Lumen

What Lumen does

Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN), formerly CenturyLink and rebranded in 2020, is a US-domiciled telecommunications and enterprise networking company headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana. Following the February 2026 sale of its Mass Markets fiber-to-the-home business to AT&T for $5.75 billion, Lumen has repositioned as a pure-play enterprise and public-sector connectivity provider serving large distributed enterprises, mid-market firms, federal agencies, neocloud/AI infrastructure operators, wholesale carriers, and vertical industries including media, financial services, and healthcare across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company serves customers through enterprise field sales, hyperscaler co-sell channels (AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Cisco), and digital self-service via the Lumen Connect portal.

The company's core technology is the Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF), a programmable network platform that pairs Lumen's 17+ million-mile fiber footprint (with plans to expand to 47+ million miles) and 2,200+ connected data centers with the Alkira cloud-native Network-as-a-Service control plane acquired in July 2026 for $475 million. Core products include Ethernet Fabric Connect (Layer 2 Ethernet up to 100-400 Gbps), Wavelengths, Dark Fiber, Dedicated Internet Access, Multi-Cloud Gateway, Internet On-Demand, SD-WAN, SASE, and DDoS Mitigation. Managed security is delivered through Lumen Defender AMDR (integrated with Microsoft Sentinel), Adaptive Network Security, Virtual SOC, and threat intelligence from the Black Lotus Labs division. Communication and broadcast offerings include Lumen Cloud Voice, UC&C, Contact Center, and the long-running Vyvx broadcast platform.

Lumen generates revenue through a mix of recurring subscriptions, usage-based / consumption-based billing under the NaaS model, managed services, and professional services. Pricing is predominantly quote-based for enterprise contracts, with publicly listed hourly/monthly rates for Ethernet Fabric Connect tiers (50 Mbps to 100 Gbps, ranging from $0.78/hr to $14.64/hr and $318/mo to $5,939/mo). The company has secured more than $13 billion in signed PCF deals and serves 2,000+ NaaS customers with over 7,000 ports sold, projecting digital revenue of $500-600 million by year-end 2028 and $800-900 million by 2030. Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales, hyperscaler co-sell, a channel partner program, inside sales, and API-driven self-service. The leadership team is anchored by CEO Kate Johnson and CTPO Jim Fowler (hired from Nationwide), with a stated AI-driven transformation targeting $1 billion in annualized network cost savings by end of 2027.

Name

Lumen

Legal name

Lumen Technologies

Website

https://lumen.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Lumen Technologies is a US-based enterprise networking and connectivity provider operating a 17+ million-mile fiber footprint programmable via its Private Connectivity Fabric and Alkira cloud-native control plane, serving large enterprises, mid-market firms, federal agencies, and AI/neocloud operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Enterprise Network Connectivity Services

NAICS

Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Backbone & Long-Haul Transport (IP/MPLS, Optical/Wavelength) (HDABALAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Network Interconnection & Data Center Meet-Me Services (MMRs, carrier hotels, interconnect fabrics) (HDAIAEAK), AI Interconnects & Fabric (NVLink/CXL/PCIe/Switches) (HDAAAAAD)

Keywords

• Enterprise network services
• Fiber connectivity
• Network-as-a-service
• Managed security services
• Telecommunications infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Monroe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Enterprise Connectivity Services: Recurring subscription and usage-based revenue from enterprise connectivity services including Dedicated Internet Access, Ethernet, wavelength services, and SD-WAN. Customers can choose consumption-based or subscription billing models.
2. Network-as-a-Service (NaaS): Consumption-based billing for on-demand network connectivity, allowing enterprises to pay for bandwidth as they use it similar to cloud services. Lumen has over 2,000 NaaS customers with over 7,000 ports sold.
3. Digital Revenue / Private Connectivity Fabric: Revenue from PCF deals targeting AI-era enterprise connectivity. Lumen projects digital revenue will reach $500-600 million by year-end 2028 and $800-900 million by 2030, with PCF revenue expected to hit $400-500 million by 2028.
4. Managed Security Services: Revenue from cybersecurity offerings including DDoS mitigation, Lumen Defender AMDR, Adaptive Network Security, Virtual SOC, and threat intelligence services powered by Black Lotus Labs.
5. Managed Services (SD-WAN, SASE): Revenue from fully-managed or co-managed SD-WAN and SASE solutions, combining network and security services for enterprise customers.
6. Professional and Managed IT Services: Revenue from technology professional services including implementation, advanced managed services, cloud migration, and IT infrastructure management.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Lumen Technologies operates a programmable fiber network platform spanning over 17 million fiber miles (planned to more than double to 47+ million), delivering enterprise connectivity, Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), multi-cloud connectivity, managed security, and communications services. The Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF) combines physical fiber infrastructure with cloud-native control plane (via Alkira acquisition) to provide on-demand, consumption-based connectivity for AI-era enterprise workloads, with over 2,000 NaaS customers and $13 billion in PCF signed deals.

