDA45A482980955D3367370FFC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_508E93DFFF51A3CEA67D5D336737E32A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_508E93DFFF51A3CEA67D5D336737E32A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_E19AE37FB36008B610635D3367378C95" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_FEBA47F7201961F7CA635D336731E9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_E19AE37FB36008B610635D3367378C95" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_855B06F55DE26518E93C5D33672F79DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_F0F91E7215735E722DF05D336737D94B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_F0F91E7215735E722DF05D336737D94B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_0527436D650C1603E07C5D33673724B0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_0527436D650C1603E07C5D33673724B0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_0C9273489BC7A3522EDB5D3367375F37" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_0C9273489BC7A3522EDB5D3367375F37" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4F9740087CA6EE2F13AE5D336737EDEC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4F9740087CA6EE2F13AE5D336737EDEC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_AF6374CDD7B4CFF0572D5D3367370D70" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_AF6374CDD7B4CFF0572D5D3367370D70" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E1D23FD556898D305F015D336737A432" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E1D23FD556898D305F015D336737A432" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_807A7536B3102ECE024E5D3367374A4C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_1324645BAF167BCE064E5D336737E816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_807A7536B3102ECE024E5D3367374A4C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticalsParentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_C471E616AB07AAD2B1903845CA652736" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_533BD8649698BD2A12AD3845CA658ACC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_C471E616AB07AAD2B1903845CA652736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_533BD8649698BD2A12AD3845CA658ACC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6CE45EDD4740BD38A1C73845CA6509CD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_533BD8649698BD2A12AD3845CA658ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6CE45EDD4740BD38A1C73845CA6509CD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EAD5C3E3A465C7CAF8613845CA653E96" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6CE45EDD4740BD38A1C73845CA6509CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EAD5C3E3A465C7CAF8613845CA653E96" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BB0BAF81C6C65EF185E63845CA6552B7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_533BD8649698BD2A12AD3845CA658ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BB0BAF81C6C65EF185E63845CA6552B7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_568A677CF46A981FDECE3845CA650557" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BB0BAF81C6C65EF185E63845CA6552B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_568A677CF46A981FDECE3845CA650557" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_533BD8649698BD2A12AD3845CA658ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_0BCB7113ED7015E816353845CA65BA42" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_0BCB7113ED7015E816353845CA65BA42" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_ED1C6654B96582D1B4B93845CA65EA10" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_ED1C6654B96582D1B4B93845CA65EA10" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_ED35674D68DFE7CBF7D03845CA6595EE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_ED35674D68DFE7CBF7D03845CA6595EE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_D871F14A169F913DA8683845CA65CA3F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_D871F14A169F913DA8683845CA65CA3F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_1469834754D9B531FB943845CA65784F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_1469834754D9B531FB943845CA65784F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_BADDE7D3DFC6899AD5133845CA65F977" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_BADDE7D3DFC6899AD5133845CA65F977" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_394724E5D637E5E91A6B3845CA65BA3B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_394724E5D637E5E91A6B3845CA65BA3B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_D715DA8F1CF83FC61CCA3845CA652543" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_D715DA8F1CF83FC61CCA3845CA652543" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_1CB825ED684B4AA7EC8C3845CA6698F6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_1CB825ED684B4AA7EC8C3845CA6698F6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_D35337FE5B3EE4C834823845CA660770" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B0F9CE2B069A134E337A3845CA65DC0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_D35337FE5B3EE4C834823845CA660770" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0963A35E58AA50C1FF2970C987B80DEF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_842B3278321D13B717F170C987B8E2F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_0963A35E58AA50C1FF2970C987B80DEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_842B3278321D13B717F170C987B8E2F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40EDF8D6D2D19F74AEF670C987B8ABF5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_842B3278321D13B717F170C987B8E2F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40EDF8D6D2D19F74AEF670C987B8ABF5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A3836C1D025159D90C3570C987B9DD5F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40EDF8D6D2D19F74AEF670C987B8ABF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A3836C1D025159D90C3570C987B9DD5F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_842B3278321D13B717F170C987B8E2F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EC3F5CD9C6B1349E893C70C987B95513" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EC3F5CD9C6B1349E893C70C987B95513" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D45B10D039575447BBB170C987B90178" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EC3F5CD9C6B1349E893C70C987B95513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D45B10D039575447BBB170C987B90178" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EC3F5CD9C6B1349E893C70C987B95513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3B60999FFD748C7D215070C987B9E9DB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3B60999FFD748C7D215070C987B9E9DB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_9E07471B704DF4D481AA70C987B9F21F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_9E07471B704DF4D481AA70C987B9F21F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_073C3698331B0858949170C987B99C3C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_073C3698331B0858949170C987B99C3C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_8CF31EBB3BE4423D012D70C987BE1242" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_8CF31EBB3BE4423D012D70C987BE1242" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_B3287A3E46CDF579F2A470C987BF1306" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_B3287A3E46CDF579F2A470C987BF1306" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_99CCE857C39EE1AFB89470C987BF41EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_99CCE857C39EE1AFB89470C987BF41EA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_5BBBED4994B8AA014AB770C987BF4E11" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_5BBBED4994B8AA014AB770C987BF4E11" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Noncashtaxadjustment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Noncashtaxadjustment_4B6EA6FF43D159F688E070C987BF2452" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Noncashtaxadjustment_4B6EA6FF43D159F688E070C987BF2452" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_41FE4BBF29975564617370C987BF9417" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_41FE4BBF29975564617370C987BF9417" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_7F63F62A8E760927DA9370C987BFA903" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_7F63F62A8E760927DA9370C987BFA903" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_B28F920F40264E5FBE0A70C987BFF4D1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_B28F920F40264E5FBE0A70C987BFF4D1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_9E3736F3FB954577F80C70C987B978EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_52529EF2CDB88DDE0CCA70C987BF6025" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_52529EF2CDB88DDE0CCA70C987BF6025" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_4E60C9D2668B153E7ABA70C987BFF190" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_4E60C9D2668B153E7ABA70C987BFF190" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_7E18D9102EEF86806CBB70C987C05629" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_7E18D9102EEF86806CBB70C987C05629" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_B4602A35B457E02B8FD170C987C0ECDD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_B4602A35B457E02B8FD170C987C0ECDD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_C6434D46B3513AD1743E70C987C084C8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_8F537D57DCCF6AA2A1F770C987BFE2F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_C6434D46B3513AD1743E70C987C084C8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_EA1D9361CA284047BFDB70C987C0DC19" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EC3F5CD9C6B1349E893C70C987B95513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_EA1D9361CA284047BFDB70C987C0DC19" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_369CB1AAA2C49F9C638E70C987C01EED" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_369CB1AAA2C49F9C638E70C987C01EED" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation_5BE74E0C72D67F8D4A5570C987C0E532" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation_5BE74E0C72D67F8D4A5570C987C0E532" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments_A43EF1AF5694D199F70E70C987C084B9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments_A43EF1AF5694D199F70E70C987C084B9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Proceedsfromsaleofpropertyplantandequipmentandotherassets" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Proceedsfromsaleofpropertyplantandequipmentandotherassets_DB27837E41F5D25EC46C70C987C056CD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Proceedsfromsaleofpropertyplantandequipmentandotherassets_DB27837E41F5D25EC46C70C987C056CD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_F53AA8D590889CB62E7370C987C142AF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_F53AA8D590889CB62E7370C987C142AF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_27F44873F457D8C3F4D370C987C107D2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_27F44873F457D8C3F4D370C987C107D2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_326E07902DD42E2946A370C987C12D7F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_A05E0107DA171A62B42670C987C051B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_326E07902DD42E2946A370C987C12D7F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_74DEC5C81F5FFD00C9D870C987C16ECA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_74DEC5C81F5FFD00C9D870C987C16ECA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecuritiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecuritiesNet_1B2D2F0BFEECF233B76170C987C1DC9E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_74DEC5C81F5FFD00C9D870C987C16ECA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecuritiesNet_1B2D2F0BFEECF233B76170C987C1DC9E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_91EEEE71E6F717E2B46B70C987C129AE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_74DEC5C81F5FFD00C9D870C987C16ECA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_91EEEE71E6F717E2B46B70C987C129AE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_0058D8D14A6A0245F59870C987C1ED87" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_74DEC5C81F5FFD00C9D870C987C16ECA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_0058D8D14A6A0245F59870C987C1ED87" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_B97E63A6BC0D3B1F123970C987C162E6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_B97E63A6BC0D3B1F123970C987C162E6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_6FC24A4F2E5E1780DD9770C987C1BB0E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_6FC24A4F2E5E1780DD9770C987C1BB0E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_28CC72E30A32D6A83DB370C987C2685F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_28CC72E30A32D6A83DB370C987C2685F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_61FD8DD348414CCD8B4E70C987C21792" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_61FD8DD348414CCD8B4E70C987C21792" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_B27AC0D72C2C00E25D2770C987C20586" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_B27AC0D72C2C00E25D2770C987C20586" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_78C1C861DBB5A535243A70C987C2C797" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_B27AC0D72C2C00E25D2770C987C20586" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_78C1C861DBB5A535243A70C987C2C797" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_3E2CAFACCC20C90E63C170C987C2BC32" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_B27AC0D72C2C00E25D2770C987C20586" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_3E2CAFACCC20C90E63C170C987C2BC32" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CA180DAFE751A50B9FF370C987B90E1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_12B6A9378495ED15B15970C987C799A5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_12B6A9378495ED15B15970C987C799A5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_3F2B6E2685892501B8AF70C987C8E5E2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_3F2B6E2685892501B8AF70C987C8E5E2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NonCashAccruedInterestPayment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NonCashAccruedInterestPayment_AEF54C3E42358044CD2370C987C8C1A8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NonCashAccruedInterestPayment_AEF54C3E42358044CD2370C987C8C1A8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NonCashLongTermDebtIssuedAndProceedsPlacedIntoEscrow" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NonCashLongTermDebtIssuedAndProceedsPlacedIntoEscrow_BF602A178953E7C4B9ED70C987C88C97" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NonCashLongTermDebtIssuedAndProceedsPlacedIntoEscrow_BF602A178953E7C4B9ED70C987C88C97" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NonCashEscrowedSecuritiesusedintheacquisition" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NonCashEscrowedSecuritiesusedintheacquisition_30B33279BF91BA8E3ACB70C987C8051C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_3F41DD4020F09AD81FEE70C987C20967" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NonCashEscrowedSecuritiesusedintheacquisition_30B33279BF91BA8E3ACB70C987C8051C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_61DFB74F3272E3B48E01702B9E66CD41" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_77A8ADA793DA4EA19A3E702B9E664C09" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_61DFB74F3272E3B48E01702B9E66CD41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_77A8ADA793DA4EA19A3E702B9E664C09" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_48F19CC1178992014CD1702B9E666553" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_77A8ADA793DA4EA19A3E702B9E664C09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_48F19CC1178992014CD1702B9E666553" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_52A75F4D8E425E393F78702B9E670B87" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_48F19CC1178992014CD1702B9E666553" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_52A75F4D8E425E393F78702B9E670B87" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_64A138496EDD3C10E511702B9E67C5DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_52A75F4D8E425E393F78702B9E670B87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_64A138496EDD3C10E511702B9E67C5DE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_1CBE37E133952055D774702B9E67C6D0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_52A75F4D8E425E393F78702B9E670B87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_1CBE37E133952055D774702B9E67C6D0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_BCC406DB085B84412347702B9E67A269" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_52A75F4D8E425E393F78702B9E670B87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_BCC406DB085B84412347702B9E67A269" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6918C41B466B6BD81373702B9E67928D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_52A75F4D8E425E393F78702B9E670B87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6918C41B466B6BD81373702B9E67928D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5861807B4C2403336DB0702B9E673B5F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_77A8ADA793DA4EA19A3E702B9E664C09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5861807B4C2403336DB0702B9E673B5F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5861807B4C2403336DB0702B9E673B5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7697A875894D0FF1C977702B9E67AC6F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7697A875894D0FF1C977702B9E67AC6F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_21B89C91FB5C7705C520702B9E680C8B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_21B89C91FB5C7705C520702B9E680C8B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CommonStockAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CommonStockAbstract_A7CEF8F8FF6AF508325C702B9E68788C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CommonStockAbstract_A7CEF8F8FF6AF508325C702B9E68788C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationNetOfForfeituresAndEmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationNetOfForfeituresAndEmployeeBenefitPlans_BD1A65EFF3ED45ABDAA2702B9E681231" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CommonStockAbstract_A7CEF8F8FF6AF508325C702B9E68788C" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationNetOfForfeituresAndEmployeeBenefitPlans_BD1A65EFF3ED45ABDAA2702B9E681231" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationNetOfForfeituresAndEmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationNetOfForfeituresAndEmployeeBenefitPlans_CE6B84FD94D433F94CA1702B9E6849E9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CommonStockAbstract_A7CEF8F8FF6AF508325C702B9E68788C" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationNetOfForfeituresAndEmployeeBenefitPlans_CE6B84FD94D433F94CA1702B9E6849E9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_524682BA6600F771ABEA702B9E68FBF0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_524682BA6600F771ABEA702B9E68FBF0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_3B8EF9CF3CF7C6B8E98C702B9E6805C0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_3B8EF9CF3CF7C6B8E98C702B9E6805C0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_FF7F24EE0C41DE3D0C5F702B9E68F32B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_FF7F24EE0C41DE3D0C5F702B9E68F32B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_5EBE49FCEFF1549F05E8702B9E6842B2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_5EBE49FCEFF1549F05E8702B9E6842B2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_A33451891AC4F6168EB5702B9E69C140" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_A33451891AC4F6168EB5702B9E69C140" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_BEDF57CD97090AC4AC53702B9E692767" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_BEDF57CD97090AC4AC53702B9E692767" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E88EC1123805E5CD53E6709D7E7ED6D3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E88EC1123805E5CD53E6709D7E7ED6D3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_2843E43238C9EC9D7A6C702B9E6954AD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_2843E43238C9EC9D7A6C702B9E6954AD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7216DAD0349224567F00702B9E69506E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_7216DAD0349224567F00702B9E69506E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_D1A97D6CC0A3028F94C7702B9E698FE7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9ED0397D73DFAB651D6C702B9E67562F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_D1A97D6CC0A3028F94C7702B9E698FE7" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_5BA363A574D880D7A0CC5D33674D3308" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4189D35C15CC49E026745D33674EE914" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_5BA363A574D880D7A0CC5D33674D3308" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4189D35C15CC49E026745D33674EE914" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_FDCA0F414367B88B5D085D33674E8909" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4189D35C15CC49E026745D33674EE914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_FDCA0F414367B88B5D085D33674E8909" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CD334D317B45A8FB93375D33674E0A19" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_FDCA0F414367B88B5D085D33674E8909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CD334D317B45A8FB93375D33674E0A19" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4189D35C15CC49E026745D33674EE914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7F40E7549D9D6754981B5D33674E0835" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7F40E7549D9D6754981B5D33674E0835" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_7C9D2639676392A823675D33674E2A5D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_7C9D2639676392A823675D33674E2A5D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_9BBE1D6D691D0F2073025D33674E984B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_9BBE1D6D691D0F2073025D33674E984B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7F389861B26F8B67AE385D33674EAC78" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7F389861B26F8B67AE385D33674EAC78" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_1FD8DFB3383AAD0D4DD05D33674F7EA9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EEA81BBEEF63BE7F49FA5D33674E30B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_1FD8DFB3383AAD0D4DD05D33674F7EA9" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_7B53825E47FA2A1D9ABD66127B3EEF30" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_801EBF2ED636A4E1B1C366127B3E8C5A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_7B53825E47FA2A1D9ABD66127B3EEF30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_801EBF2ED636A4E1B1C366127B3E8C5A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6CA4F3DFA131E6A88B4166127B3E8AAE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_801EBF2ED636A4E1B1C366127B3E8C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6CA4F3DFA131E6A88B4166127B3E8AAE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BA11B967D87AF4B8C41866127B3E4E2C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6CA4F3DFA131E6A88B4166127B3E8AAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BA11B967D87AF4B8C41866127B3E4E2C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_801EBF2ED636A4E1B1C366127B3E8C5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_4550B12DA3E1BF734F2B66127B3ED5FA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_4550B12DA3E1BF734F2B66127B3ED5FA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts_4A5C48EA1888CCF9B0CB66127B3F663A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts_4A5C48EA1888CCF9B0CB66127B3F663A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses_0854995ADEBB57B65A2266127B3F2CB6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses_0854995ADEBB57B65A2266127B3F2CB6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_EC68B5754F8633D03E2866127B3F5A09" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_EC68B5754F8633D03E2866127B3F5A09" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_C5CF90080DA0E780E91B66127B3F4CB3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_C5CF90080DA0E780E91B66127B3F4CB3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_3EFB98523E287B9300F966127B3FB9DD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CostOfRevenueAndOperatingExpensesAbstract_C0B9678D509676A2DA2B66127B3F2427" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_3EFB98523E287B9300F966127B3FB9DD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_CF61A1008342D4615F3366127B3FEBB1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_CF61A1008342D4615F3366127B3FEBB1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_4E8D3E5019F0E1E0EE9C66127B40A839" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_4E8D3E5019F0E1E0EE9C66127B40A839" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_77145740759B9494672666127B403F28" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_77145740759B9494672666127B403F28" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_0E64134B714B3A1D431D66127B45523E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_0E64134B714B3A1D431D66127B45523E