Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, a wholly-owned Lumen Technologies subsidiary, operates the world's largest peered fiber network delivering IP transit, wavelengths up to 400 Gbps, dark fiber, enterprise connectivity, security, and UC&C services to enterprise, public sector, and wholesale customers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersBroomfield, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Level 3 Communications does
Level 3 Communications, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN; formerly CenturyLink), into which it was absorbed following CenturyLink's approximately $34 billion acquisition in 2017 and the parent's subsequent 2020 rebrand. The company was originally founded in 1991 as an independent telecommunications carrier that grew through major acquisitions of Global Crossing ($3B, 2011), TW Telecom ($5.7B, 2014), and Black Lotus Communications (2015), among others. Today its operations sit inside Lumen, where it provides the IP transit backbone and fiber infrastructure that anchor the parent's enterprise and wholesale networking business.
The subsidiary's underlying technology centers on a global fiber optic network recognized as the world's largest peered network per CAIDA AS rank (January 2025), with 58 million intercity fiber miles planned by 2031. The product portfolio spans core connectivity (Wavelengths up to 400 Gbps, Dark Fiber, Ethernet, Dedicated Internet Access up to 100 Gbps, Internet On-Demand, Multi-Cloud Gateway, Private Connectivity Fabric), security (DDoS Mitigation, SD-WAN, SASE, Black Lotus Labs threat intelligence), communications (Cloud Voice, UC&C, Contact Center, Voice Complete, Vyvx broadcast), and infrastructure services (Colocation, Edge Compute and Storage). Distribution is primarily direct enterprise field sales augmented by a channel partner program, a self-serve Lumen Connect portal for mid-market, strategic technology partnerships with AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Cisco, VMware, Digital Realty, and Equinix, and wholesale distribution to carriers and service providers.
The business model is overwhelmingly subscription-based across connectivity, security, and communications services, with usage-based pricing layered on top through Network-as-a-Service offerings (Internet On-Demand, Network-as-a-Service). Professional services for network transformation engagements provide a smaller variable revenue stream. Customer segments include large distributed enterprises (primary), midsize businesses, public sector (federal, defense, state/local, public safety, higher education), and wholesale carriers, addressed through verticalized go-to-market motions spanning data center operators, energy, financial services, gaming, healthcare, manufacturing, media, NeoCloud, pharmaceuticals, retail, and technology.
Level 3 Communications firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Level 3 Communications
- Legal name
- Level 3 Communications, LLC
- Website
- https://lumen.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Level 3 Communications, a wholly-owned Lumen Technologies subsidiary, operates the world's largest peered fiber network delivering IP transit, wavelengths up to 400 Gbps, dark fiber, enterprise connectivity, security, and UC&C services to enterprise, public sector, and wholesale customers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Level 3 Communications industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Network Infrastructure Services
- NAICS
- Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (5171)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899), Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Carrier Ethernet & Wavelength Wholesale (E-Line/E-LAN, OTN, lambda) (HDAIAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Industrial/OT Private Connectivity (Factory, Mining, Ports) (HDAIAGAD)
Keywords
Where Level 3 Communications is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Broomfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Level 3 Communications business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Connectivity Services: Revenue from dedicated internet access, wavelengths, dark fiber, ethernet, and enterprise broadband services. Services support bandwidth requirements up to 100 Gbps and are delivered over the company's global fiber network.
- Security Services: Revenue from DDoS protection, SD-WAN, and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) offerings that unify network and security in a centralized cloud-based experience.
- Communication Services: Cloud-based voice and collaboration tools including UC&C, Cloud Voice, Contact Center, and specialty lines services.
- Colocation and Edge Compute: Infrastructure services providing reliable colocation and edge compute storage to support business applications.
- Network-as-a-Service (NaaS): Pay-as-you-go pricing model for rapid deployment of reliable, secure connectivity services that scale to business needs.
- Professional Services: Consulting and implementation services for network transformation and digital transformation engagements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise connectivity services with dedicated internet access up to 100 Gbps |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Network-as-a-Service for rapid, scalable connectivity |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Level 3 Communications product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Level 3 Communications (now operating as Lumen Technologies) is a global telecommunications and network infrastructure company that sells connectivity, security, and communication services over its owned fiber-optic backbone. Core offerings include Dedicated Internet Access up to 100 Gbps, Wavelength services up to 400 Gbps, Dark Fiber, Ethernet, Multi-Cloud Gateway, Colocation, Edge Compute & Storage, DDoS Mitigation, SD-WAN, SASE, Black Lotus Labs threat intelligence, UC&C, Cloud Voice, Contact Center, and Network-as-a-Service delivered to enterprise, mid-market, public sector, and wholesale customers.