Product overview

Lumen Technologies operates a platform-plus-modules architecture delivering AI-ready networking, cybersecurity, edge cloud, and communication solutions. The core Private Connectivity Fabric combines Lumen's physical fiber infrastructure with Alkira's cloud-native control plane following the $475 million acquisition. Key connectivity products include Ethernet Fabric Connect (Layer 2 Ethernet with up to 400 Gbps), Wavelengths, Dark Fiber, Dedicated Internet Access, and Multi-Cloud Gateway for multi-cloud routing. Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provides consumption-based programmable connectivity across internet, Ethernet, and IP VPN services. Security offerings span DDoS Mitigation, SD-WAN, SASE, Adaptive Network Security, and Black Lotus Labs threat intelligence. Communication products include Cloud Voice, UC&C, Contact Center, and Vyvx Broadcast Solutions. Managed services include Advanced Managed Services, Managed Network Services, and Professional Security Services. The company serves enterprise, midmarket, public sector, and wholesale customers across industries including financial services, healthcare, media, manufacturing, and retail.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lumen Defender: Advanced Managed Detection and Response (AMDR) security offering with Microsoft Sentinel integration
• Lumen Vyvx Broadcast Solutions
• Black Lotus Labs
• Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF)
• Lumen NaaS

Products and services

• Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF)

Quantifiable outcome

• 10x increased network capacity
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability7 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and flagship.