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_36C3B206968BDA2DB0E866127B45E818" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_36C3B206968BDA2DB0E866127B45E818" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_AD9A56BE66667DEC128F66127B451563" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_AD9A56BE66667DEC128F66127B451563" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense_B5C0E54D0F3A444DE10C66127B45AE53" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1C291EB38E0F3ED3E79166127B3F2C71" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense_B5C0E54D0F3A444DE10C66127B45AE53" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_111A2CE479E252BC3F2866127B450087" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_111A2CE479E252BC3F2866127B450087" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3541EFBA8BB7C463831366127B458D52" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3541EFBA8BB7C463831366127B458D52" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8CDB05C1FE107413649C66127B464A6C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8CDB05C1FE107413649C66127B464A6C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_676364FED60DC10E7E4266127B465947" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_676364FED60DC10E7E4266127B465947" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_EAC58C9FC8F8E6C3AEB566127B46DF4A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_EAC58C9FC8F8E6C3AEB566127B46DF4A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4A5624D49AE0F21DB9FC66127B469533" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4A5624D49AE0F21DB9FC66127B469533" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_D44EB7B88345D83A2A6666127B4661A2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7B2E16D9A977CF6A4C166127B3E0D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_D44EB7B88345D83A2A6666127B4661A2" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_137554755EB71151DD0E3845CAC0466C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_F8C3CD0ECC86E76BAF153845CAC13F0C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_137554755EB71151DD0E3845CAC0466C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_F8C3CD0ECC86E76BAF153845CAC13F0C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_968F00E256434F975D113845CAC1EA09" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_F8C3CD0ECC86E76BAF153845CAC13F0C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_968F00E256434F975D113845CAC1EA09" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9D3846116B41156C14323845CAC1FEA9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_968F00E256434F975D113845CAC1EA09" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9D3846116B41156C14323845CAC1FEA9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_F8C3CD0ECC86E76BAF153845CAC13F0C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_26A5B1C29743212D864C3845CAC1FCFD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_26A5B1C29743212D864C3845CAC1FCFD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_F5EFE5FDD281155342883845CAC14F4A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_F5EFE5FDD281155342883845CAC14F4A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_FF4E1527F913149304563845CAC1D521" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_FF4E1527F913149304563845CAC1D521" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_6CA6251277DE20AF6EE43845CAC1149E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_6CA6251277DE20AF6EE43845CAC1149E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_FD535F3C059DCC3E37373845CAC1C707" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_FD535F3C059DCC3E37373845CAC1C707" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_D8688B6239E5ADEC735C3845CAC1E95A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_D8688B6239E5ADEC735C3845CAC1E95A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_EDD5094AAE6135E4BF383845CAC17D48" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_EDD5094AAE6135E4BF383845CAC17D48" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_A4A78968D2DBC011C32F3845CAC12529" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_A4A78968D2DBC011C32F3845CAC12529" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_DDEB764BFBC550EB812E3845CAC115DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_DDEB764BFBC550EB812E3845CAC115DE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_081D372DD9E13E7B8D023845CAC1B712" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_081D372DD9E13E7B8D023845CAC1B712" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_13206470414591D85B6E3845CAC1387E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_13206470414591D85B6E3845CAC1387E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_3ACAA8047A8B4284C3D43845CAC26939" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_3ACAA8047A8B4284C3D43845CAC26939" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_411E236AA9DB837AAFD63845CAC2AA42" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_411E236AA9DB837AAFD63845CAC2AA42" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_347B819CC9E806FFAA793845CAC2F9EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_346DC1C6C832FFBE872F3845CAC135C7" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_347B819CC9E806FFAA793845CAC2F9EA" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7E3E11ECE32847FD7101702B9E22B1E2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_B5821A785850ED5FEDA0702B9E2309D6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_7E3E11ECE32847FD7101702B9E22B1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_B5821A785850ED5FEDA0702B9E2309D6" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_6073D7CE6E3403E0FCDE632826604EDC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F4D8FEBE91690C366DA1632826613F31" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_6073D7CE6E3403E0FCDE632826604EDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F4D8FEBE91690C366DA1632826613F31" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_F5217612FDD877803319632826619B1F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F4D8FEBE91690C366DA1632826613F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_F5217612FDD877803319632826619B1F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_17D0860247546E16212963282661AF05" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_F5217612FDD877803319632826619B1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_17D0860247546E16212963282661AF05" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_998970072110CE44F3AA6328266179D2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_17D0860247546E16212963282661AF05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_998970072110CE44F3AA6328266179D2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_FAC1E92747D38242044963282661B1DB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F4D8FEBE91690C366DA1632826613F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_FAC1E92747D38242044963282661B1DB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_StockAwardsIncludedinComputationofEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_StockAwardsIncludedinComputationofEarningsPerShareAmount_024755AD20336DB4D19B6328266119A6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_FAC1E92747D38242044963282661B1DB" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_StockAwardsIncludedinComputationofEarningsPerShareAmount_024755AD20336DB4D19B6328266119A6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_DEF5C13167ADACFAAF34632826624030" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_FAC1E92747D38242044963282661B1DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_DEF5C13167ADACFAAF34632826624030" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_AC7FDBA7A48FDE09647D702B9DA2765A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationTextBlock_4A7E76A69FE887D6F2BD702B9DA27F7D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_AC7FDBA7A48FDE09647D702B9DA2765A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationTextBlock_4A7E76A69FE887D6F2BD702B9DA27F7D" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationAnnualDiscretionaryBonusGrantDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_F09291FE52E19A9A0379702B9D677D52" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_52D4158E5BCB127AF789702B9D67D870" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_F09291FE52E19A9A0379702B9D677D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_52D4158E5BCB127AF789702B9D67D870" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0144D75F49205BE08191702B9D677C7F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_52D4158E5BCB127AF789702B9D67D870" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0144D75F49205BE08191702B9D677C7F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_35FD091095EBBEB35703702B9D678F68" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0144D75F49205BE08191702B9D677C7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_35FD091095EBBEB35703702B9D678F68" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitBonusGrantMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitBonusGrantMember_D2FCD55F75A17AB944E0702B9D67F3A0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_35FD091095EBBEB35703702B9D678F68" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitBonusGrantMember_D2FCD55F75A17AB944E0702B9D67F3A0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_017D228066506F6F63F2702B9D67C834" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_52D4158E5BCB127AF789702B9D67D870" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_017D228066506F6F63F2702B9D67C834" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedOrExpectedToBeGrantedInNextFiscalPeriod" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedOrExpectedToBeGrantedInNextFiscalPeriod_C9DB13B9B4606C9A8F5B702B9D6777FA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_017D228066506F6F63F2702B9D67C834" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedOrExpectedToBeGrantedInNextFiscalPeriod_C9DB13B9B4606C9A8F5B702B9D6777FA" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationDefinedBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_D93A20C873540924A4BA702B9D6AC913" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_6A2C6B100B9077C2476E702B9D6AC37B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_D93A20C873540924A4BA702B9D6AC913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_6A2C6B100B9077C2476E702B9D6AC37B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_B7DB48F6E807A820EF93702B9D6A91BC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_D93A20C873540924A4BA702B9D6AC913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_B7DB48F6E807A820EF93702B9D6A91BC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_1BA380E3F4E02D8AF50B702B9D6A5363" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_D93A20C873540924A4BA702B9D6AC913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_1BA380E3F4E02D8AF50B702B9D6A5363" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationDefinedContributionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_02B504505E574D1C548E702B9D70D3DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable_81E8FE766521F04987F5702B9D70F40D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_02B504505E574D1C548E702B9D70D3DE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable_81E8FE766521F04987F5702B9D70F40D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_FA50237BD78069906C34702B9D7027EC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable_81E8FE766521F04987F5702B9D70F40D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_FA50237BD78069906C34702B9D7027EC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C9AC7BA6DD7BEF314559702B9D702DEE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_FA50237BD78069906C34702B9D7027EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C9AC7BA6DD7BEF314559702B9D702DEE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesMember_526D75DC9EF4D704FE3A702B9D70EA78" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C9AC7BA6DD7BEF314559702B9D702DEE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesMember_526D75DC9EF4D704FE3A702B9D70EA78" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_E0365310B633EE88E7BB702B9D705043" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C9AC7BA6DD7BEF314559702B9D702DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_E0365310B633EE88E7BB702B9D705043" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_161D113C88227F24E59A702B9D703EB8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable_81E8FE766521F04987F5702B9D70F40D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_161D113C88227F24E59A702B9D703EB8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_B480440906B21781BE54702B9D717F9D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_161D113C88227F24E59A702B9D703EB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_B480440906B21781BE54702B9D717F9D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AllOtherDefinedContributionMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AllOtherDefinedContributionMember_629D917EF30BF3529D9C702B9D71B6EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_B480440906B21781BE54702B9D717F9D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_AllOtherDefinedContributionMember_629D917EF30BF3529D9C702B9D71B6EA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_77A8374D50256E91192D702B9D7140F2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable_81E8FE766521F04987F5702B9D70F40D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_77A8374D50256E91192D702B9D7140F2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_213853C492F494FDE1EC702B9D7167A4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_77A8374D50256E91192D702B9D7140F2" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_213853C492F494FDE1EC702B9D7167A4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AfterJanuary12012Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AfterJanuary12012Member_AEDE1472216D67E7706E702B9D717C70" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_213853C492F494FDE1EC702B9D7167A4" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_AfterJanuary12012Member_AEDE1472216D67E7706E702B9D717C70" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Twtelecom401KPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Twtelecom401KPlanMember_EF9BD14C80530FA13634702B9D713923" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_213853C492F494FDE1EC702B9D7167A4" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Twtelecom401KPlanMember_EF9BD14C80530FA13634702B9D713923" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresTable_81E8FE766521F04987F5702B9D70F40D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount_0FE04ADFD3BEFF815001702B9D714381" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount_0FE04ADFD3BEFF815001702B9D714381" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_4EECE2E32B0A40B6BE3C702B9D723010" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_4EECE2E32B0A40B6BE3C702B9D723010" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_80D330BBA595AA291411702B9D723097" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_80D330BBA595AA291411702B9D723097" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_057D6124F7B525038FCA702B9D72F4C2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_057D6124F7B525038FCA702B9D72F4C2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPercentageAfterVestingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPercentageAfterVestingPeriod_80B91CEADDEE5854E510702B9D720EB0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPercentageAfterVestingPeriod_80B91CEADDEE5854E510702B9D720EB0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_FF0C749FAAF66F4EC905702B9D724B47" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansDisclosuresLineItems_7558023D858168D230DA702B9D716DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_FF0C749FAAF66F4EC905702B9D724B47" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationNonCashCompensationExpensedAndCapitalizedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_A0FF1BFB85CA9E5B16D5702B9D9AC280" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypeTable" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypeTable_EFB0C743876ECE6893D0702B9D9AEBF4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_A0FF1BFB85CA9E5B16D5702B9D9AC280" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypeTable_EFB0C743876ECE6893D0702B9D9AEBF4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_558350B06F9A4B1F5AF1702B9D9A8929" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypeTable_EFB0C743876ECE6893D0702B9D9AEBF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_558350B06F9A4B1F5AF1702B9D9A8929" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_558350B06F9A4B1F5AF1702B9D9A8929" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_546433902B3A9095AA86702B9D9A9588" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_546433902B3A9095AA86702B9D9A9588" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitsAndSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitsAndSharesMember_5F02B1F902FA3F0A3B48702B9D9AB257" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitsAndSharesMember_5F02B1F902FA3F0A3B48702B9D9AB257" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_176C3D86A3F7BE6D6AD5702B9D9AD119" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_176C3D86A3F7BE6D6AD5702B9D9AD119" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_A401KMatchMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_A401KMatchMember_577720955045ECCFD2B1702B9D9A94EE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_A401KMatchMember_577720955045ECCFD2B1702B9D9A94EE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitBonusGrantMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitBonusGrantMember_72884505CA451562C537702B9D9BC8AD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F37848D44A362BCDE7BF702B9D9A540E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitBonusGrantMember_72884505CA451562C537702B9D9BC8AD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems_D47EF46B3993CD1FA956702B9D9B474D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypeTable_EFB0C743876ECE6893D0702B9D9AEBF4" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems_D47EF46B3993CD1FA956702B9D9B474D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_A1CCF88E7152E5C6928A702B9D9B3D1D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems_D47EF46B3993CD1FA956702B9D9B474D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_A1CCF88E7152E5C6928A702B9D9B3D1D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_ED7A6A44443C281803A0702B9D9BF983" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems_D47EF46B3993CD1FA956702B9D9B474D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_ED7A6A44443C281803A0702B9D9BF983" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_953D34D1BDD8F1621803702B9D9BBC5D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems_D47EF46B3993CD1FA956702B9D9B474D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_953D34D1BDD8F1621803702B9D9BBC5D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost_E1095ECDE4974D19C0C8702B9D9B9510" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsAndAwardTypesLineItems_D47EF46B3993CD1FA956702B9D9B474D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost_E1095ECDE4974D19C0C8702B9D9B9510" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationOutperformStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_646D404B87A1B9D83EAC702B9D8D735A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7ABD8D5A7C12FBC6513F702B9D8D2DCC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_646D404B87A1B9D83EAC702B9D8D735A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7ABD8D5A7C12FBC6513F702B9D8D2DCC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceMeasurementAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceMeasurementAxis_CD1632EC22E55F025A33702B9D8D9E4D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7ABD8D5A7C12FBC6513F702B9D8D2DCC" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceMeasurementAxis_CD1632EC22E55F025A33702B9D8D9E4D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRangeDomain_617E92A69E89F8C1BEE1702B9D8D9DF7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PerformanceMeasurementAxis_CD1632EC22E55F025A33702B9D8D9E4D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRangeDomain_617E92A69E89F8C1BEE1702B9D8D9DF7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRange1Member_74D96E2BEFB4EBEA1941702B9D8E3247" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRangeDomain_617E92A69E89F8C1BEE1702B9D8D9DF7" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRange1Member_74D96E2BEFB4EBEA1941702B9D8E3247" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceRange2Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRange2Member_A382B25BE93F13558A9B702B9D8EFA56" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRangeDomain_617E92A69E89F8C1BEE1702B9D8D9DF7" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRange2Member_A382B25BE93F13558A9B702B9D8EFA56" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceRange3Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRange3Member_3DD2664A7C031D8C79C8702B9D8EDDF5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRangeDomain_617E92A69E89F8C1BEE1702B9D8D9DF7" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRange3Member_3DD2664A7C031D8C79C8702B9D8EDDF5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_24BBA582FDF4A5DBD6D0702B9D8EC717" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7ABD8D5A7C12FBC6513F702B9D8D2DCC" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_24BBA582FDF4A5DBD6D0702B9D8EC717" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_E167F53593066AA8FCC9702B9D8E8D77" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_24BBA582FDF4A5DBD6D0702B9D8EC717" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_E167F53593066AA8FCC9702B9D8E8D77" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OnOrAfterApril12007Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OnOrAfterApril12007Member_4D0C6213A9D8209524F6702B9D8EBBAA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_E167F53593066AA8FCC9702B9D8E8D77" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OnOrAfterApril12007Member_4D0C6213A9D8209524F6702B9D8EBBAA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2317D6F3D3CCCAFB44EB702B9D8EF8F1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7ABD8D5A7C12FBC6513F702B9D8D2DCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2317D6F3D3CCCAFB44EB702B9D8EF8F1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A167208E5FD7A84E7B7C702B9D8E8A46" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2317D6F3D3CCCAFB44EB702B9D8EF8F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A167208E5FD7A84E7B7C702B9D8E8A46" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_840E1B4856A6BBD7D5CF702B9D8E74B6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A167208E5FD7A84E7B7C702B9D8E8A46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_840E1B4856A6BBD7D5CF702B9D8E74B6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7ABD8D5A7C12FBC6513F702B9D8D2DCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceQualifierToIndexMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceQualifierToIndexMinimum_A81C08FBA060C4F8D8FE702B9D8ECE04" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceQualifierToIndexMinimum_A81C08FBA060C4F8D8FE702B9D8ECE04" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceQualifierToIndexMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceQualifierToIndexMaximum_7B1FB9C7B9F601EE15A5702B9D8F703C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceQualifierToIndexMaximum_7B1FB9C7B9F601EE15A5702B9D8F703C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSuccessMultiplierOfPreMultiplierGain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSuccessMultiplierOfPreMultiplierGain_C32603494F2B7528D322702B9D8F3D13" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSuccessMultiplierOfPreMultiplierGain_C32603494F2B7528D322702B9D8F3D13" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLifeOfAward" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLifeOfAward_B0C711AB3ED993F7BAF0702B9D8F6A0F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLifeOfAward_B0C711AB3ED993F7BAF0702B9D8F6A0F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentVestedAfterThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentVestedAfterThreeYears_7098C2069BCA0FDA2864702B9D8FBB0E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentVestedAfterThreeYears_7098C2069BCA0FDA2864702B9D8FBB0E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_05267B3187D5BE99B7DA702B9D8F7C61" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_05267B3187D5BE99B7DA702B9D8F7C61" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_45DC77E664CD7DFEBFBF702B9D8FEC9F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_45DC77E664CD7DFEBFBF702B9D8FEC9F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_387C8DC34CA10AC1BFAA702B9D8F6972" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_387C8DC34CA10AC1BFAA702B9D8F6972" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_ADF34C56229DC353CC5B702B9D90718D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_ADF34C56229DC353CC5B702B9D90718D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_8316D2DEB3BE8957B442702B9D900293" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