Custom Networks division created by Lumen

Lumen Technologies recently announced it has secured $5 billion in new business driven by major demand for connectivity fueled by AI. Large companies across industry sectors are seeking to secure fiber capacity quickly, as this resource becomes increasingly valuable and potentially limited, due to booming AI needs. In addition, Lumen is in active discussions with customers to secure another $7 billion in sales opportunities to meet the increased customer demand.

To address this tremendous demand, which includes the recent Microsoft announcement, Lumen will more than double its intercity network miles over the next five years, while also providing access to a significant amount of installed dark fiber. In addition, Lumen has secured an agreement with Corning to be its preferred partner for its next-generation fiber-dense cable, which will help accommodate the increased data processing that AI requires.

AI demand drives $5B in new business and massive expansion of the internet

"The AI economy is changing business operations, and companies are recognizing they need powerful network infrastructure to manage the unprecedented data flows today and the demand in the future. Our partners are turning to us because of our AI-ready infrastructure and expansive network. This is just the beginning of a significant opportunity for Lumen, one that will lead to one of the largest expansions of the internet ever," said Kate Johnson, president and CEO, Lumen Technologies.

Lumen's Private Connectivity Fabric map

Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric is a custom network that includes dedicated access to existing fiber in the Lumen network, the installation of new fiber on existing and new routes, and the use of Lumen’s new digital services. This is for illustrative purposes and does not show actual routes.

Lumen creates custom network division to meet new demand

Lumen has created a new Custom Networks division to manage its portfolio of Private Connectivity Fabric solutions and address additional interest from hyperscalers and other large organizations. The division will provide customized network solutions that include dark fiber, custom fiber routes, and digital services that securely connect companies' data centers to protect data and support AI-intensive workloads. Lumen may also operate and maintain the network as part of its services.

"The rising demand of AI is requiring greater connectivity between data centers, and Lumen's world class fiber network and forward-thinking digital services are positioning us to help drive the AI growth wave. We feel confident in our future growth and business transformation as we look to enable the AI economy," said Kate Johnson, president and CEO of Lumen Technologies.

"As generative AI increases bandwidth requirements between data centers, we're pleased to reach an agreement with Lumen Technologies to provide our latest optical fiber and cable innovations to facilitate Lumen's build of a new network to interconnect AI-enabled data centers. This marks the first outside-plant deployment of Corning's new gen-AI fiber and cable system, which will enable Lumen to fit anywhere from two-to-four times the amount of fiber into their existing conduit," said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO, Corning Incorporated.

"Through the years, I have seen this company transform from a small telecommunications firm into a powerful technology company. I have loved the many great people I have worked with here, am proud of all that we have achieved together and of the transformational journey that began so many years ago. I know Lumen has the right strategy in place to deliver revenue growth. I look forward to watching the company's success,” said Stacey  Goff.