• CiscocoreTechnology or Integration · 21 July 2026Lumen and Cisco consolidated their joint SD-WAN/LAN service, rebranding it as Lumen SD-WAN and Managed Equipment with Cisco Meraki, to address network fragmentation issues across enterprise locations. The solution combines Cisco's cloud-managed Meraki suite with Lumen's end-to-end operational management covering design, deployment, monitoring, and optimization. The partnership builds on their history dating back to CenturyLink.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or Integration · 13 July 2026Lumen launched Lumen Defender Advanced Managed Detection and Response (AMDR) with Microsoft Sentinel, integrating its global network threat intelligence and Black Lotus Labs capabilities into a 24/7 managed security offering. This partnership combines Lumen's network-level visibility with Microsoft's security information and event management (SIEM) platform.
• Google (and FBI)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Lumen partnered with Google and the FBI to disrupt the NetNut residential proxy network used in malware operations. Google's Threat Intelligence Group, working with the FBI, Lumen, and other partners, significantly degraded NetNut, a residential proxy network spanning 2 million devices. Lumen contributed technical intelligence on the infrastructure as part of the operation.
• C2 ISAC (with AT&T, Charter, Comcast, Cox, T-Mobile, Verizon, Zayo)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Major U.S. telecommunications companies including AT&T, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Lumen, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Zayo launched the C2 ISAC to share critical cybersecurity intelligence and strengthen defenses against evolving cyber threats. The initiative responds to increasing espionage activities such as China's Salt Typhoon operation and aims to improve information exchange outside government constraints.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)flagshipTechnology or Integration · 15 April 2026Lumen is the first network provider to collaborate with AWS on AWS Interconnect – last mile using Lumen Cloud Interconnect, enabling private connectivity between enterprise locations and AWS. The service allows enterprises to establish high-speed connections through the AWS Console and Lumen Connect portal, reducing deployment timelines from weeks to minutes. The solution is now generally available to enterprise customers in the United States.
• CommvaultstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2026Commvault positioned Lumen as a strategic partnership delivering cyber and AI resilience solutions. Commvault introduced new AI capabilities for its Commvault Cloud platform, with Lumen cited as a strategic partner in delivering secure, controlled agentic transformation for enterprise customers.
• AnthropicstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2026Lumen announced a contract with Anthropic to expand fiber infrastructure in North America, supporting AI workloads and enterprise connectivity demands.
• Blue PlanetstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026Lumen is collaborating with Blue Planet to implement agentic AI technology for network management, including data migration, digital twins, and device model creation. The project is part of Lumen's broader strategy to enhance digital and AI capabilities by improving inventory systems and data quality.
• Microsoft (FrostArmada Operation)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerLumen's Black Lotus Labs tracked the FrostArmada cyber campaign associated with the Forest Blizzard threat actor group, which used DNS hijacking and attacker-in-the-middle techniques. The campaign was disrupted by collaborative efforts from Lumen, Microsoft, the FBI, and international partners.
• Google CloudcoreTechnology or IntegrationLumen offers integration with Google Cloud through its Multi-Cloud Gateway and cloud connectivity solutions, enabling enterprises to connect to Google Cloud regions through Lumen's private network.
• EquinixcoreTechnology or IntegrationLumen's Ethernet Fabric Connect integrates with Equinix data centers, providing enterprises with private connectivity to Equinix's ecosystem of cloud providers and business partners.
• Digital RealtycoreTechnology or IntegrationLumen's Multi-Cloud Gateway and Ethernet Fabric Connect provide connectivity to Digital Realty data centers, supporting enterprise multi-cloud strategies.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cogent Communications: Wholesale-focused Internet service provider and fiber operator offering IP transit, wavelength, and colocation services globally. Cogent competes with Lumen in the wholesale carrier and enterprise connectivity markets, particularly on IP backbone and data center interconnect services.
• Crown Castle: US owner and operator of shared communications infrastructure including fiber and small cells. Crown Castle's fiber business competes directly with Lumen's enterprise and wholesale connectivity offerings, particularly for backhaul, wavelength, and dark fiber services.
• Zayo Group: Private wholesale fiber network operator providing high-capacity backbone, wavelength, and Ethernet services across North America and Europe. Zayo is a direct peer to Lumen's wholesale and enterprise connectivity business, competing on dedicated fiber infrastructure for enterprise and carrier customers.
• Colt Technology Services: Enterprise-focused network services provider offering Ethernet, wavelength, SD-WAN, and cloud connectivity across Europe, Asia, and North America. Colt is a direct peer to Lumen's enterprise business with comparable on-demand bandwidth and NaaS offerings.

Broad incumbents

• AT&T: Major US telecommunications carrier offering enterprise connectivity, fiber, and wireless services. AT&T acquired Lumen's Mass Markets fiber business for $5.75B in February 2026 and remains a direct competitor in enterprise and wholesale network services, with overlapping wavelength, Ethernet, and SD-WAN offerings.
• Verizon: Large US telecommunications carrier with significant enterprise networking, fiber, and managed services portfolio. Verizon Business competes with Lumen directly in dedicated internet access, Ethernet, SD-WAN, and security services for enterprise and wholesale customers.
• Comcast Business: Enterprise services arm of Comcast Corporation providing broadband, Ethernet, and managed network services. Comcast Business competes with Lumen in mid-market and enterprise connectivity, particularly through its SD-WAN and cloud connectivity solutions.
• Charter Communications: Major US cable broadband provider with expanding enterprise services including Spectrum Business. Charter competes with Lumen in enterprise broadband, Ethernet, and connectivity services, particularly for mid-market and SMB customers.

Emerging players

• Digital Realty: Global data center operator offering colocation and interconnection services including PlatformDIGITAL and Service Exchange. Digital Realty is a Lumen partner but also competes in data center interconnect and multi-cloud connectivity solutions for enterprise customers.
• Equinix: Global data center and interconnection services provider offering colocation and cross-connect services. While Equinix is a Lumen partner, it also competes in the multi-cloud connectivity space through Equinix Fabric and is a key channel for Lumen's enterprise Ethernet services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/centurylink
• YouTubeyoutube.com/lumentechnologies
• Facebookfacebook.com/CenturyLink
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centurylink-business

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lumen