_8316D2DEB3BE8957B442702B9D900293" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_9C3718EFF2DEB3404680702B9D90B648" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A4F377EA4EDCBC44848A702B9D8F99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_9C3718EFF2DEB3404680702B9D90B648" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMinimum_CE9689690A1FE0BBDC69702B9D905862" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMinimum_CE9689690A1FE0BBDC69702B9D905862" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMaximum_11228854ED2BF23B7774702B9D90D81F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMaximum_11228854ED2BF23B7774702B9D90D81F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E476923597BF3BF02743702B9D909A70" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E476923597BF3BF02743702B9D909A70" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_2EE7870DAEB92DA9B859702B9D904398" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_2EE7870DAEB92DA9B859702B9D904398" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_584F491C5DBA4784EB60702B9D90EC70" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_584F491C5DBA4784EB60702B9D90EC70" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_EE58364F437C0F5F3818702B9D905D00" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_EE58364F437C0F5F3818702B9D905D00" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_0AD2BDD3E750F43F4345702B9D905920" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_0AD2BDD3E750F43F4345702B9D905920" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_84F841739BD447768D94702B9D90B3CB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_84F841739BD447768D94702B9D90B3CB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_6793C3EAC6D37B12CC6F702B9D90C642" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_6793C3EAC6D37B12CC6F702B9D90C642" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_6256984B38866912398C702B9D90E19E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_6256984B38866912398C702B9D90E19E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_ABDF66E03C3EA76F9762702B9D90B559" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_ABDF66E03C3EA76F9762702B9D90B559" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_8B83076414CF44B45784702B9D91C5A2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_8B83076414CF44B45784702B9D91C5A2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_99659734222826E715DC702B9D9190C7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_99659734222826E715DC702B9D9190C7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_F1C80653B92F0A0893F5702B9D91E82A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_F1C80653B92F0A0893F5702B9D91E82A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExcercisesInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExcercisesInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_A8000652F230E8D9AB82702B9D9160CF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExcercisesInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMinimum_A8000652F230E8D9AB82702B9D9160CF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExcercisesInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExcercisesInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_98B5D8F1E29440AE5898702B9D91D546" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExcercisesInPeriodInitialExercisePriceMaximum_98B5D8F1E29440AE5898702B9D91D546" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1A000DD4D875BF3E1F9B702B9D91AB35" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1A000DD4D875BF3E1F9B702B9D91AB35" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMinimum_D9F5B149F3A5BEE7B12D702B9D91A665" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMinimum_D9F5B149F3A5BEE7B12D702B9D91A665" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMaximum_07AD131AB888EDDD4842702B9D913811" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingInitialExercisePriceMaximum_07AD131AB888EDDD4842702B9D913811" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E26E15550A5F279D77AD702B9D91F667" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_F1379881E25493088135702B9D90AF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E26E15550A5F279D77AD702B9D91F667" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_B96DD0FF44F421B65D90702B9D9262D6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_B96DD0FF44F421B65D90702B9D9262D6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_E12649EB2C71BD5DF144702B9D921066" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D8C321AF318AF9C03F79702B9D8ED377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_E12649EB2C71BD5DF144702B9D921066" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndUnitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_16A43B7D3CB037AB03B8702B9D7D42A6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA3C6632E4D04548ED59702B9D7DBC28" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_16A43B7D3CB037AB03B8702B9D7D42A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA3C6632E4D04548ED59702B9D7DBC28" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_EE6F78CEFFDE1289B570702B9D7D037D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA3C6632E4D04548ED59702B9D7DBC28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_EE6F78CEFFDE1289B570702B9D7D037D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B35C4683E4B8D52BC96B702B9D7D9B6C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_EE6F78CEFFDE1289B570702B9D7D037D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B35C4683E4B8D52BC96B702B9D7D9B6C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_5B20F95E19D6BE60B276702B9D7D466A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B35C4683E4B8D52BC96B702B9D7D9B6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_5B20F95E19D6BE60B276702B9D7D466A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_9643093269CE99359ECD702B9D7DE38F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B35C4683E4B8D52BC96B702B9D7D9B6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_9643093269CE99359ECD702B9D7DE38F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_0D096C1F1493833B063B702B9D7DF604" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA3C6632E4D04548ED59702B9D7DBC28" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_0D096C1F1493833B063B702B9D7DF604" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_F95FED6C1A2D11BC4954702B9D7D58FE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateAxis_0D096C1F1493833B063B702B9D7DF604" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_F95FED6C1A2D11BC4954702B9D7D58FE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SecondanniversaryofgrantdateMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SecondanniversaryofgrantdateMember_123202491BC2377DFFB3702B9D7E0F24" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_F95FED6C1A2D11BC4954702B9D7D58FE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SecondanniversaryofgrantdateMember_123202491BC2377DFFB3702B9D7E0F24" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ThirdanniversaryofgrantdateMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ThirdanniversaryofgrantdateMember_AF0AA82E9E53DA72E8A8702B9D7EE094" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardByDateDomain_F95FED6C1A2D11BC4954702B9D7D58FE" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ThirdanniversaryofgrantdateMember_AF0AA82E9E53DA72E8A8702B9D7EE094" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_D1ECA0C8DF3A293B4FAB702B9D7E2497" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA3C6632E4D04548ED59702B9D7DBC28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_D1ECA0C8DF3A293B4FAB702B9D7E2497" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9ED394E5F74C51159E9F702B9D7E5427" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_D1ECA0C8DF3A293B4FAB702B9D7E2497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9ED394E5F74C51159E9F702B9D7E5427" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitsAndSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitsAndSharesMember_27B58DC98887A6F28A4F702B9D7ECA26" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9ED394E5F74C51159E9F702B9D7E5427" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_RestrictedStockUnitsAndSharesMember_27B58DC98887A6F28A4F702B9D7ECA26" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_35AC213524D013DD3806702B9D7EDFEA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9ED394E5F74C51159E9F702B9D7E5427" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_35AC213524D013DD3806702B9D7EDFEA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DA3C6632E4D04548ED59702B9D7DBC28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLapseOfTransferRestrictionsMinimum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLapseOfTransferRestrictionsMinimum_4B527D0666333B4FFEF6702B9D7E1457" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLapseOfTransferRestrictionsMinimum_4B527D0666333B4FFEF6702B9D7E1457" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLapseOfTransferRestrictionsMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLapseOfTransferRestrictionsMaximum_64F5DA6F4466502CD9E6702B9D7EEB94" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLapseOfTransferRestrictionsMaximum_64F5DA6F4466502CD9E6702B9D7EEB94" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardachievementlevelpercent" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardachievementlevelpercent_C16582797F7AFA07BEFA702B9D7E3CAC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardachievementlevelpercent_C16582797F7AFA07BEFA702B9D7E3CAC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLifeOfAward" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLifeOfAward_3AE8976F8D1A927F5E96702B9D7F0C7E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLifeOfAward_3AE8976F8D1A927F5E96702B9D7F0C7E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_50032E1690CA8A5D80C8702B9D7F1CC3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_50032E1690CA8A5D80C8702B9D7F1CC3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue_C25A7CD52DF0E6740563702B9D7FBF02" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue_C25A7CD52DF0E6740563702B9D7FBF02" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_DFCC61CBDABD3FF0137D702B9D7F6B97" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_DFCC61CBDABD3FF0137D702B9D7F6B97" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_990251B15579B93BE7BD702B9D7F4C53" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_990251B15579B93BE7BD702B9D7F4C53" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_16632AD6F840598AE283702B9D7F9C74" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_16632AD6F840598AE283702B9D7F9C74" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_620BA89978C8C9660849702B9D7F74D2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_620BA89978C8C9660849702B9D7F74D2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_22B867109181D9C1DD2D702B9D80905A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_22B867109181D9C1DD2D702B9D80905A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_28B1F9101617B716534D702B9D806E6D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_28B1F9101617B716534D702B9D806E6D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_FF7CBFBD02752FE15EBD702B9D80E92A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7F8AC715F385FFF74C25702B9D7FBE92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_FF7CBFBD02752FE15EBD702B9D80E92A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E74FAB1B990A243919E2702B9D80CDFD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E74FAB1B990A243919E2702B9D80CDFD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_FBC1FC8F76BF8D1769F8702B9D805EF7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_FBC1FC8F76BF8D1769F8702B9D805EF7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_A5A941F5A28E6408A492702B9D80A4A4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_A5A941F5A28E6408A492702B9D80A4A4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B217CE70F9AD7103493E702B9D803E97" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B217CE70F9AD7103493E702B9D803E97" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_31C5F3DFC73649D2AD55702B9D809435" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_BBA14877CAC2381035D7702B9D806033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_31C5F3DFC73649D2AD55702B9D809435" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_A2F18FEF42F1EDBAF208702B9D8165CE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1A1ABA292022758AEF9C702B9D7E7D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_A2F18FEF42F1EDBAF208702B9D8165CE" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsAndStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_86456248F56BD1B9BE3A702B9D9FD448" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_D72ED6226038F0812480702B9D9F5BA9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_86456248F56BD1B9BE3A702B9D9FD448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_D72ED6226038F0812480702B9D9F5BA9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_20A80ED200B108F13740702B9D9F3FB7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_86456248F56BD1B9BE3A702B9D9FD448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_20A80ED200B108F13740702B9D9F3FB7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_0FD8D51D85822EEC7C22702B9D9F26B0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_86456248F56BD1B9BE3A702B9D9FD448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_0FD8D51D85822EEC7C22702B9D9F26B0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_668CC98DEC4BAB3DB320702B9D9FEBF7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_86456248F56BD1B9BE3A702B9D9FD448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_668CC98DEC4BAB3DB320702B9D9FEBF7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceSharesAwardOutstandingActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceSharesAwardOutstandingActivityTableTextBlock_AE05554C37699A0262ED702B9D9F25F0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_CompensationAndRetirementAndCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureAbstract_86456248F56BD1B9BE3A702B9D9FD448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceSharesAwardOutstandingActivityTableTextBlock_AE05554C37699A0262ED702B9D9F25F0" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomInc" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_D65B2A41450B728491CC7166DE7511B9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_C56EA761AD668EE4AAB77166DE77E77E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_D65B2A41450B728491CC7166DE7511B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_C56EA761AD668EE4AAB77166DE77E77E" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomIncDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_D8EB9D68A752F40CF96F71671CF71F94" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_47FC0A511282882BC38E71671CF75338" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_D8EB9D68A752F40CF96F71671CF71F94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_47FC0A511282882BC38E71671CF75338" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B58D4C764B8D520DF5FC71671CF72025" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_47FC0A511282882BC38E71671CF75338" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B58D4C764B8D520DF5FC71671CF72025" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_101A7F55621BAFB7D50771671CF7A240" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B58D4C764B8D520DF5FC71671CF72025" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_101A7F55621BAFB7D50771671CF7A240" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_E6232E0144A589DB9C0371671CF8978A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_101A7F55621BAFB7D50771671CF7A240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_E6232E0144A589DB9C0371671CF8978A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_92BE2AA47451E8C7985F71671CF82650" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_47FC0A511282882BC38E71671CF75338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_92BE2AA47451E8C7985F71671CF82650" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6BF19E8B96D96151E88771671CF8A5A3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_92BE2AA47451E8C7985F71671CF82650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6BF19E8B96D96151E88771671CF8A5A3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_4FB288A9686D1348A12B71671CF81250" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_47FC0A511282882BC38E71671CF75338" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_4FB288A9686D1348A12B71671CF81250" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1A0633431FD9FAAB024F71671CF8B2F1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_4FB288A9686D1348A12B71671CF81250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1A0633431FD9FAAB024F71671CF8B2F1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember_F0744FC5139CEA8C096471671CF8D4D8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1A0633431FD9FAAB024F71671CF8B2F1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember_F0744FC5139CEA8C096471671CF8D4D8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member_1124DCF84BCCE6F2C2F771671CF84151" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1A0633431FD9FAAB024F71671CF8B2F1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member_1124DCF84BCCE6F2C2F771671CF84151" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionContingentConsiderationTable_47FC0A511282882BC38E71671CF75338" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_592F92BF88C28A3C031C71671CFD5E2E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_592F92BF88C28A3C031C71671CFD5E2E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Stockconsiderationshares" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Stockconsiderationshares_64AEADABA94CEC56EBCA71671CFDA497" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Stockconsiderationshares_64AEADABA94CEC56EBCA71671CFDA497" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Businessacquisitioncashconsiderationpershare" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Businessacquisitioncashconsiderationpershare_10D9B4AC362A96353D9471671CFD2D71" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Businessacquisitioncashconsiderationpershare_10D9B4AC362A96353D9471671CFD2D71" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_371BBCDAA99C5D59281371671CFE2851" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_371BBCDAA99C5D59281371671CFE2851" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_0BAF830E05ABDBD4B38F71671CFEF55A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_0BAF830E05ABDBD4B38F71671CFEF55A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B84EDA07B4DE580CD7C471671CFEB866" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B84EDA07B4DE580CD7C471671CFEB866" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_45FE99C853ECB024BC1171671CFEE245" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_45FE99C853ECB024BC1171671CFEE245" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_1F9F826760ABA350957D71671CFE62F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_1F9F826760ABA350957D71671CFE62F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BusinessAcquisitionDebtAssumed" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BusinessAcquisitionDebtAssumed_5ED90C312EE480BB94C771671CFEB851" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BusinessAcquisitionDebtAssumed_5ED90C312EE480BB94C771671CFEB851" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Businesscombinationdebtpremiumsincurred" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Businesscombinationdebtpremiumsincurred_213F8FD22A29EF9EBF6A71671CFE5875" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Businesscombinationdebtpremiumsincurred_213F8FD22A29EF9EBF6A71671CFE5875" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice_2CADF3375410F8C5637371671CFEC8ED" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice_2CADF3375410F8C5637371671CFEC8ED" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation_C674FAD9916D6DDF6A7A71671CFE4E63" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation_C674FAD9916D6DDF6A7A71671CFE4E63" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_EA4F53EBF96593E4E48A71671CFE71CA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_EA4F53EBF96593E4E48A71671CFE71CA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_2D7DB484720639A6438071671CFE6A73" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_2D7DB484720639A6438071671CFE6A73" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_B90369D8A43C5EAB025F71671CFE46CE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_B90369D8A43C5EAB025F71671CFE46CE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_BF229CF68903E96770F071671CFE48B4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_BF229CF68903E96770F071671CFE48B4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_EADEFC55F50382CF293971671CFE65DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_EADEFC55F50382CF293971671CFE65DE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_0173A98AD9A3CF8B3CDD71671CFEB361" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_0173A98AD9A3CF8B3CDD71671CFEB361" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_73174049BC2201407C4071671CFECDD4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_73174049BC2201407C4071671CFECDD4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_51ADE2456E0BF55F435F71671CFE60B5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_51ADE2456E0BF55F435F71671CFE60B5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue_AABB58E77F78D67D7E5D71671CFF63F4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue_AABB58E77F78D67D7E5D71671CFF63F4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_86FEDC2B80B9B7D1A48B71671CFF803C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_86FEDC2B80B9B7D1A48B71671CFF803C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_832FC4DAECA57BAC040371671CFF893B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_832FC4DAECA57BAC040371671CFF893B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BusinessCombinationEstimatedTransactionConsideration" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BusinessCombinationEstimatedTransactionConsideration_ADCB3E00414751E80D0B71671CFF9199" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_4787EBCABC2E5DCACB0E71671CFEDE24" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BusinessCombinationEstimatedTransactionConsideration_ADCB3E00414751E80D0B71671CFF9199" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Purchasepriceallocationadjustment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Purchasepriceallocationadjustment_B9A584E908F75766E3A971671CFFF380" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Purchasepriceallocationadjustment_B9A584E908F75766E3A971671CFFF380" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_2C0ED17FA46C438BAA4671671CFFF1ED" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_2C0ED17FA46C438BAA4671671CFFF1ED" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_DD87980786CF0E89D2AF71671CFF65AC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_2C0ED17FA46C438BAA4671671CFFF1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_DD87980786CF0E89D2AF71671CFF65AC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_90AF36F875504351A40571671CFFB17F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_2C0ED17FA46C438BAA4671671CFFF1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_90AF36F875504351A40571671CFFB17F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_B34EB465D699FEE95A8671671CFF7500" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_2C0ED17FA46C438BAA4671671CFFF1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_B34EB465D699FEE95A8671671CFF7500" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_97C1228F9D540F7F8D8471671CFF8BC0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_2C0ED17FA46C438BAA4671671CFFF1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_97C1228F9D540F7F8D8471671CFF8BC0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts_5D4DDA46A340B9E9969F71671CFFEE8D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_PendingAcquisitionLineItems_0AF9E7118D8D89A8B1A871671CF8740B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCosts_5D4DDA46A340B9E9969F71671CFFEE8D" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/EventsAssociatedWithAcquisitionOfTwTelecomIncTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_6F71A336D5EA3DF8A07371671D0723C2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_134D601FF2F5FA79AE4471671D077B83" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_6F71A336D5EA3DF8A07371671D0723C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_134D601FF2F5FA79AE4471671D077B83" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_3835DF1939CB09C4904471671D07048D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_6F71A336D5EA3DF8A07371671D0723C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_3835DF1939CB09C4904471671D07048D" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D264669380FCEF7808A73845C80F2169" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_74660CF0ACD9FD36B4153845C810302F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D264669380FCEF7808A73845C80F2169" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