Product overview
Lumen Technologies (formerly Level 3 Communications) operates as a telecommunications and network infrastructure company offering a comprehensive portfolio of connectivity, security, and communication services. The product portfolio includes core network infrastructure services (Dark Fiber, Wavelengths, Colocation, Ethernet, Dedicated Internet Access), security solutions (DDoS Mitigation, SD-WAN, SASE, Black Lotus Labs threat intelligence), unified communications (Cloud Voice, UC&C, Contact Center, Voice Complete), and AI-ready networking products (Multi-Cloud Gateway, Private Connectivity Fabric). Services are delivered through the Lumen Connected Ecosystem integrating hyperscale cloud providers (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft) and data center partners (Digital Realty, Equinix). The company also maintains legacy brands including CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber for residential services, with former Level 3 subsidiaries now operating under the Lumen umbrella.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lumen Wavelengths High-capacity wavelength service handling up to 400 Gbps with minimal network elements for maximum speed, scalability and performance, delivered to enterprises over the Lumen fiber network.
- Lumen Dark Fiber High-capacity, scalable and secure fiber optic network dedicated to businesses and managed by Lumen, providing enterprises with private dark fiber capacity.
- Lumen Colocation Reliable data center colocation infrastructure supporting business applications and growth in market presence.
- Lumen Dedicated Internet Access Secure, reliable and dedicated enterprise-grade internet service for midsize to large businesses with connectivity up to 100 Gbps.
- Lumen Internet On-Demand Rapidly deployable dedicated internet connectivity over multi-service ports delivered as Network-as-a-Service with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Lumen Ethernet Secure, high-speed Ethernet connections between locations, data centers and cloud providers for instant access to business resources.
- Lumen Multi-Cloud Gateway Simplified AI-ready networking between clouds, data centers and premises delivered through one automated gateway.
- Lumen Private Connectivity Fabric Private, low-latency network with programmable fabric designed for heavy AI workloads and high-capacity performance.
- Lumen DDoS Mitigation Automated self-service DDoS protection that combats complex, costly and persistent denial-of-service threats.
- Lumen SD-WAN Fully-managed or co-managed SD-WAN with hybrid connectivity that enhances WAN performance while minimizing risk.
- Lumen SASE Secure Access Service Edge solution unifying network and security in a centralized, cloud-based experience for distributed enterprises.
- Lumen Cloud Voice Cloud-based voice and collaboration tools maximizing customer experience delivered on a secure, high-performance platform.
- Lumen UC&C Unified Communications and Collaboration solution combining voice, video and chat to enable savings and productivity for enterprise teams.
- Lumen Contact Center Omnichannel customer experience / contact center solution that is quick to deploy and easy to use for transforming customer interactions.
- Lumen Voice Complete Cloud-ready SIP services and APIs maximizing voice performance and reliability while simplifying management without replacing TDM technology.
- Vyvx Broadcast Solutions End-to-end managed broadcast services for live events and on-demand video from acquisition to delivery.
- Lumen Edge Compute & Storage Edge computing and storage solutions that bring compute resources closer to data sources for reduced-latency applications.
- Lumen Enterprise Broadband Reliable, high-speed enterprise broadband with extensive reach, built to scale with business requirements.
- Black Lotus Labs
- Lumen Network-as-a-Service On-demand, pay-as-you-go Network-as-a-Service that quickly delivers reliable, secure connectivity services scaling to business needs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 97% reduction in DDoS attacks for Micro Center with continuous threat detection and managed response
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Level 3 Communications
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments12 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Level 3 Communications technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability5 records
Feature7 records
Level 3 Communications partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreAWS is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner in the Lumen Connected Ecosystem, enabling enterprises to access AWS services through Lumen's network infrastructure.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner enabling integrated cloud and connectivity solutions for enterprise customers.
- Google CloudcoreGoogle Cloud is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner providing integrated cloud connectivity solutions.
- CiscocoreCisco is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner with technology integrations for network solutions.
- VMwarecoreVMware is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner with integrations for virtualization and cloud solutions.
- Digital RealtycoreDigital Realty is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner providing data center interconnection services.
- EquinixcoreEquinix is listed as a Strategic Technology Partner for data center ecosystem connectivity.
- US Telecom - The Broadband AssociationmajorTrade association partnership to shape industry standards and accelerate network modernization through policy advocacy.
- AI Infrastructure CoalitionmajorCoalition partnership focused on advancing AI infrastructure policy and standards to support AI innovation.
- Alliance for Critical InfrastructuremajorPartnership to strengthen critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity resilience.
