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About Lumen Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LUMN)
Lumen Technologies Inc., formerly known as CenturyLink, is a global technology and telecommunications company that provides enterprise-grade networking solutions to businesses, government organizations, and hyperscalers. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Lumen has positioned itself as a critical enabler of the digital economy, leveraging its expansive fiber-optic infrastructure and advanced networking technologies to meet the demands of the data-driven 4th Industrial Revolution.
Core Business Areas
Enterprise Networking Solutions: Lumen specializes in delivering high-capacity data transport, edge computing, and managed services to enterprises. Its offerings include colocation services, data center connectivity, and end-user internet and phone services. The company’s extensive fiber network, spanning over 450,000 route miles, provides the backbone for its enterprise solutions.
Cybersecurity and AI-Driven Solutions: Lumen’s cybersecurity portfolio includes advanced threat detection and prevention tools, such as Lumen DefenderSM. Powered by its Black Lotus Labs® threat intelligence team, these solutions utilize AI and machine learning to protect businesses against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Private Connectivity and Cloud Integration: Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric℠ offers secure, high-bandwidth connections tailored for hyperscalers and enterprises managing AI-intensive workloads. These solutions are designed to support the growing demand for seamless cloud integration and data center interconnectivity.
Market Position and Strategic Focus
Lumen has undergone a strategic transformation, shifting its focus from consumer services to enterprise and hyperscaler markets. Following its 2017 merger with Level 3 Communications and the 2022 divestiture of its local exchange carrier business, approximately 75% of Lumen’s revenue now comes from enterprise services. The company’s partnerships with major technology firms, including Microsoft and Meta, highlight its pivotal role in enabling the AI economy. By continuously upgrading its fiber infrastructure and investing in next-generation technologies, Lumen aims to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performance networking solutions tailored to the needs of modern enterprises.
Competitive Landscape
Operating in a highly competitive market, Lumen faces challenges from telecommunications giants like AT&T and Verizon, as well as specialized fiber network providers. Its differentiation lies in its expansive ultra-low-loss intercity fiber network and its ability to provide custom, AI-ready connectivity solutions. Lumen’s focus on cloudification and edge computing further strengthens its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities
Lumen’s transition from legacy consumer services to enterprise-focused operations presents both challenges and opportunities. While the company benefits from growing demand in AI, cloud, and data-driven industries, it must navigate financial pressures, including high debt levels and declining revenues from legacy products. Nevertheless, its strategic investments in fiber infrastructure and cybersecurity position it well to capitalize on the increasing need for reliable, high-capacity networking solutions.
Conclusion
Lumen Technologies stands as a key player in the enterprise connectivity space, driving innovation through its robust fiber network, AI-driven cybersecurity tools, and tailored private connectivity solutions. By aligning its offerings with the needs of the digital economy, Lumen is empowering businesses to unlock their full potential in an increasingly data-intensive world.
Lumen Technologies will present at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on September 15, 2022, with CEO Jeff Storey scheduled to speak at 10:45 a.m. PT. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on Lumen's Investor Relations website. Lumen, known for its extensive fiber network, aims to enhance technology to improve business and community experiences across more than 60 countries. Investors can find more details and the webcast link on the Investor Relations site.
Brightspeed has secured over $90 million in grants to expand its gig-speed fiber network to 38,000 locations across 29 counties in North Carolina. The funding is part of the state's GREAT grant initiative aimed at enhancing broadband access in underserved areas. Brightspeed, the top recipient in a competitive process with over 300 applicants, plans to build 800,000 fiber-enabled locations over time, significantly improving internet service and accessibility. The investments are aligned with their mission to bridge the digital divide.
Lumen Technologies will present at the BofA Securities 2022 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference on September 7, 2022, starting at 11:20 a.m. PT. Chris Stansbury, CFO, will lead the presentation, which can be accessed via a live webcast on Lumen's Investor Relations site. Lumen operates approximately 450,000 route fiber miles and serves customers in over 60 countries, focusing on advancing technology to enhance both work and life. For further details, visit Lumen's website.
Brightspeed has unveiled plans to expand its fiber optic network in Indiana, targeting over 50,000 potential customers by the end of 2023. This initial phase includes 20 counties and a commitment of at least $2 billion to improve broadband access across rural areas, ultimately reaching over 120,000 locations. Brightspeed aims to enhance internet speed and reliability through a next-generation FTTP architecture that offers speeds exceeding 1 Gbps. The company has secured all necessary regulatory approvals and expects to finalize its acquisition by APO in early Q4 2022.
Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has launched Lumen SASE Solutions, an all-digital platform for purchasing, configuring, and managing secure access service edge (SASE) solutions. This initiative aims to streamline the experience for IT and security leaders facing challenges in a distributed workforce. Customers can select from multiple vendors and receive support through the Lumen Marketplace and SASE Manager. The partnership with companies like Fortinet and VMware enhances service offerings, positioning Lumen to meet modern cybersecurity needs.
Brightspeed plans to expand its fiber optics network, targeting up to 24,000 potential customers in Illinois and Michigan by the end of 2023. In Illinois, 14,000 new fiber passings in Knox County will be established, with a goal of 45,000 total passings in subsequent years. In Michigan, over 10,000 new passings will be added initially, aiming for 24,000 total. The company is investing at least $2 billion in its network transformation and has secured necessary regulatory approvals for its operations across 20 states. The project aims to enhance broadband in underserved areas.
The FCC has approved Lumen Technologies' sale of its ILEC business in 20 states to Brightspeed, managed by Apollo. This transaction, valued at $7.5 billion, is expected to close early in Q4 2022, following customary conditions. Brightspeed will invest in an expanded fiber optics network, aiming to reach up to three million homes and businesses over five years, enhancing broadband access in underserved areas. Lumen retains operations in 16 states and continues to develop its national fiber routes.
Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share, set to be paid on September 9, 2022. Shareholders of record as of August 30, 2022 will receive this dividend, with the ex-dividend date on August 29, 2022. This move underscores Lumen's commitment to returning value to its investors.
Brightspeed has announced its initial fiber network build plan for Kansas, aiming to reach over 10,000 new fiber passings by the end of 2023. This expansion is part of a larger strategy that includes 45,000 additional fiber passings over subsequent years, totaling over 55,000 locations. The company plans to invest at least $2 billion in fiber optics, impacting up to 3 million homes and businesses in the next five years. Brightspeed's network aims to enhance internet connectivity in rural and suburban areas of Kansas.
Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has launched its new on-demand edge solution, Lumen Edge Virtual Machines (VM), enabling businesses to run next-generation applications with high performance and scalability. This offering provides on-demand compute, storage, and secure networking, integrating with the company's edge portfolio. The service promises flexibility, low latency, and reduced costs, allowing businesses to efficiently deploy workloads closer to digital interactions. Lumen's infrastructure reportedly meets 97% of U.S. enterprise demand within 5 milliseconds of latency.