_74660CF0ACD9FD36B4153845C810302F" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesRecurringDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D4806F266C70045E5E81663FF9AC7526" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D4806F266C70045E5E81663FF9AC7526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BC4500C56D40EB9EA50F6657CD13EF6A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BC4500C56D40EB9EA50F6657CD13EF6A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A890FAB904984608EAF56657CD1BC488" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_BC4500C56D40EB9EA50F6657CD13EF6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A890FAB904984608EAF56657CD1BC488" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_6238577B5CECE6BDB0326657FF028577" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A890FAB904984608EAF56657CD1BC488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_6238577B5CECE6BDB0326657FF028577" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D92F1E9AF151B8E9E92D66564ACF6683" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D92F1E9AF151B8E9E92D66564ACF6683" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19D3B00214D7E9E7CD3366564AD0C6AF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D92F1E9AF151B8E9E92D66564ACF6683" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19D3B00214D7E9E7CD3366564AD0C6AF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_384DFAF2FE7B306713D766564B7B7545" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19D3B00214D7E9E7CD3366564AD0C6AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_384DFAF2FE7B306713D766564B7B7545" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_23BBBE3EB26F249622436655847DBEDE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_23BBBE3EB26F249622436655847DBEDE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CD82F620EE5ABC560F356655847E586F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_23BBBE3EB26F249622436655847DBEDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CD82F620EE5ABC560F356655847E586F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember_106E7C36C2B4666C67CD66564C93DD7B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CD82F620EE5ABC560F356655847E586F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember_106E7C36C2B4666C67CD66564C93DD7B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember_57A288C66BA07D2ADC7E66564EEE2704" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CD82F620EE5ABC560F356655847E586F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember_57A288C66BA07D2ADC7E66564EEE2704" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember_75158FB7BE17E9CD167C6656506C1E92" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CD82F620EE5ABC560F356655847E586F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember_75158FB7BE17E9CD167C6656506C1E92" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member_E8730874AA4BAB1AD5E5665584A22BF8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CD82F620EE5ABC560F356655847E586F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member_E8730874AA4BAB1AD5E5665584A22BF8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5F582196BF7E198199BC663FF9AC7B3C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5F582196BF7E198199BC663FF9AC7B3C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_50DAF992881FA619E262663FF9AC747B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5F582196BF7E198199BC663FF9AC7B3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_50DAF992881FA619E262663FF9AC747B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_9C1A4F12727F63EE0DAF663FF9AC8897" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_50DAF992881FA619E262663FF9AC747B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_9C1A4F12727F63EE0DAF663FF9AC8897" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01675C662A43A2D13AD0663FF9AC8C20" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01675C662A43A2D13AD0663FF9AC8C20" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_731AC8C4196D9A558C16663FF9AC63FA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01675C662A43A2D13AD0663FF9AC8C20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_731AC8C4196D9A558C16663FF9AC63FA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_0500CC828E463306F2A8663FF9AD1566" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_731AC8C4196D9A558C16663FF9AC63FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_0500CC828E463306F2A8663FF9AD1566" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_F8C89F576D3691D9502F663FF9ADA1DC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_731AC8C4196D9A558C16663FF9AC63FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_F8C89F576D3691D9502F663FF9ADA1DC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1E07F5E664EC7941EC10663FF9AD2F01" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1E07F5E664EC7941EC10663FF9AD2F01" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_400B77A1815D735CA0A2663FF9ADD8DC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1E07F5E664EC7941EC10663FF9AD2F01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_400B77A1815D735CA0A2663FF9ADD8DC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_BE04810093F0854B9D96663FF9AD9A74" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_400B77A1815D735CA0A2663FF9ADD8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_BE04810093F0854B9D96663FF9AD9A74" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_CDA612E64B3A55C0E2E5663FF9ADCBD8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_BE04810093F0854B9D96663FF9AD9A74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_CDA612E64B3A55C0E2E5663FF9ADCBD8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B7DFA73C5F066470AC21663FF9AC0506" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B93F83E5564392D61A406659BC5472EE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B93F83E5564392D61A406659BC5472EE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure_1BDC288161CEDA3D1186663FF9AE5EE2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure_1BDC288161CEDA3D1186663FF9AE5EE2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure_2950E62912AA4C3BCEFE663FF9AEB1EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure_2950E62912AA4C3BCEFE663FF9AEB1EA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CapitalLeaseObligationsAndOtherBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CapitalLeaseObligationsAndOtherBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure_28C02FA4DF64CCD22BC3663FF9AE0321" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CapitalLeaseObligationsAndOtherBorrowingsFairValueDisclosure_28C02FA4DF64CCD22BC3663FF9AE0321" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_8DB90399C76C10B85A45663FF9AE3EE3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0062F869A4F76C7B3BC2663FF9AE0C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_8DB90399C76C10B85A45663FF9AE3EE3" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_7BF935BE260D8B10E4513845C99A04E7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_76D6ACB211CF498C58ED3845C99AA55B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_7BF935BE260D8B10E4513845C99A04E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_76D6ACB211CF498C58ED3845C99AA55B" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_0B51D99BA06AE5E6DEFF3845C80C2C95" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_3E4D2581CFACCD53AB933845C80CF66B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_0B51D99BA06AE5E6DEFF3845C80C2C95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_3E4D2581CFACCD53AB933845C80CF66B" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_98C73B50331779ACC9F4702B9D0858FD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTable_54BEC963B1B8F595B31F702B9D086BE6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_98C73B50331779ACC9F4702B9D0858FD" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTable_54BEC963B1B8F595B31F702B9D086BE6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_950D117B3C6F44C4FEFF702B9D086197" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTable_54BEC963B1B8F595B31F702B9D086BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_950D117B3C6F44C4FEFF702B9D086197" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_B3DF4FCA178B280B9BE9702B9D081CB4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionAxis_950D117B3C6F44C4FEFF702B9D086197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_B3DF4FCA178B280B9BE9702B9D081CB4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicDistributionForeignMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionForeignMember_C5C6C5022256BA503AAC702B9D08D343" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionDomain_B3DF4FCA178B280B9BE9702B9D081CB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicDistributionForeignMember_C5C6C5022256BA503AAC702B9D08D343" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F14C7E94302CAE088E702B9D09354C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTable_54BEC963B1B8F595B31F702B9D086BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F14C7E94302CAE088E702B9D09354C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_06493420FAA28448B0FA702B9D095C09" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F14C7E94302CAE088E702B9D09354C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_06493420FAA28448B0FA702B9D095C09" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_BEF6AC3B65787074DFE1702B9D099C15" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_06493420FAA28448B0FA702B9D095C09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_BEF6AC3B65787074DFE1702B9D099C15" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems_092EA94FF8091BA88B83702B9D09DB71" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesTable_54BEC963B1B8F595B31F702B9D086BE6" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems_092EA94FF8091BA88B83702B9D09DB71" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_280DAEBC0E2CA58269A670AF6FE2216A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems_092EA94FF8091BA88B83702B9D09DB71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_280DAEBC0E2CA58269A670AF6FE2216A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit_C6E0A0DA2C655EE34650702B9D09263F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems_092EA94FF8091BA88B83702B9D09DB71" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit_C6E0A0DA2C655EE34650702B9D09263F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems_092EA94FF8091BA88B83702B9D09DB71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome_2042DFC4FC6F1BE48FE1702B9D0AB912" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome_2042DFC4FC6F1BE48FE1702B9D0AB912" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_393B290169D0155195DC702B9D0ACAA9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_393B290169D0155195DC702B9D0ACAA9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndFixedAssets" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndFixedAssets_894E175F85A03CC5738F702B9D0A368C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndFixedAssets_894E175F85A03CC5738F702B9D0A368C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_3A4EEF304BFBF35AE40B702B9D0A0BD6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_3A4EEF304BFBF35AE40B702B9D0A0BD6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_425AFF1FCCDA43EF9C70702B9D0A74F0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossAbstract_245A24B6EA1BEDAAD5D9702B9D0984A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_425AFF1FCCDA43EF9C70702B9D0A74F0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome_6BC0D2AAB66D29548013702B9D0A79B7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome_6BC0D2AAB66D29548013702B9D0A79B7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndFixedAssets" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndFixedAssets_944B68E77AF6A83A806F702B9D0ACF19" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndFixedAssets_944B68E77AF6A83A806F702B9D0ACF19" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_5A18BCB7A1CA61BFB7AA702B9D0A63B0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_5A18BCB7A1CA61BFB7AA702B9D0A63B0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther_19B29A54D39B799187CB702B9D0A7695" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther_19B29A54D39B799187CB702B9D0A7695" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_23AED2246F48AD4D3324702B9D0BC796" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_0862296F43D3E1966563702B9D0AB93B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_23AED2246F48AD4D3324702B9D0BC796" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesGross" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesGross_B04B3277AF7BC533218C702B9D0B7BB4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesGross_B04B3277AF7BC533218C702B9D0B7BB4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_B225DE896AE772087EEA702B9D0BDEE3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_B225DE896AE772087EEA702B9D0BDEE3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DeferredtaxassetsLiabilitiesnetofvaluationallowance" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DeferredtaxassetsLiabilitiesnetofvaluationallowance_96CAD7834C66873AFDD4702B9D0BF87A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetAbstract_B777B78198D864F9FC4F702B9D093916" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DeferredtaxassetsLiabilitiesnetofvaluationallowance_96CAD7834C66873AFDD4702B9D0BF87A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_B03B4223B1E5F36E2CE0702B9D0BEE43" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesLineItems_092EA94FF8091BA88B83702B9D09DB71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_B03B4223B1E5F36E2CE0702B9D0BEE43" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeLossByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_591627F924EC2D6F14243845C96D31BF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic_5EB32CDD312B7A8F4B5B3845C96D0248" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_591627F924EC2D6F14243845C96D31BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic_5EB32CDD312B7A8F4B5B3845C96D0248" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign_632B3E9B465E6ED7E6EB3845C96D8882" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_591627F924EC2D6F14243845C96D31BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign_632B3E9B465E6ED7E6EB3845C96D8882" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_84C828A50686890654343845C96D87F1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_591627F924EC2D6F14243845C96D31BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_84C828A50686890654343845C96D87F1" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitByCurrentAndDeferredDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_73C2CD0AED9D28C450053845C8E8E787" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_A784FE55D4533DB4485C3845C8E8E68B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_73C2CD0AED9D28C450053845C8E8E787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_A784FE55D4533DB4485C3845C8E8E68B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_2353457E15754FE4D01A3845C8E8D0EF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_A784FE55D4533DB4485C3845C8E8E68B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_2353457E15754FE4D01A3845C8E8D0EF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_7150B97E2C8FCD43AE3C3845C8E82088" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_A784FE55D4533DB4485C3845C8E8E68B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_7150B97E2C8FCD43AE3C3845C8E82088" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit_34132A855FAAC93541053845C8E84A1B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_A784FE55D4533DB4485C3845C8E8E68B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit_34132A855FAAC93541053845C8E84A1B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_8CDD8B9F722950BF90723845C8E852B3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_A784FE55D4533DB4485C3845C8E8E68B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_8CDD8B9F722950BF90723845C8E852B3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_EADBB184A882DBD1A6773845C8E8767F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_73C2CD0AED9D28C450053845C8E8E787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_EADBB184A882DBD1A6773845C8E8767F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A92AB2E221EF625EFC383845C8E9982F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_EADBB184A882DBD1A6773845C8E8767F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A92AB2E221EF625EFC383845C8E9982F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A47B0B4B3829F5EF53CF3845C8E99341" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_EADBB184A882DBD1A6773845C8E8767F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A47B0B4B3829F5EF53CF3845C8E99341" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A5B9C7DEB184C9CF569E3845C8E9FF67" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_EADBB184A882DBD1A6773845C8E8767F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A5B9C7DEB184C9CF569E3845C8E9FF67" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_03A173982C56BD472B773845C8E9A27E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_73C2CD0AED9D28C450053845C8E8E787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_03A173982C56BD472B773845C8E9A27E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A963D5C53FC27F68B7863845C8E93662" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_73C2CD0AED9D28C450053845C8E8E787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A963D5C53FC27F68B7863845C8E93662" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryforwardDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_FAD35E513EA212061FBD702B9CFAD70D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_1F98A56DD7A64059661A702B9CFA7157" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_FAD35E513EA212061FBD702B9CFAD70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_1F98A56DD7A64059661A702B9CFA7157" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_109B18609F5058BA2C1E702B9CFADD90" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_1F98A56DD7A64059661A702B9CFA7157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_109B18609F5058BA2C1E702B9CFADD90" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_48667B00BDF46234B239702B9CFAA66E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_109B18609F5058BA2C1E702B9CFADD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_48667B00BDF46234B239702B9CFAA66E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_077B7025CD7864555E3C702B9CFA3CA9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_48667B00BDF46234B239702B9CFAA66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_077B7025CD7864555E3C702B9CFA3CA9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_1238736168FD9FB94229702B9CFA1677" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_48667B00BDF46234B239702B9CFAA66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_1238736168FD9FB94229702B9CFA1677" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_52CDF4EA4CE146B1811D702B9CFBE9EB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_48667B00BDF46234B239702B9CFAA66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_52CDF4EA4CE146B1811D702B9CFBE9EB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationAxis_C512BB04500D60FF50D2702B9CFB7745" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_1F98A56DD7A64059661A702B9CFA7157" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationAxis_C512BB04500D60FF50D2702B9CFB7745" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationAxis_C512BB04500D60FF50D2702B9CFB7745" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2022Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2022Member_F7AC4106032AC1414889702B9CFB3822" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2022Member_F7AC4106032AC1414889702B9CFB3822" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2023Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2023Member_273BA891236C92D0DB7B702B9CFB8DAC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2023Member_273BA891236C92D0DB7B702B9CFB8DAC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2024Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2024Member_691C56A7C98F7C97B41A702B9CFCE832" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2024Member_691C56A7C98F7C97B41A702B9CFCE832" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2025Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2025Member_6F98546316D72D2AAAAA702B9CFC2D69" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2025Member_6F98546316D72D2AAAAA702B9CFC2D69" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2026Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2026Member_A59BDEE465A010135E96702B9CFC28F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2026Member_A59BDEE465A010135E96702B9CFC28F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2027Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2027Member_DBFB25637680C2FE739D702B9CFC38CF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2027Member_DBFB25637680C2FE739D702B9CFC38CF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2028Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2028Member_E1F0716EE749A5D9388A702B9CFC6214" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2028Member_E1F0716EE749A5D9388A702B9CFC6214" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2029Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2029Member_82EBF704F1AEBB81A746702B9CFC85DB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2029Member_82EBF704F1AEBB81A746702B9CFC85DB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2030Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2030Member_83D9252D6D69B14065F9702B9CFCB7A4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2030Member_83D9252D6D69B14065F9702B9CFCB7A4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2031Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2031Member_F24DDC0D0B2FE374FE61702B9CFCF6E3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2031Member_F24DDC0D0B2FE374FE61702B9CFCF6E3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2032Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2032Member_7E12A3B227EABBFC2451702B9CFC4922" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2032Member_7E12A3B227EABBFC2451702B9CFC4922" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2033MemberMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2033MemberMember_3C8A1279CFE74328969E702B9CFD14CE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardByExpirationDomain_E65B690504F3D4AEDEE5702B9CFB41BA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossExpiring2033MemberMember_3C8A1279CFE74328969E702B9CFD14CE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_1F98A56DD7A64059661A702B9CFA7157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_E33B7A531CBB46A19D0D702B9CFD6A76" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_E33B7A531CBB46A19D0D702B9CFD6A76" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Percentagechangeinacumulativeownershipshift" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Percentagechangeinacumulativeownershipshift_BE63BDEBF8B522C364F4702B9CFD8540" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Percentagechangeinacumulativeownershipshift_BE63BDEBF8B522C364F4702B9CFD8540" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Percentofstockholders" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Percentofstockholders_34DCFCD6C9BC6F4086A5702B9CFD59BF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Percentofstockholders_34DCFCD6C9BC6F4086A5702B9CFD59BF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardDisregardedForDomesticCountryTaxPurposes" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardDisregardedForDomesticCountryTaxPurposes_2FD8FCFCFD6815DF4DED702B9CFD814F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingLossCarryforwardDisregardedForDomesticCountryTaxPurposes_2FD8FCFCFD6815DF4DED702B9CFD814F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit_A3B65F0BE9CAB872C198702B9CFD2200" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit_A3B65F0BE9CAB872C198702B9CFD2200" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4D3CAFB3BF6406656672702B9CFE41C9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4D3CAFB3BF6406656672702B9CFE41C9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationSharebasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationSharebasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount_E0D1579D9320E78066B970A18387DB9B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationSharebasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount_E0D1579D9320E78066B970A18387DB9B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_750BA4226FFFD37F5E64702B9CFE9834" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_7A2AC98B76056D95C5AF702B9CFDE6C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_750BA4226FFFD37F5E64702B9CFE9834" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_D7AFE9833E8E5CC988A7663FD9F02C29" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxReconciliationTable_4E9B9BBE0E5F5EC4B245663FD9F0AE59" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_D7AFE9833E8E5CC988A7663FD9F02C29" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxReconciliationTable_4E9B9BBE0E5F5EC4B245663FD9F0AE59" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_55AC10341AD70C356657663FD9F0B0BB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxReconciliationTable_4E9B9BBE0E5F5EC4B245663FD9F0AE59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_55AC10341AD70C356657663FD9F0B0BB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_D643D6045D45E15149DE663FD9F086FA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_55AC10341AD70C356657663FD9F0B0BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_D643D6045D45E15149DE663FD9F086FA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationLineItems_7EBE6B7735A4830788B1663FD9F0263B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxReconciliationTable_4E9B9BBE0E5F5EC4B245663FD9F0AE59" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationLineItems_7EBE6B7735A4830788B1663FD9F0263B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_72A6080677CC44BD007F663FD9F1C2A7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationLineItems_7EBE6B7735A4830788B1663FD9F0263B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_72A6080677CC44BD007F663FD9F1C2A7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationLineItems_7EBE6B7735A4830788B1663FD9F0263B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_8CAC8878C0C03BF7DD4C663FD9F190B0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_8CAC8878C0C03BF7DD4C663FD9F190B0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_4069C499C82130E2FB36663FDB446674" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_4069C499C82130E2FB36663FDB446674" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential_633B6967BE165B197032663FD9F18296" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential_633B6967BE165B197032663FD9F18296" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3E3830DBAD85AE8D97BF663FD9F1EFE9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3E3830DBAD85AE8D97BF663FD9F1EFE9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseDisallowedInterest" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseDisallowedInterest_950B1DE4E73B3CD7194C663FD9F14BB0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseDisallowedInterest_950B1DE4E73B3CD7194C663FD9F14BB0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseDeconsolidationLoss" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseDeconsolidationLoss_6DFF91F8EBB01BE7ABBD663FD9F1DDAB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseDeconsolidationLoss_6DFF91F8EBB01BE7ABBD663FD9F1DDAB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOtherPermanentItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOtherPermanentItems_056E1983398D2D88E33A663FD9F19214" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PermanentItemsIncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOtherPermanentItems_056E1983398D2D88E33A663FD9F19214" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_3689B5FE00B884ABAD7366410DC1C5C8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_3689B5FE00B884ABAD7366410DC1C5C8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFederalLawChanges" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFederalLawChanges_4166E1A3E6CC980F4B65664477FFB8E6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFederalLawChanges_4166E1A3E6CC980F4B65664477FFB8E6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationIndefiniteLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationIndefiniteLivedAssets_EC699E988036C4DA47B4663FD9F1A1FD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_IncomeTaxReconciliationIndefiniteLivedAssets_EC699E988036C4DA47B4663FD9F1A1FD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies_2E539CEDBC61BA3EE5B8663FD9F19D88" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingencies_2E539CEDBC61BA3EE5B8663FD9F19D88" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_9EB6E2E8FB3D380A5000663FD9F10516" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_9EB6E2E8FB3D380A5000663FD9F10516" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_4452FBFC2F2F331779FB663FD9F118CF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_4452FBFC2F2F331779FB663FD9F118CF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ABBB87A671D81F420A28663FD9F26BFB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_D4767F36CB2B253D917E663FD9F1367D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_ABBB87A671D81F420A28663FD9F26BFB" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_98052F610FC29260E5553845C7E84134" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_98052F610FC29260E5553845C7E84134" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock_14FC9296A924B090EB6E3845C7E8CBF7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock_14FC9296A924B090EB6E3845C7E8CBF7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_2E564E5C33E79C92953B3845C7E872CB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_2E564E5C33E79C92953B3845C7E872CB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_DD7AAD8EF93972FD77673845C7E8E89E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_DD7AAD8EF93972FD77673845C7E8E89E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTextBlock_9E3FA126F62CC90311B23845C7E9E81B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTextBlock_9E3FA126F62CC90311B23845C7E9E81B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock_245BF21FED7FE753D72F3845C7E9F12A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_34145FA04866B01C2A633845C7E82B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock_245BF21FED7FE753D72F3845C7E9F12A" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFederalLawChanges" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFederalLawChanges_A1FF2F467F81A4F32DAC70858E171063" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationFederalLawChanges_A1FF2F467F81A4F32DAC70858E171063" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_D09420B4924441913C1C702B9CEB9B28" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_D09420B4924441913C1C702B9CEB9B28" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_58F32D0675266CED11E9702B9CEBF709" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_58F32D0675266CED11E9702B9CEBF709" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_UnrecognizedtaxbenefitsincreasefromprioryearspositionsnettedagainstDTA" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_UnrecognizedtaxbenefitsincreasefromprioryearspositionsnettedagainstDTA_67F29FDB4ABDF4EA7942702B9CEB5A6B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_UnrecognizedtaxbenefitsincreasefromprioryearspositionsnettedagainstDTA_67F29FDB4ABDF4EA7942702B9CEB5A6B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_FDA12EBC5FB42DB440CF702B9CEB148C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_FDA12EBC5FB42DB440CF702B9CEB148C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_E4051075BEA025788523702B9CEB8C67" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_E4051075BEA025788523702B9CEB8C67" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_D209FE8E1519EE9951EA702B9CEBC74A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_D209FE8E1519EE9951EA702B9CEBC74A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromLapseOfStatueOfLimitations" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromLapseOfStatueOfLimitations_69E12D89CCB2A03C7497702B9CEB811F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromLapseOfStatueOfLimitations_69E12D89CCB2A03C7497702B9CEB811F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities_A1D6DB5DF18845B14CD0702B9CEBBACD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities_A1D6DB5DF18845B14CD0702B9CEBBACD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_3095D3C14BD4D5F79C6D702B9CEB186C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_D1137A7668BC6237C279702B9CEB7098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_3095D3C14BD4D5F79C6D702B9CEB186C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_E8E23835858CCB8316AC702B9CEB3DED" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_E8E23835858CCB8316AC702B9CEB3DED" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesExpense_DAF1BADE21A5064CC86A702B9CECD5AD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesExpense_DAF1BADE21A5064CC86A702B9CECD5AD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_95CF1E7B693CCEEEDB63702B9CEC4DF5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1F0601BCD18427EC189D702B9CEA5BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_95CF1E7B693CCEEEDB63702B9CEC4DF5" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_3874182389C9884BC4C23845C925E5B4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseTextBlock_125853DE2ECD09F282C33845C925BD1A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_3874182389C9884BC4C23845C925E5B4" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseTextBlock_125853DE2ECD09F282C33845C925BD1A" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_99BD41BD70ADC2D68502663FF99E4493" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_99BD41BD70ADC2D68502663FF99E4493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3BD39456BA59C150E9C8663FF99E6008" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3BD39456BA59C150E9C8663FF99E6008" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7D08175D6733F23EF2B7663FF99EB32D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3BD39456BA59C150E9C8663FF99E6008" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7D08175D6733F23EF2B7663FF99EB32D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_316A84061091FF811CFB663FF99E8CA5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7D08175D6733F23EF2B7663FF99EB32D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_316A84061091FF811CFB663FF99E8CA5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_16E9B0E7786BDFB62395663FF99F27A8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7D08175D6733F23EF2B7663FF99EB32D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_16E9B0E7786BDFB62395663FF99F27A8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_0B7C1235BDBAA1A0A47B663FF99FF3D0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_0B7C1235BDBAA1A0A47B663FF99FF3D0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_39270C78EBFBA48262D3663FF99F593B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_0B7C1235BDBAA1A0A47B663FF99FF3D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_39270C78EBFBA48262D3663FF99F593B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_490D15CCA0BD63E51AB2663FF99F7580" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_39270C78EBFBA48262D3663FF99F593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_490D15CCA0BD63E51AB2663FF99F7580" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FF0A36A2398CB98229EE663FF99F721D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FF0A36A2398CB98229EE663FF99F721D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0122D0D57CB54B39E8ED663FF99F7E7A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FF0A36A2398CB98229EE663FF99F721D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0122D0D57CB54B39E8ED663FF99F7E7A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Level3FinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_7FD1D93A97C95B7D931B663FF99F8508" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0122D0D57CB54B39E8ED663FF99F7E7A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_7FD1D93A97C95B7D931B663FF99F8508" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_E3626342E640D4ABA7E7663FF99F5A4E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0122D0D57CB54B39E8ED663FF99F7E7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_E3626342E640D4ABA7E7663FF99F5A4E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_2C638792B4BC50B015C6663FF99F5975" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0122D0D57CB54B39E8ED663FF99F7E7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_2C638792B4BC50B015C6663FF99F5975" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_291B65B64C69FA809E4E663FF99FF934" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_291B65B64C69FA809E4E663FF99FF934" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_291B65B64C69FA809E4E663FF99FF934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember_348E945E23ED0062C3C4663FF9A0CFEF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember_348E945E23ED0062C3C4663FF9A0CFEF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember_AC90B12876E0426A3206663FF9A04CB9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember_AC90B12876E0426A3206663FF9A04CB9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember_9C97872861621ABA05BF663FF9A01542" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember_9C97872861621ABA05BF663FF9A01542" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member_6AB83A929BC858EFB461663FF9A05F91" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member_6AB83A929BC858EFB461663FF9A05F91" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member_DD201D9FD55E2663361D663FF9A05C85" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member_DD201D9FD55E2663361D663FF9A05C85" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes6Point125PercentDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes6Point125PercentDue2021Member_377C30EB869C4BC0C295663FF9A0AFFF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes6Point125PercentDue2021Member_377C30EB869C4BC0C295663FF9A0AFFF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member_8CF55C514C999D36E2B8663FF9A0D92D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member_8CF55C514C999D36E2B8663FF9A0D92D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member_6998B44BF43A429C1AC7663FF9A0795C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member_6998B44BF43A429C1AC7663FF9A0795C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point125PercentDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point125PercentDue2023Member_34D7477DAF52ED00DDE6663FF9A03B38" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point125PercentDue2023Member_34D7477DAF52ED00DDE6663FF9A03B38" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2025Member_0FF39E75B72A63FCCC88663FF9A10028" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2025Member_0FF39E75B72A63FCCC88663FF9A10028" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2024Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2024Member_AAFA0C856F14F22BED29663FF9A17601" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2024Member_AAFA0C856F14F22BED29663FF9A17601" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member_0F144146343FB9C1E056663FF9A164DC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member_0F144146343FB9C1E056663FF9A164DC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point75PercentDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point75PercentDue2022Member_83AFAED1ECC178713138663FF9A1DC8B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point75PercentDue2022Member_83AFAED1ECC178713138663FF9A1DC8B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_F0862EE5AEA9379887F7663FF9A13357" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_F0862EE5AEA9379887F7663FF9A13357" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBIII2019andTrancheB2020TermLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019andTrancheB2020TermLoansMember_48F2B4B7D1E33CB49224663FF9A1F04E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019andTrancheB2020TermLoansMember_48F2B4B7D1E33CB49224663FF9A1F04E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TrancheB2020andTrancheB2022TermLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TrancheB2020andTrancheB2022TermLoansMember_921D1214E5241EABE8FE663FF9A1D0CA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_03B2032567255F9FA428663FF99F8BF9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TrancheB2020andTrancheB2022TermLoansMember_921D1214E5241EABE8FE663FF9A1D0CA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82645D9B45872CCE37D5663FF99E2CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms_1DD7C8A3798BC4586F80663FF9A1331E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms_1DD7C8A3798BC4586F80663FF9A1331E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_2A1132A8F44A50B31304663FF9A11D19" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_2A1132A8F44A50B31304663FF9A11D19" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_1F04848B1C7F12AFF51F663FF9A27F92" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_1F04848B1C7F12AFF51F663FF9A27F92" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_56152DBD3CA5A7B10B92663FF9A2C827" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_56152DBD3CA5A7B10B92663FF9A2C827" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_DF35D95884E913D80E8E664DEF39031B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_DF35D95884E913D80E8E664DEF39031B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_8CF9B2E1853406AA8219663FF9A24651" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_8CF9B2E1853406AA8219663FF9A24651" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_780369F667D23E990A3D663FF9A2A35A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_780369F667D23E990A3D663FF9A2A35A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_46567F4897915AE1DE9A663FF9A28829" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A6777756AC1404FF5FD0663FF9A1EA68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_46567F4897915AE1DE9A663FF9A28829" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_EE98443912DD86CB53136328261B52A9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_2C5EBCC84FB4A43DC6D06328261D195B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_EE98443912DD86CB53136328261B52A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_2C5EBCC84FB4A43DC6D06328261D195B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsTableTextBlock_B954288E5B244A3EF3186328261D29F8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_EE98443912DD86CB53136328261B52A9" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsTableTextBlock_B954288E5B244A3EF3186328261D29F8" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/LongTermDebtTextualsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_6B8ABB43CCDF139B519D702B9DBDE781" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_6B8ABB43CCDF139B519D702B9DBDE781" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4B839F072FE78E29C272702B9DBD7682" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4B839F072FE78E29C272702B9DBD7682" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_CAE9CDFC9079F33E04BC702B9DBD110A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4B839F072FE78E29C272702B9DBD7682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_CAE9CDFC9079F33E04BC702B9DBD110A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_71F9BE2ABF7FFAEA4940702B9DBD219D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_CAE9CDFC9079F33E04BC702B9DBD110A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_71F9BE2ABF7FFAEA4940702B9DBD219D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B0370DE3359C124A19A1702B9DBEF272" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B0370DE3359C124A19A1702B9DBEF272" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B0370DE3359C124A19A1702B9DBEF272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember_276E15BCDE120B8118B4702B9DBEF343" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_A2.0BillionTrancheBII2022TermLoanMember_276E15BCDE120B8118B4702B9DBEF343" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember_7E3B049DB9E12EE25D6B702B9DBED427" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoanTotalMember_7E3B049DB9E12EE25D6B702B9DBED427" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember_7591C86F2B4DF19D2894702B9DBE111A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember_7591C86F2B4DF19D2894702B9DBE111A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes6Point125PercentDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes6Point125PercentDue2021Member_A9D2BC12181CF6B74CF3702B9DBEC14E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes6Point125PercentDue2021Member_A9D2BC12181CF6B74CF3702B9DBEC14E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member_F4A1E29F3B8FF321FDAC702B9DBECD9C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2020Member_F4A1E29F3B8FF321FDAC702B9DBECD9C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember_9D420B2534BB1CE3E62F702B9DBE2659" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2020TermLoanTotalMember_9D420B2534BB1CE3E62F702B9DBE2659" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBIII2019andTrancheB2020TermLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019andTrancheB2020TermLoansMember_3B9FB0F0498FA0C7D694702B9DBFD156" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019andTrancheB2020TermLoansMember_3B9FB0F0498FA0C7D694702B9DBFD156" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember_4DB3D8D29D20B1BAE4B3702B9DBF0FD2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBIII2019TermLoanMember_4DB3D8D29D20B1BAE4B3702B9DBF0FD2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member_491E95EE2B259CB791A9702B9DBFB67D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_FloatingRateSeniorNotesdue2018Member_491E95EE2B259CB791A9702B9DBFB67D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes11Point875PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes11Point875PercentDue2019Member_DB2F1ECD256B0A4D9E84702B9DBF1388" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes11Point875PercentDue2019Member_DB2F1ECD256B0A4D9E84702B9DBF1388" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member_C467A6857B2B7BC11207702B9DBFDF0D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member_C467A6857B2B7BC11207702B9DBFDF0D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member_A084B77701005C537C44702B9DBF75DC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point625PercentDue2023Member_A084B77701005C537C44702B9DBF75DC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point125PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point125PercentDue2019Member_A9BAD3F056576E75CB9E702B9DBF7496" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point125PercentDue2019Member_A9BAD3F056576E75CB9E702B9DBF7496" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member_94ACFC06324ABDABCF3B702B9DBFC856" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member_94ACFC06324ABDABCF3B702B9DBFC856" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point125PercentDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point125PercentDue2023Member_D9B1F5D8E829888D5ED8702B9DBFF0E6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point125PercentDue2023Member_D9B1F5D8E829888D5ED8702B9DBFF0E6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2025Member_E44EB0A9D1D8BE35EA21702B9DBF7B93" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2025Member_E44EB0A9D1D8BE35EA21702B9DBF7B93" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point625PercentDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point625PercentDue2020Member_78C34C8D40A5B598A161702B9DBF9394" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point625PercentDue2020Member_78C34C8D40A5B598A161702B9DBF9394" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2024Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2024Member_BCCC2FA7CABBD763E0AE702B9DBFBB18" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point375PercentDue2024Member_BCCC2FA7CABBD763E0AE702B9DBFBB18" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member_5BA697A4B3821A59F841702B9DBF6910" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5.375percentDue2022Member_5BA697A4B3821A59F841702B9DBF6910" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point75PercentDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point75PercentDue2022Member_42D86DDA634E9ADE527B702B9DC0EB1B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point75PercentDue2022Member_42D86DDA634E9ADE527B702B9DC0EB1B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member_7B3A3AF5DFC294B32681702B9DC0B2A7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015Member_7B3A3AF5DFC294B32681702B9DC0B2A7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes5point250PercentDue2026Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point250PercentDue2026Member_D58015538DE133EEBB03702B9DC0E96A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes5point250PercentDue2026Member_D58015538DE133EEBB03702B9DC0E96A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015SeriesBMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015SeriesBMember_E1F75E6FE7C44534F003702B9DC05762" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ConvertibleSeniorNotes7PercentDue2015SeriesBMember_E1F75E6FE7C44534F003702B9DC05762" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_D453D9FAE17BDB112437702B9DC0D2F3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8550DEC1E734E1B4AEDE702B9DBE6A26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_D453D9FAE17BDB112437702B9DC0D2F3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE6A00CDF0E0BBE39DA3702B9DC00DE8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE6A00CDF0E0BBE39DA3702B9DC00DE8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F18BEF6420EACCFBE08702B9DC064E5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE6A00CDF0E0BBE39DA3702B9DC00DE8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F18BEF6420EACCFBE08702B9DC064E5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_5FAEB5A28D2E6BFF49EF702B9DC0487F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F18BEF6420EACCFBE08702B9DC064E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