- Communications Sector Coordinating CouncilmajorSector coordination partnership for critical infrastructure security and emergency response.
- Fiber Broadband AssociationmajorIndustry association partnership to advocate for fiber broadband deployment and connectivity expansion policies.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Level 3 Communications competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Verizon Business: Major US incumbent carrier with global enterprise networking, managed services, and wholesale offerings. Competes with Level 3/Lumen in enterprise WAN, wavelengths, and global managed network services.
- AT&T Business: Major US incumbent carrier with national fiber footprint, enterprise connectivity, and managed services. Competes with Level 3/Lumen across enterprise networking, wavelengths, and managed SD-WAN.
- Lumen Technologies: Parent company of Level 3 Communications; Lumen is the public entity that now operates Level 3's network assets as part of its broader enterprise and wholesale portfolio. Directly comparable in services, footprint, and customer base.
- NTT Communications: Global Tier-1 carrier under NTT Group providing enterprise connectivity, managed services, and wholesale capacity. Comparable in global enterprise and wholesale networking with overlapping Asia-Pacific and transatlantic footprint.
Direct peers
- Arelion (formerly Telia Carrier): Global Tier-1 IP backbone and fiber operator headquartered in Stockholm, serving carriers, content providers, and enterprises. Directly comparable to Level 3 in IP transit, wavelengths, and wholesale Ethernet services.
- Cogent Communications: Global IP transit and fiber-based carrier serving enterprise and wholesale customers with on-net fiber and Tier-1 internet services. Directly comparable in IP transit and metro fiber to Level 3's wholesale business.
- Hurricane Electric: Large global IPv6-native internet backbone and colocation provider focused on IP transit and interconnection. Comparable as a wholesale carrier peer, particularly in IP transit and colocation.
- GTT Communications: Global Tier-1 IP network operator providing managed networking, security, and cloud connectivity to enterprise and wholesale customers. Comparable in global IP backbone, MPLS, and enterprise managed services.
- Zayo Group: Independent fiber operator providing wavelengths, dark fiber, ethernet, and managed connectivity to enterprise and wholesale customers across North America and Europe. Closely comparable in core fiber services and target customer segments.
Others
- Equinix: Global colocation and interconnection provider with Equinix Fabric software-defined interconnection. Partners with Level 3/Lumen but also offers adjacent connectivity services and competes in data center cross-connects for enterprise multi-cloud needs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Level 3 Communications social profiles
Digital presenceLevel 3 Communications financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Level 3 Communications leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Level 3 Communications subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Level 3 Communications funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Level 3 Communications M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A11 records
Investments3 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Level 3 Communications
What does Level 3 Communications do?
Level 3 Communications (now operating as Lumen Technologies) is a global telecommunications and network infrastructure company that sells connectivity, security, and communication services over its owned fiber-optic backbone. Core offerings include Dedicated Internet Access up to 100 Gbps, Wavelength services up to 400 Gbps, Dark Fiber, Ethernet, Multi-Cloud Gateway, Colocation, Edge Compute & Storage, DDoS Mitigation, SD-WAN, SASE, Black Lotus Labs threat intelligence, UC&C, Cloud Voice, Contact Center, and Network-as-a-Service delivered to enterprise, mid-market, public sector, and wholesale customers.
Is Level 3 Communications a public or private company?
Level 3 Communications is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Level 3 Communications founded?
Level 3 Communications was founded in 1991. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Level 3 Communications based?
Level 3 Communications is headquartered in Broomfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does Level 3 Communications make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Connectivity Services are the primary driver. The others are security Services, communication Services, colocation and Edge Compute, network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and professional Services.
Who are Level 3 Communications's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Verizon Business, AT&T Business, Lumen Technologies and NTT Communications. Direct peers are Arelion (formerly Telia Carrier), Cogent Communications, Hurricane Electric, GTT Communications and Zayo Group. Equinix is listed as an others.
Does Level 3 Communications have an API?
Yes. Lumen offers an API developer portal at developer.lumen.com with API access for developers to build and launch applications. The portal provides APIs for connectivity, network services, and developer tools. Lumen Connect Terms and Conditions govern API usage, with separate API Developer Center Terms of Use documentation available. Developer documentation is at developer.lumen.com/devcenter/home.
What industry is Level 3 Communications in?
Level 3 Communications's product category is Network Infrastructure Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAEAB, Carrier Ethernet & Wavelength Wholesale (E-Line/E-LAN, OTN, lambda), with a secondary code of HDAIAGAD, Industrial/OT Private Connectivity (Factory, Mining, Ports). Its NAICS code is 51711 and its SIC code is 4899.