_5FAEB5A28D2E6BFF49EF702B9DC0487F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Level3FinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_A2BAA7F51ED428EC7FC7702B9DC00B2F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F18BEF6420EACCFBE08702B9DC064E5" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_A2BAA7F51ED428EC7FC7702B9DC00B2F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Level3EscrowIIInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Level3EscrowIIInc.Member_351F77A6BFB93F4B1720702B9DC00817" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F18BEF6420EACCFBE08702B9DC064E5" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Level3EscrowIIInc.Member_351F77A6BFB93F4B1720702B9DC00817" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_B2C89FA33396408F9CAD702B9DC05102" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F18BEF6420EACCFBE08702B9DC064E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_B2C89FA33396408F9CAD702B9DC05102" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_60D7993124CA90108EAF702B9DC07761" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_60D7993124CA90108EAF702B9DC07761" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_348C8B2814EDD1AF4C17702B9DC19AA3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_60D7993124CA90108EAF702B9DC07761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_348C8B2814EDD1AF4C17702B9DC19AA3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_E46363AE514BCF6994CB702B9DC1A901" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_348C8B2814EDD1AF4C17702B9DC19AA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_E46363AE514BCF6994CB702B9DC1A901" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_5E2D5301D49594595A1B702B9DC19059" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_348C8B2814EDD1AF4C17702B9DC19AA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_5E2D5301D49594595A1B702B9DC19059" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_781198648A2722698BE1702B9DBDC421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_DBEF11B0D457FE67B070702B9DC1121D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_DBEF11B0D457FE67B070702B9DC1121D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_26A56AD29C6E54FF1359702B9DC19A12" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_26A56AD29C6E54FF1359702B9DC19A12" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheBTermLoan2022upfrontpaymentpercentage" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheBTermLoan2022upfrontpaymentpercentage_8D6FE7378550270FDB6E702B9DC1F8C4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheBTermLoan2022upfrontpaymentpercentage_8D6FE7378550270FDB6E702B9DC1F8C4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_85844E5792226A54F833702B9DC22B29" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_85844E5792226A54F833702B9DC22B29" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_9187B0B8CBB12FD449B4702B9DC2DF88" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_9187B0B8CBB12FD449B4702B9DC2DF88" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_2C2432E250BB544B5EAC702B9DC21895" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_2C2432E250BB544B5EAC702B9DC21895" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_27C98AFC50F365273750702B9DC20A08" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_27C98AFC50F365273750702B9DC20A08" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_509749B103AEADB11728702B9DC2A985" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage_509749B103AEADB11728702B9DC2A985" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_49CF9CFBE31534ED2357702B9DC29213" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_49CF9CFBE31534ED2357702B9DC29213" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Upfrontbasispoint" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Upfrontbasispoint_937326E8A49E86EA39FB702B9DC2DD1C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Upfrontbasispoint_937326E8A49E86EA39FB702B9DC2DD1C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_6A8FDB9E5F8E404CAF0D702B9DC26CCF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_6A8FDB9E5F8E404CAF0D702B9DC26CCF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_0F3777963354EC087973702B9DC206E9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_0F3777963354EC087973702B9DC206E9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_B7625A1A5C790C523F51702B9DC3773E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_B7625A1A5C790C523F51702B9DC3773E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_C1DB5AA03F8593CCACC1702B9DC347AA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_C1DB5AA03F8593CCACC1702B9DC347AA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_AA55E0226D82B89A870F702B9DC3F46C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_AA55E0226D82B89A870F702B9DC3F46C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_405195398C598DB859D9702B9DC32665" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_405195398C598DB859D9702B9DC32665" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMinimumNumberOfDays" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMinimumNumberOfDays_B7937D365B1CEEDF3D03702B9DC3216E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMinimumNumberOfDays_B7937D365B1CEEDF3D03702B9DC3216E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMaximumNumberOfDays" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMaximumNumberOfDays_6384F472B32CB8E4F33F702B9DC3D115" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodNoticeMaximumNumberOfDays_6384F472B32CB8E4F33F702B9DC3D115" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_618C313F1CF9AD9D83B1702B9DC1D15A" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFirstFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFirstFullFiscalYear_64B4D062BCA893FAE6F0702B9DC306A3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFirstFullFiscalYear_64B4D062BCA893FAE6F0702B9DC306A3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalSecondFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalSecondFullFiscalYear_8918D79AA1003FF01FAE702B9DC3275C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalSecondFullFiscalYear_8918D79AA1003FF01FAE702B9DC3275C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalThirdFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalThirdFullFiscalYear_6A4859961FE053B99F35702B9DC38BBC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalThirdFullFiscalYear_6A4859961FE053B99F35702B9DC38BBC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFourthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFourthFullFiscalYear_04AC5632D0D5A6645060702B9DC3959B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFourthFullFiscalYear_04AC5632D0D5A6645060702B9DC3959B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFifthFullFiscalYear_C9DE68879F4214542D16702B9DC3597E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalFifthFullFiscalYear_C9DE68879F4214542D16702B9DC3597E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterFifthFullFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterFifthFullFiscalYear_0E662BBBDA0DA9326BE7702B9DC4F35D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterFifthFullFiscalYear_0E662BBBDA0DA9326BE7702B9DC4F35D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_DebtInstrumentAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_DebtInstrumentAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCarryingAmount_CFB5B432F20AE67B531E702B9DC4DCCC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsByMaturityAbstract_D59E6DC77E91D3966F25702B9DC34679" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_DebtInstrumentAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCarryingAmount_CFB5B432F20AE67B531E702B9DC4DCCC" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_0550F71A72E600F9CFA4707A579D39B8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_2398422A9A25AAAA65D9702B9E059018" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_0550F71A72E600F9CFA4707A579D39B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_2398422A9A25AAAA65D9702B9E059018" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_647BC4F212CB8C10DB6E707AFFCBDB96" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_6A09FF534ED89477E00A702B9DFC122D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_647BC4F212CB8C10DB6E707AFFCBDB96" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_6A09FF534ED89477E00A702B9DFC122D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9D6944FAE5DA74C5D05F702B9DFCD681" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_6A09FF534ED89477E00A702B9DFC122D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9D6944FAE5DA74C5D05F702B9DFCD681" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_743E1469A6CA1FA5CB3E702B9DFC52FD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9D6944FAE5DA74C5D05F702B9DFCD681" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_743E1469A6CA1FA5CB3E702B9DFC52FD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CustomerContractsAndRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CustomerContractsAndRelationshipsMember_0543EF6C825D66049B48702B9DFCB62E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_743E1469A6CA1FA5CB3E702B9DFC52FD" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CustomerContractsAndRelationshipsMember_0543EF6C825D66049B48702B9DFCB62E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksMember_6D47EAE988C979D82AA3702B9DFCDE2E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_743E1469A6CA1FA5CB3E702B9DFC52FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksMember_6D47EAE988C979D82AA3702B9DFCDE2E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_PatentsAndDevelopedTechnologyMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_PatentsAndDevelopedTechnologyMember_E7E071F4706E1A1B5262702B9DFCC68C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_743E1469A6CA1FA5CB3E702B9DFC52FD" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_PatentsAndDevelopedTechnologyMember_E7E071F4706E1A1B5262702B9DFCC68C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F0770418B6AFCB81E0702B9DFCF065" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_6A09FF534ED89477E00A702B9DFC122D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F0770418B6AFCB81E0702B9DFCF065" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D8130D966A95660BB23A702B9DFC6502" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B1F0770418B6AFCB81E0702B9DFCF065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D8130D966A95660BB23A702B9DFC6502" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_42000898FA7DF0858CBB702B9DFD2959" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D8130D966A95660BB23A702B9DFC6502" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_42000898FA7DF0858CBB702B9DFD2959" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable_6A09FF534ED89477E00A702B9DFC122D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_18121C367AF48CA6F555702B9DFD0CB9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_18121C367AF48CA6F555702B9DFD0CB9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_71FAD571780305C6A55D702B9DFD6837" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_18121C367AF48CA6F555702B9DFD0CB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_71FAD571780305C6A55D702B9DFD6837" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_4EA15D4F9F8A87BED4BA702B9DFD3FF8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_18121C367AF48CA6F555702B9DFD0CB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_4EA15D4F9F8A87BED4BA702B9DFD3FF8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_551CDC685B3A3EEB478D702B9DFDE21C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_18121C367AF48CA6F555702B9DFD0CB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_551CDC685B3A3EEB478D702B9DFDE21C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAbstract_A9D7952CF5366532762C702B9DFDC5E2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAbstract_A9D7952CF5366532762C702B9DFDC5E2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_EAADC4BC5C6F84ABD145702B9DFD3C72" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAbstract_A9D7952CF5366532762C702B9DFDC5E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_EAADC4BC5C6F84ABD145702B9DFD3C72" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AcquiredIntangibleAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AcquiredIntangibleAssetsAbstract_3C939F87F79EC189638D702B9DFE7972" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_AcquiredIntangibleAssetsAbstract_3C939F87F79EC189638D702B9DFE7972" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillGross_84F008862E69AADFE64B702B9DFED377" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_AcquiredIntangibleAssetsAbstract_3C939F87F79EC189638D702B9DFE7972" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillGross_84F008862E69AADFE64B702B9DFED377" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_C8EFA3B7B0172EF3054B702B9DFED4B3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_AcquiredIntangibleAssetsAbstract_3C939F87F79EC189638D702B9DFE7972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_C8EFA3B7B0172EF3054B702B9DFED4B3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_5EC603DE795464D33EAB702B9DFE8F30" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_5EC603DE795464D33EAB702B9DFE8F30" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_FC8448D82FFE37736248702B9DFEB034" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_FC8448D82FFE37736248702B9DFEB034" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_E294711EF4934844681B702B9DFEBE63" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_E294711EF4934844681B702B9DFEBE63" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_E371BE185F94E4E9D575702B9DFE3D64" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_E371BE185F94E4E9D575702B9DFE3D64" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E0152F2BD9E8501FD845702B9DFDE305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_81EF5F8726ED97F5BC55702B9DFECEF1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_81EF5F8726ED97F5BC55702B9DFECEF1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_8A23D56EF6E711FB60BE702B9DFE4B21" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_8A23D56EF6E711FB60BE702B9DFE4B21" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_18B409C51365C7A6F222702B9DFE309A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_18B409C51365C7A6F222702B9DFE309A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_B2CC7F809961AF12AAB7702B9DFF0BF2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_B2CC7F809961AF12AAB7702B9DFF0BF2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_53AE14839B35F99AF1C0702B9DFF4E8E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_53AE14839B35F99AF1C0702B9DFF4E8E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_A6837DDBEC41C5AAA281702B9DFF9B99" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_A6837DDBEC41C5AAA281702B9DFF9B99" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_70919562C070DD740FB7702B9DFE2FED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_551CDC685B3A3EEB478D702B9DFDE21C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/OtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_C2EC6CED3E58C14F2D9B707AD85A6E4D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTableTextBlock_37EEF1CA4BEA31122FB3702B9E03D438" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_C2EC6CED3E58C14F2D9B707AD85A6E4D" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTableTextBlock_37EEF1CA4BEA31122FB3702B9E03D438" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_E24CB25D529831736F6A702B9E03C73F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_OtherIntangibleAssetsAbstract_C2EC6CED3E58C14F2D9B707AD85A6E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_E24CB25D529831736F6A702B9E03C73F" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_0EC39F7FE240C10363A73845C866C3EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_0FFABBC7F5586E4392893845C8670D37" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_0EC39F7FE240C10363A73845C866C3EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_0FFABBC7F5586E4392893845C8670D37" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_4F7E84D2FCF44F8CB4F73845CB513F71" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_4CC47DBC5D936652F3E53845CB510BFD" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_4F7E84D2FCF44F8CB4F73845CB513F71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_4CC47DBC5D936652F3E53845CB510BFD" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_1B5BB62C172F5A5927663845CB510DB5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_4CC47DBC5D936652F3E53845CB510BFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_1B5BB62C172F5A5927663845CB510DB5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_1B5BB62C172F5A5927663845CB510DB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_C8E2D57823DD69A977BC3845CB51C85F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_C8E2D57823DD69A977BC3845CB51C85F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandImprovementsMember_F462F5AE9C0DCD859B963845CB51A480" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandImprovementsMember_F462F5AE9C0DCD859B963845CB51A480" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BuildingAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BuildingAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember_C16A1EFD5EE4C5EA02573845CB514DB5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BuildingAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember_C16A1EFD5EE4C5EA02573845CB514DB5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember_E91F1AA97C6F8C34F9093845CB515235" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember_E91F1AA97C6F8C34F9093845CB515235" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_1201A96446992982C3933845CB51D7B9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_1201A96446992982C3933845CB51D7B9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_8A9B67124AC2FA3266603845CB525FAC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_8A9B67124AC2FA3266603845CB525FAC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_9B6FE9C394B85B5A5B363845CB52B3BC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_9B6FE9C394B85B5A5B363845CB52B3BC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_60C26813BDB83EB5D9C03845CB52CA45" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2C37548BDABDFAD8E54B3845CB511E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_60C26813BDB83EB5D9C03845CB52CA45" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_AAE830432337758276543845CB526FA6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_4CC47DBC5D936652F3E53845CB510BFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_AAE830432337758276543845CB526FA6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_18C615AC661EFA689F043845CB52C494" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_AAE830432337758276543845CB526FA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_18C615AC661EFA689F043845CB52C494" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_E95E729AE173AFD5D7163845CB52E72A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_18C615AC661EFA689F043845CB52C494" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_E95E729AE173AFD5D7163845CB52E72A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_DFC21CFD03A40AA887A93845CB52462E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_18C615AC661EFA689F043845CB52C494" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_DFC21CFD03A40AA887A93845CB52462E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_D8780D0781E4117FBBC43845CB524145" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_18C615AC661EFA689F043845CB52C494" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_D8780D0781E4117FBBC43845CB524145" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_1E809ED68DDBBB4874193845CB52533C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_AAE830432337758276543845CB526FA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_1E809ED68DDBBB4874193845CB52533C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_0C764A06CFBCFC5BC7343845C9936B5F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_C91F70F18E6C8E8932123845C993D97D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_0C764A06CFBCFC5BC7343845C9936B5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_C91F70F18E6C8E8932123845C993D97D" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_1AF9BE5BA02DB5050FB93845C8A310FB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_FF72A8B37E38B831551E3845C8A30D8D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_1AF9BE5BA02DB5050FB93845C8A310FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_FF72A8B37E38B831551E3845C8A30D8D" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/RestructuringChargesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_03D97C5E31E481A45EF45DC3361137CB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DB9DE2E7E0D9A04D9C815DC33612FFDC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract_03D97C5E31E481A45EF45DC3361137CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DB9DE2E7E0D9A04D9C815DC33612FFDC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D3FAD11ADC5A8B5B26565DC33612C0A2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DB9DE2E7E0D9A04D9C815DC33612FFDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D3FAD11ADC5A8B5B26565DC33612C0A2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C6A64DBAD9FF0F33F76A5DC33612FFB3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D3FAD11ADC5A8B5B26565DC33612C0A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C6A64DBAD9FF0F33F76A5DC33612FFB3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesMember_905511EB023562771A035DC336125194" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C6A64DBAD9FF0F33F76A5DC33612FFB3" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesMember_905511EB023562771A035DC336125194" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_4677A46040BF12DB333F5DC336131ED3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C6A64DBAD9FF0F33F76A5DC33612FFB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_4677A46040BF12DB333F5DC336131ED3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_4346EF0E6340FE61583B5DC33613BAD0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DB9DE2E7E0D9A04D9C815DC33612FFDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_4346EF0E6340FE61583B5DC33613BAD0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_6F5CB4B2BE8BB96AC4E55DC336136A13" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_4346EF0E6340FE61583B5DC33613BAD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_6F5CB4B2BE8BB96AC4E55DC336136A13" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_666CF2EBFA53A33675015DC336130B44" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_6F5CB4B2BE8BB96AC4E55DC336136A13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_666CF2EBFA53A33675015DC336130B44" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_34FAC3488D518E10D2D75DC3361318DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_6F5CB4B2BE8BB96AC4E55DC336136A13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_34FAC3488D518E10D2D75DC3361318DE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_6BBF9FE2C3D269BF02D75DC33613DF21" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DB9DE2E7E0D9A04D9C815DC33612FFDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_6BBF9FE2C3D269BF02D75DC33613DF21" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_3CEAA2F55CE42A5580F55DC33614FA09" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_6BBF9FE2C3D269BF02D75DC33613DF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_3CEAA2F55CE42A5580F55DC33614FA09" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_DCAC4BC6E27219090D1F5DC336135D04" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_6BBF9FE2C3D269BF02D75DC33613DF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_DCAC4BC6E27219090D1F5DC336135D04" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination_88C80BD9BB8473C69AF35DC33614D8EE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_6BBF9FE2C3D269BF02D75DC33613DF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination_88C80BD9BB8473C69AF35DC33614D8EE" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8958FF561F2FBAE0F5C83845C865F4CA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_9AE1425BD14D1C29D64A3845C865C87C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8958FF561F2FBAE0F5C83845C865F4CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_9AE1425BD14D1C29D64A3845C865C87C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationAdjustedEbitdaBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_75856D894B804571ABD1644550F60D3B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6CAC9AD065A08DB32B5D644550F81243" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_75856D894B804571ABD1644550F60D3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6CAC9AD065A08DB32B5D644550F81243" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_EA9A6C2EB694DB5DC4DB644550F81A90" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6CAC9AD065A08DB32B5D644550F81243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_EA9A6C2EB694DB5DC4DB644550F81A90" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_093920605EB36948A14F644550F81956" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_EA9A6C2EB694DB5DC4DB644550F81A90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_093920605EB36948A14F644550F81956" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_8017571FA8A3593EB09D644550F8912D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_093920605EB36948A14F644550F81956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_8017571FA8A3593EB09D644550F8912D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_89E347111399470AC33C644550F8023E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_093920605EB36948A14F644550F81956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_89E347111399470AC33C644550F8023E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_D43F7823B7D049D15E89644550F8880D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_093920605EB36948A14F644550F81956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_D43F7823B7D049D15E89644550F8880D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_919B0940C980F6F57979644550F88688" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6CAC9AD065A08DB32B5D644550F81243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_919B0940C980F6F57979644550F88688" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4E0EC6E1AE76E0349092644550F80CD7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_919B0940C980F6F57979644550F88688" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4E0EC6E1AE76E0349092644550F80CD7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_5C2F8639D4671763BB7A644550F8E199" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4E0EC6E1AE76E0349092644550F80CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_5C2F8639D4671763BB7A644550F8E199" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6CAC9AD065A08DB32B5D644550F81243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AdjustedEBITDAbySegment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AdjustedEBITDAbySegment_23F8F9FDF3BBD175CB00644550FB0BA4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_AdjustedEBITDAbySegment_23F8F9FDF3BBD175CB00644550FB0BA4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_94F43AE8BB96C70E9F02644550FB679C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_94F43AE8BB96C70E9F02644550FB679C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_C687C249108CCA224D0F644550FB9E84" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_C687C249108CCA224D0F644550FB9E84" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_B27734A88BCB1BB41DEB644550FBA3D4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_B27734A88BCB1BB41DEB644550FBA3D4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_9F609F9F6938B43A13B8644550FBC97A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_9F609F9F6938B43A13B8644550FBC97A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Noncashimpairment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Noncashimpairment_EC1A0B37BACC1F78A8D2644550FB7263" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Noncashimpairment_EC1A0B37BACC1F78A8D2644550FB7263" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_42E2075421AD32BAEFFC644550FB6F21" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1BF317BF1B38617E53C5644550F84B59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_42E2075421AD32BAEFFC644550FB6F21" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationAssetsBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_5DA7D339239EFF87DA5163282458CA93" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_84360CE586976169FCE263282459DC6C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_5DA7D339239EFF87DA5163282458CA93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_84360CE586976169FCE263282459DC6C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_080F8D9E820B5934661C632824591D51" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_84360CE586976169FCE263282459DC6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_080F8D9E820B5934661C632824591D51" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8E0BC0ECBC34E67FD0FA6328245959C5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_080F8D9E820B5934661C632824591D51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8E0BC0ECBC34E67FD0FA6328245959C5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_4C781F6166D8AD37F5846328245E0C14" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8E0BC0ECBC34E67FD0FA6328245959C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_4C781F6166D8AD37F5846328245E0C14" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_2623EEEFE4ED1C2DEB496328245E5097" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8E0BC0ECBC34E67FD0FA6328245959C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_2623EEEFE4ED1C2DEB496328245E5097" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_07EBA51971790E17B3B26328245F34E7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8E0BC0ECBC34E67FD0FA6328245959C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_07EBA51971790E17B3B26328245F34E7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9CF75819D75B9B0F8FD66328245F3398" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_84360CE586976169FCE263282459DC6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9CF75819D75B9B0F8FD66328245F3398" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9D36E25E2244A4AB4D7D6328245FC92C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9CF75819D75B9B0F8FD66328245F3398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9D36E25E2244A4AB4D7D6328245FC92C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_01D9EF0B0B0E12FA65B86328245F710F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9D36E25E2244A4AB4D7D6328245FC92C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_01D9EF0B0B0E12FA65B86328245F710F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B8ADE84E49B71765E86C6328245F6C39" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_84360CE586976169FCE263282459DC6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B8ADE84E49B71765E86C6328245F6C39" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_898095D7D2BCC27586B96328245F773A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B8ADE84E49B71765E86C6328245F6C39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_898095D7D2BCC27586B96328245F773A" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationCapitalExpendituresBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_B9C046ADD7C151044F77632824699CF0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2C48E766E58B579F6A11632824693058" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_B9C046ADD7C151044F77632824699CF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2C48E766E58B579F6A11632824693058" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D289C5791D0898E5DDA46328246AAA0A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2C48E766E58B579F6A11632824693058" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D289C5791D0898E5DDA46328246AAA0A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_569954165F586104360D6328246A1CBC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D289C5791D0898E5DDA46328246AAA0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_569954165F586104360D6328246A1CBC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_55D59C678365CACD63686328246ACA15" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_569954165F586104360D6328246A1CBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_55D59C678365CACD63686328246ACA15" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_379F4AB50F863C93E2426328246A5C90" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_569954165F586104360D6328246A1CBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_379F4AB50F863C93E2426328246A5C90" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_160D68D72DB390874F7B6328246ADFB2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_569954165F586104360D6328246A1CBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_160D68D72DB390874F7B6328246ADFB2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91F9149E5C698F704F0B6328246ABC16" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2C48E766E58B579F6A11632824693058" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91F9149E5C698F704F0B6328246ABC16" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EF5773A788E402C33BAF6328246A3641" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91F9149E5C698F704F0B6328246ABC16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EF5773A788E402C33BAF6328246A3641" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_38590B4C322391F444F06328246B2DFB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_EF5773A788E402C33BAF6328246A3641" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_38590B4C322391F444F06328246B2DFB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FF9452F2B3DD9D878B5F6328246B2E4A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2C48E766E58B579F6A11632824693058" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FF9452F2B3DD9D878B5F6328246B2E4A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_5F9080D41FB9605ED6496328246B0BC5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FF9452F2B3DD9D878B5F6328246B2E4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_5F9080D41FB9605ED6496328246B0BC5" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_9608FCDE48828A0DAD5663250794C0A2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_67170B73910785BF8A4A6325079778B6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_9608FCDE48828A0DAD5663250794C0A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_67170B73910785BF8A4A6325079778B6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DAF122DAF29033145C4B632507970819" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_67170B73910785BF8A4A6325079778B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DAF122DAF29033145C4B632507970819" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_EFB7CED451F3D4EF1036632507974649" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DAF122DAF29033145C4B632507970819" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_EFB7CED451F3D4EF1036632507974649" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_5221FBABA02DE5BA61C9632507980A47" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_EFB7CED451F3D4EF1036632507974649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_5221FBABA02DE5BA61C9632507980A47" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EMEAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EMEAMember_E83F3E8FECF1D6832F016325079792A5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_EFB7CED451F3D4EF1036632507974649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EMEAMember_E83F3E8FECF1D6832F016325079792A5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_CC0277ED64EEE28D7CC963259D436CFB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_EFB7CED451F3D4EF1036632507974649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_CC0277ED64EEE28D7CC963259D436CFB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6F1FAEDA79B76CFD4C5F63250798F740" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_67170B73910785BF8A4A6325079778B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6F1FAEDA79B76CFD4C5F63250798F740" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3645DD4658E2725E35CB6325079843E0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6F1FAEDA79B76CFD4C5F63250798F740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3645DD4658E2725E35CB6325079843E0" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_F23DCC53158C7FA9E32563250798F347" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6F1FAEDA79B76CFD4C5F63250798F740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_F23DCC53158C7FA9E32563250798F347" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_2C65BCC4F7B75DD8E1BC6325079AA6F4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6F1FAEDA79B76CFD4C5F63250798F740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_2C65BCC4F7B75DD8E1BC6325079AA6F4" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_D9FEFB106FEE2A47A18463281195F4B6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FFD9568C68B5AC5D2E27632811950FDE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_D9FEFB106FEE2A47A18463281195F4B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FFD9568C68B5AC5D2E27632811950FDE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_4BF8C08669E6A300E65E632811953977" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FFD9568C68B5AC5D2E27632811950FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_4BF8C08669E6A300E65E632811953977" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_654A8D9258528754E1DE632811958484" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_4BF8C08669E6A300E65E632811953977" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_654A8D9258528754E1DE632811958484" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CoreNetworkServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CoreNetworkServiceMember_59CD60B217948328F4E9632811959CD3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_654A8D9258528754E1DE632811958484" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CoreNetworkServiceMember_59CD60B217948328F4E9632811959CD3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_WholesaleVoiceServicesAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_WholesaleVoiceServicesAndOtherMember_FB0D2851224A2999B6A963281195C745" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_654A8D9258528754E1DE632811958484" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_WholesaleVoiceServicesAndOtherMember_FB0D2851224A2999B6A963281195C745" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_873BC3C1928AB46692656328119534A1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FFD9568C68B5AC5D2E27632811950FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_873BC3C1928AB46692656328119534A1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_C228889E72C18B700F8A632811950CC8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_873BC3C1928AB46692656328119534A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_C228889E72C18B700F8A632811950CC8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_8747C4CC9CD2C782B2BB6328119546A7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_C228889E72C18B700F8A632811950CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_8747C4CC9CD2C782B2BB6328119546A7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_5395DAD9191CA714696A632811968D79" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_C228889E72C18B700F8A632811950CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_5395DAD9191CA714696A632811968D79" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_4804D7F4EA3B253640C86328119652DE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_C228889E72C18B700F8A632811950CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_4804D7F4EA3B253640C86328119652DE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_DACEC4EF8488052C7B796328119684E5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FFD9568C68B5AC5D2E27632811950FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_DACEC4EF8488052C7B796328119684E5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_5DFB76AD8953DA1D7B89632811963CBB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_DACEC4EF8488052C7B796328119684E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_5DFB76AD8953DA1D7B89632811963CBB" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationSummarizedSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_1E09DDD0B5F16D054E2A6328248E5C98" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6B92BBE7AB479A007BC36328248E5D15" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_1E09DDD0B5F16D054E2A6328248E5C98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6B92BBE7AB479A007BC36328248E5D15" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_FEF5C181D2C8A4C02F5A6328248E1CB2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6B92BBE7AB479A007BC36328248E5D15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_FEF5C181D2C8A4C02F5A6328248E1CB2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_13F69D18691F6BFFFADE6328248EFF33" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_FEF5C181D2C8A4C02F5A6328248E1CB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_13F69D18691F6BFFFADE6328248EFF33" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_720BBA822EDFBC1D6EF46328248FBA4F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_13F69D18691F6BFFFADE6328248EFF33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_720BBA822EDFBC1D6EF46328248FBA4F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_48671032A32DDD4595DA6328248F3530" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_13F69D18691F6BFFFADE6328248EFF33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_48671032A32DDD4595DA6328248F3530" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_76C0899CA8CB9AEF50B16328248FDE4A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_13F69D18691F6BFFFADE6328248EFF33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatinAmericaMember_76C0899CA8CB9AEF50B16328248FDE4A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8A408A8D5EB42358DEA56328248F9109" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6B92BBE7AB479A007BC36328248E5D15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8A408A8D5EB42358DEA56328248F9109" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B3B94C2FCFA96899424E6328248FE717" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8A408A8D5EB42358DEA56328248F9109" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B3B94C2FCFA96899424E6328248FE717" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_E4EBDB4C32199BAEFE046328248FE421" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B3B94C2FCFA96899424E6328248FE717" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_E4EBDB4C32199BAEFE046328248FE421" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_6B92BBE7AB479A007BC36328248E5D15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_FA2AD64BBBA8F5F385F563282496825C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_FA2AD64BBBA8F5F385F563282496825C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_CEF7D1D0948D2469C06C63282496D702" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_CEF7D1D0948D2469C06C63282496D702" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_AdjustedEBITDAbySegment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_AdjustedEBITDAbySegment_3A7AADCE7F04B404765963282496436A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_AdjustedEBITDAbySegment_3A7AADCE7F04B404765963282496436A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_81D81E2B94F2FF15B076632824967831" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_81D81E2B94F2FF15B076632824967831" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_803C5C008223EADB947C632824960BC3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_803C5C008223EADB947C632824960BC3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_89442E3ABC6806B708F463282496DF91" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_89442E3ABC6806B708F463282496DF91" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3DA87FCAAF89CB18B99E6328249651AC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3DA87FCAAF89CB18B99E6328249651AC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A3E26A8135A1841A0E5F632824965220" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A3E26A8135A1841A0E5F632824965220" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_56C159F5E1E9B3422F54632824967AFA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_56C159F5E1E9B3422F54632824967AFA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Noncashimpairment" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Noncashimpairment_D63FE95F86D2AD0129E96328249735FE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D4E70AC0EAE48BACE4E163282495F88E" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Noncashimpairment_D63FE95F86D2AD0129E96328249735FE" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8EA2DAD1D549DDE97EF0632824A120B0" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock_5C76301AC4E3442104E1632824A18E8E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8EA2DAD1D549DDE97EF0632824A120B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRevenueFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock_5C76301AC4E3442104E1632824A18E8E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock_E103E0B4D991F21626E7632824A264F8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8EA2DAD1D549DDE97EF0632824A120B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTextBlock_E103E0B4D991F21626E7632824A264F8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_7B339C8E0B8931E553BE632824A24D4A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8EA2DAD1D549DDE97EF0632824A120B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_7B339C8E0B8931E553BE632824A24D4A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTextBlock_C6261192BE1ABB79BF8C632824A217BC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8EA2DAD1D549DDE97EF0632824A120B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfAssetsFromSegmentToConsolidatedTextBlock_C6261192BE1ABB79BF8C632824A217BC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_B2F89FA84939CA683911632824A271EA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_8EA2DAD1D549DDE97EF0632824A120B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_B2F89FA84939CA683911632824A271EA" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_B4DBE1DCF94BAC780690702B9B58E35E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_9F6638875D2864423A71702B9B599B8C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_B4DBE1DCF94BAC780690702B9B58E35E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_9F6638875D2864423A71702B9B599B8C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_4A897844636A28EBA559666468CBA248" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_4A897844636A28EBA559666468CBA248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_950FF5C065539CB00799666468CB2B30" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_950FF5C065539CB00799666468CB2B30" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DAC15AF097229942BE46666468CBFC42" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_950FF5C065539CB00799666468CB2B30" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DAC15AF097229942BE46666468CBFC42" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Level3FinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_4B9D002ADB45EA5D9F9E666468CB5583" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DAC15AF097229942BE46666468CBFC42" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Level3FinancingMember_4B9D002ADB45EA5D9F9E666468CB5583" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_014DBB67848223BD58E0666468CB9C5E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_014DBB67848223BD58E0666468CB9C5E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EE96ABB92A13C0214C23666468CBC057" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_014DBB67848223BD58E0666468CB9C5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EE96ABB92A13C0214C23666468CBC057" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2024Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2024Member_3D00F4FD0E536F2D682E666468CCEB02" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EE96ABB92A13C0214C23666468CBC057" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2024Member_3D00F4FD0E536F2D682E666468CCEB02" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_ABC5B3F07436B9E79CA4666468CC7265" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_ABC5B3F07436B9E79CA4666468CC7265" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5393A9A7257C71239487666468CC3D35" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_ABC5B3F07436B9E79CA4666468CC7265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5393A9A7257C71239487666468CC3D35" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_17E2A6CFE155FBD0DA67666468CC5623" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5393A9A7257C71239487666468CC3D35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_17E2A6CFE155FBD0DA67666468CC5623" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1C0C136BF5849660B34A666468CCCED4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1C0C136BF5849660B34A666468CCCED4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_21CCC768C07D7CB98065666468D1F031" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1C0C136BF5849660B34A666468CCCED4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_21CCC768C07D7CB98065666468D1F031" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_AE5BA887F39B537EBD6B666468D28339" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_21CCC768C07D7CB98065666468D1F031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_AE5BA887F39B537EBD6B666468D28339" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_C179B497E6DA928709A6666468D2C3AA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8952E854B1E0A1F9D35666468CB6AEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_C179B497E6DA928709A6666468D2C3AA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_6623566B261037E2AE2E666468D22BC8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_C179B497E6DA928709A6666468D2C3AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_6623566B261037E2AE2E666468D22BC8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_6D710F2BACD11D3F575C666468D22C46" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_C179B497E6DA928709A6666468D2C3AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_6D710F2BACD11D3F575C666468D22C46" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Upfrontbasispoint" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Upfrontbasispoint_9981B562A541C3FC06C36666357CE1F6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_C179B497E6DA928709A6666468D2C3AA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Upfrontbasispoint_9981B562A541C3FC06C36666357CE1F6" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_3B36E7590D39A18CA96E5DC2E84813FC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_52212A4FBE1E7EFCCFB15DC2E849EC78" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_3B36E7590D39A18CA96E5DC2E84813FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_52212A4FBE1E7EFCCFB15DC2E849EC78" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0FE9E6AA4AC1C1987BF766144FAE7923" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0FE9E6AA4AC1C1987BF766144FAE7923" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F53FE3884DCD38C3111666144FB0615D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F53FE3884DCD38C3111666144FB0615D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C342D49E3EE4D2DF919866144FB0ECBA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F53FE3884DCD38C3111666144FB0615D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C342D49E3EE4D2DF919866144FB0ECBA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_VenezuelaMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_VenezuelaMember_CA6AE03DBAC169CB984466144FB0EAA7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C342D49E3EE4D2DF919866144FB0ECBA" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_VenezuelaMember_CA6AE03DBAC169CB984466144FB0EAA7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BalanceTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BalanceTypeAxis_9F479F5A2EFB84BA0E3A66144FB039C1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BalanceTypeAxis_9F479F5A2EFB84BA0E3A66144FB039C1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BalanceTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BalanceTypeDomain_275B83F6E9FE0A86ECD566144FB0637D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_BalanceTypeAxis_9F479F5A2EFB84BA0E3A66144FB039C1" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BalanceTypeDomain_275B83F6E9FE0A86ECD566144FB0637D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_001E6E0C2C1750DB4E8666144FB0913D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_001E6E0C2C1750DB4E8666144FB0913D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6B94C70AF529E263582366144FB0563D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_001E6E0C2C1750DB4E8666144FB0913D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6B94C70AF529E263582366144FB0563D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_FF0AB26F1712103DD3CC66144FB077E5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6B94C70AF529E263582366144FB0563D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_FF0AB26F1712103DD3CC66144FB077E5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_F5FA29CC85A7958B40E366144FB1C042" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6B94C70AF529E263582366144FB0563D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_F5FA29CC85A7958B40E366144FB1C042" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_F2D46BBB7982BFDAE40166144FB1B3C3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_F2D46BBB7982BFDAE40166144FB1B3C3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_ACC6F458F0AA9C87BC9066144FB1D236" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_F2D46BBB7982BFDAE40166144FB1B3C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_ACC6F458F0AA9C87BC9066144FB1D236" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis_FE37F771AAD0792BAD7866144FB16DA1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis_FE37F771AAD0792BAD7866144FB16DA1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain_8A0DE28EE6AC7250C63466144FB1F308" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis_FE37F771AAD0792BAD7866144FB16DA1" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionDomain_8A0DE28EE6AC7250C63466144FB1F308" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C371CC2067F56345633366144FB118E2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C371CC2067F56345633366144FB118E2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C371CC2067F56345633366144FB118E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_BuildingAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_BuildingAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember_07CFC6FB8A9A32C179A966144FB1DCB4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_BuildingAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember_07CFC6FB8A9A32C179A966144FB1DCB4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember_94555BA641706704C9E966144FB1EC6E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember_94555BA641706704C9E966144FB1EC6E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OperatingEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OperatingEquipmentMember_AE60E0775D01766C717A66144FB1B9D6" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OperatingEquipmentMember_AE60E0775D01766C717A66144FB1B9D6" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ExpansionAndImprovementsOfCommunicationsNetworkAndCustomerInstallationsMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ExpansionAndImprovementsOfCommunicationsNetworkAndCustomerInstallationsMember_7B504C10E6DF1BFD9B2666144FB1C07D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ExpansionAndImprovementsOfCommunicationsNetworkAndCustomerInstallationsMember_7B504C10E6DF1BFD9B2666144FB1C07D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_AC1AF2832F7956D88DB666144FB29A3A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_AC1AF2832F7956D88DB666144FB29A3A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_32A1ED93649AE02B1B6E66144FB213D1" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C7CBD210B098D5FC44AC66144FB13C5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_32A1ED93649AE02B1B6E66144FB213D1" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_38118C53E91E1B92F84266144FB2D4E8" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_38118C53E91E1B92F84266144FB2D4E8" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8FAD23224F1DE375433A66144FB27BEF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_38118C53E91E1B92F84266144FB2D4E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8FAD23224F1DE375433A66144FB27BEF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SalesRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SalesRevenueMember_03A6DB75571BC1422FDC66144FB20CD3" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8FAD23224F1DE375433A66144FB27BEF" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SalesRevenueMember_03A6DB75571BC1422FDC66144FB20CD3" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_BD023E31B88FAACABF4E66144FB2E1F9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_BD023E31B88FAACABF4E66144FB2E1F9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_99DE447F6B94949CB0A666144FB2A243" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_BD023E31B88FAACABF4E66144FB2E1F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_99DE447F6B94949CB0A666144FB2A243" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_C0EB46194CF0C9976AEE66144FB247D2" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_99DE447F6B94949CB0A666144FB2A243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_C0EB46194CF0C9976AEE66144FB247D2" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessTable_5CA5290CAF8DAE995C0766144FAF326F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_RegionOperatingUnits" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_RegionOperatingUnits_96787D4CB83FE7514D7B6614FD2A982B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_RegionOperatingUnits_96787D4CB83FE7514D7B6614FD2A982B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_BE4F0D55DCFAB5B707C766144FB2A686" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_BE4F0D55DCFAB5B707C766144FB2A686" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_7178F45128168208D0F266144FB3CD57" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_7178F45128168208D0F266144FB3CD57" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_EFE88BCBD01364B166F966144FB3096F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_EFE88BCBD01364B166F966144FB3096F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsCurrentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsCurrentNet_185D2367B4E6B34478F666144FB30AE7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsCurrentNet_185D2367B4E6B34478F666144FB30AE7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet_7D71852EE22D7F0C627466144FB37A90" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet_7D71852EE22D7F0C627466144FB37A90" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SalesCommitmentLengthOfAgreementMaximum" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SalesCommitmentLengthOfAgreementMaximum_66FF7F2CC3127FA7D37066144FB36442" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SalesCommitmentLengthOfAgreementMaximum_66FF7F2CC3127FA7D37066144FB36442" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_UniversalServiceFundContributions" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_UniversalServiceFundContributions_F6DE4BE3036DC09DFC2B66144FB38BDC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_UniversalServiceFundContributions_F6DE4BE3036DC09DFC2B66144FB38BDC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_FDAF61A114C093D3CDD066144FB3ADDC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_FDAF61A114C093D3CDD066144FB3ADDC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_E60B8E6AA46613C843E066144FB323AF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_E60B8E6AA46613C843E066144FB323AF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_CapitalizedLaborAndRelatedCostsAssociatedWithEmployeeAndContractLaborWorkingOnCapitalProjects" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_CapitalizedLaborAndRelatedCostsAssociatedWithEmployeeAndContractLaborWorkingOnCapitalProjects_FC574B9D21F728307E8166144FB4B249" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_CapitalizedLaborAndRelatedCostsAssociatedWithEmployeeAndContractLaborWorkingOnCapitalProjects_FC574B9D21F728307E8166144FB4B249" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_5C43164CADBDCB37020466144FB439AE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_5C43164CADBDCB37020466144FB439AE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_FD00670DD176F15A1A1166144FB4C721" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_FD00670DD176F15A1A1166144FB4C721" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_95A90433E80B1C4CE41266144FB43642" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_95A90433E80B1C4CE41266144FB43642" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_F937C4F1A598A55D898A66144FB417CA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_F937C4F1A598A55D898A66144FB417CA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationPerShare" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationPerShare_23C98749FB2FD878A0D566193326887D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationPerShare_23C98749FB2FD878A0D566193326887D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_146238D353B58C97144C66144FB4DB9A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_lvlt_NatureOfBusinessLineItems_AC29CDB2588BDF977CC766144FB26B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_146238D353B58C97144C66144FB4DB9A" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_546ACE3FAED07518AF1B5DC2DBFC483F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_546ACE3FAED07518AF1B5DC2DBFC483F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlock_E967B9544BFE3D5996FE5DC2DBFCDF0E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlock_E967B9544BFE3D5996FE5DC2DBFCDF0E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Reclassifications" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Reclassifications_AEBB98B3421A71BFEE225DC2DBFCEB6B" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Reclassifications_AEBB98B3421A71BFEE225DC2DBFCEB6B" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_FF520F2005AE4FE2A7BC5DC2DBFCA61E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_FF520F2005AE4FE2A7BC5DC2DBFCA61E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_RevenueAndCostOfRevenueForCommunicationsServicesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_RevenueAndCostOfRevenueForCommunicationsServicesPolicyTextBlock_CA378C69676ACF2D2CFA5DC2DBFC1395" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_RevenueAndCostOfRevenueForCommunicationsServicesPolicyTextBlock_CA378C69676ACF2D2CFA5DC2DBFC1395" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesandSellingGeneralandAdministrativePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesandSellingGeneralandAdministrativePolicyTextBlock_A0BACAF682D4C19F4EAA5DC2DBFD08C4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpensesandSellingGeneralandAdministrativePolicyTextBlock_A0BACAF682D4C19F4EAA5DC2DBFD08C4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryIncomeTaxesPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryIncomeTaxesPolicy_52D23176D8DD042AB1A25DC2DBFD34EF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryIncomeTaxesPolicy_52D23176D8DD042AB1A25DC2DBFD34EF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_0C502BE5C143426E67CE5DC2DBFD1578" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_0C502BE5C143426E67CE5DC2DBFD1578" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_0613D614D8A87BE179205DC2DBFD635E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_0613D614D8A87BE179205DC2DBFD635E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_C9319E55873A8BAC94BF5DC2DBFDE584" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_C9319E55873A8BAC94BF5DC2DBFDE584" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_8F51A9BCED4E71ABAF105DC2DBFD255E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_8F51A9BCED4E71ABAF105DC2DBFD255E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesTradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesTradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPolicy_8EAFBE7B63B296ACB6125DC2DBFD9232" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesTradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPolicy_8EAFBE7B63B296ACB6125DC2DBFD9232" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_B29F9F9B159328DAB22E5DC2DBFD8ECB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_B29F9F9B159328DAB22E5DC2DBFD8ECB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsIncludingIntangibleAssetsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsIncludingIntangibleAssetsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_440B08B8C20CF5EEC0E05DC2DBFD2412" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsIncludingIntangibleAssetsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_440B08B8C20CF5EEC0E05DC2DBFD2412" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy_DB24246FE64EE67695B05DC2DBFE44EB" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy_DB24246FE64EE67695B05DC2DBFE44EB" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_GoodwillAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_GoodwillAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_B06C3891D5A8D28F857B5DC2DBFEA6AC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_GoodwillAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_B06C3891D5A8D28F857B5DC2DBFEA6AC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_ConcentrationOfCreditRiskPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_ConcentrationOfCreditRiskPolicyTextBlock_B3B91EF84B06D8EAEA1A5DC2DBFE981C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1D49E067E29DD2B27C425DC2DBFCBE6F" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_ConcentrationOfCreditRiskPolicyTextBlock_B3B91EF84B06D8EAEA1A5DC2DBFE981C" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_77DDF9749B2B5CF75414632826960350" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_CD26DD1A42BD7DECC3C263282696AB7D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_77DDF9749B2B5CF75414632826960350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_CD26DD1A42BD7DECC3C263282696AB7D" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialData" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_1536BF506CACDAAE24653845C8110CF4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_C87BFBB038546F0520E03845C8119876" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_1536BF506CACDAAE24653845C8110CF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_C87BFBB038546F0520E03845C8119876" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_68C1CF7FF172B88E8452666469008856" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22147BD33617A18E2477666469012983" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_68C1CF7FF172B88E8452666469008856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22147BD33617A18E2477666469012983" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_DD1561232245F6A015CC6673785F6C9E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22147BD33617A18E2477666469012983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_DD1561232245F6A015CC6673785F6C9E" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_B231F28BBC52CF0D9EC7667378657800" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_DD1561232245F6A015CC6673785F6C9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_B231F28BBC52CF0D9EC7667378657800" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_21948567557BDF629F646673AB30D9F7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_B231F28BBC52CF0D9EC7667378657800" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_21948567557BDF629F646673AB30D9F7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_CFB7632696E210FC6143666F1F0598B4" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22147BD33617A18E2477666469012983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_CFB7632696E210FC6143666F1F0598B4" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_9E9C9EF2460331BE4B0A666F1F06B54A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_CFB7632696E210FC6143666F1F0598B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_9E9C9EF2460331BE4B0A666F1F06B54A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2016/country-2016-01-31.xsd#country_BR" xlink:label="loc_country_BR_C3F83A705448141EA3B4666F374C5C2D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_9E9C9EF2460331BE4B0A666F1F06B54A" xlink:to="loc_country_BR_C3F83A705448141EA3B4666F374C5C2D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A224C48BA01E9DA4BAF66646901622D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22147BD33617A18E2477666469012983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A224C48BA01E9DA4BAF66646901622D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A224C48BA01E9DA4BAF66646901622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point625PercentDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point625PercentDue2020Member_AF9F72C09A695DA6685066646901FCB7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point625PercentDue2020Member_AF9F72C09A695DA6685066646901FCB7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member_55C0F106F102D3F5559166646901CC62" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes9Point375PercentDue2019Member_55C0F106F102D3F5559166646901CC62" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point125PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point125PercentDue2019Member_8F6D6551A05A6E39E25E66646901882A" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point125PercentDue2019Member_8F6D6551A05A6E39E25E66646901882A" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member_52A901493FD28ECC7CEC666469014D40" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_SeniorNotes8Point875PercentDue2019Member_52A901493FD28ECC7CEC666469014D40" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember_16E38B074A6C330CE190666469016C93" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DA18F81AC43F2766181B66646901D4AF" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_TrancheB2022TermLoansMember_16E38B074A6C330CE190666469016C93" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_73A49FAD6754DCC5D7C0666469021269" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22147BD33617A18E2477666469012983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_73A49FAD6754DCC5D7C0666469021269" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_73A49FAD6754DCC5D7C0666469021269" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2D6ED35EC2C85A203E2066646902096F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2D6ED35EC2C85A203E2066646902096F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts_FBB9B8EE25934BB13F62666469025ABC" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkAccessCosts_FBB9B8EE25934BB13F62666469025ABC" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses_E499986F458071991F9C6664690276BA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_NetworkRelatedExpenses_E499986F458071991F9C6664690276BA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3496188E9245B225024066646902B5B5" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3496188E9245B225024066646902B5B5" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_C1AD7AB898DC5C12BBD266646902BF5F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_C1AD7AB898DC5C12BBD266646902BF5F" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_9FAA05CCA0A45445FC1B66646902A92C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_9FAA05CCA0A45445FC1B66646902A92C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_25958674A8E3F014C0CD66646903EA25" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_25958674A8E3F014C0CD66646903EA25" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_04495AACE578550CCCFE66646903E552" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_04495AACE578550CCCFE66646903E552" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_673FFBB6FE2A45B7758C666469037DBE" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_673FFBB6FE2A45B7758C666469037DBE" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_5CB487A324AF5CD63CF266646903CB10" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_5CB487A324AF5CD63CF266646903CB10" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_23CE50EF656817C2A78F666469080D47" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_23CE50EF656817C2A78F666469080D47" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_F3E9A941B71BF92B7F2366646908064D" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_F3E9A941B71BF92B7F2366646908064D" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense_E3D5D065287E866EA81E666469083301" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_OtherIncomeExpense_E3D5D065287E866EA81E666469083301" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_839B061F7179BD23BAE46664690887A9" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_839B061F7179BD23BAE46664690887A9" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B76AA7AF86B159604DDC66646909E6AA" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B76AA7AF86B159604DDC66646909E6AA" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6EBC89E63083B171C38F666469091B5C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6EBC89E63083B171C38F666469091B5C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7851F08396A42B43C965666469094823" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7851F08396A42B43C965666469094823" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C3E492A0545C47F95DE166646909A6C7" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_44B4BD5A92F5D51B304D666469024FF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C3E492A0545C47F95DE166646909A6C7" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="lvlt-20161231.xsd#lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit" xlink:label="loc_lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit_D06D1167C4B3BEAE68BE66646909089C" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_73A49FAD6754DCC5D7C0666469021269" xlink:to="loc_lvlt_Recognizedincometaxbenefit_D06D1167C4B3BEAE68BE66646909089C" xlink:type="arc"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_23309F85D331FA142C4B66646909179E" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_73A49FAD6754DCC5D7C0666469021269" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_23309F85D331FA142C4B66646909179E" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
<link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.level3.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:type="extended">
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_892DEA5957C65EBAD4023845C80EE502" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_704C6E08419AF9E7EAB53845C80E8B2F" xlink:type="locator"/>
<link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_892DEA5957C65EBAD4023845C80EE502" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_704C6E08419AF9E7EAB53845C80E8B2F" xlink:type="arc"/>
</link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>

↑Top
Filing Submission 0000794323-17-000002   –   Alternative Formats (Word / Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, et al.)
Copyright © 2024 Fran Finnegan & Company LLC – All Rights Reserved.
About — Privacy — Redactions — Help — Sat., Apr. 27, 8:32:13.2am ET