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Lumen Technologies is making significant strides in its multi-billion-dollar initiative to build a robust network backbone for the AI economy. With coast-to-coast construction, Lumen plans to add 34 million new intercity fiber miles by 2028, reaching a total of 47 million, to support the surging data demands of AI workloads. In 2025 alone, the company has deployed millions of new fiber miles, enhanced network capacity, and upgraded connectivity to meet enterprise needs.
Lumen’s ambitious expansion addresses the unprecedented demand for network capacity driven by AI. “AI is fueling a surge in network demand like we’ve never seen, and Lumen is building the backbone to meet it,” said Kye Prigg, executive vice president, enterprise operations. The company aims to more than double its U.S. network size, positioning itself as the trusted network for AI with unparalleled scale, speed, and reliability.
Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF) is tailored for AI, leveraging fiber with 25% less optical loss and 60% more capacity than traditional designs. This enables efficient data movement at scale with latency under five milliseconds, covering 97% of U.S. business demand. With diverse routes connecting over 50 major cities, Lumen operates North America’s largest ultra-low-loss intercity fiber network.
As shown in the finance card above, Lumen’s stock (LUMN) closed at $6.254, with a market cap of $5.86B. The stock has risen 26% in September 2025, reflecting investor confidence in its AI-driven strategy, though it remains below its 2024 high of $7.34. The company’s focus on AI infrastructure aligns with its $5B in new business secured in 2024, driven by hyperscaler demand.
Lumen’s network investments, including partnerships with Corning and deployments like Wavelength RapidRoutes, position it to capitalize on the AI-driven data surge. The company’s ability to deliver low-latency, high-capacity connectivity makes it a critical player for enterprises and hyperscalers. “Every mile of new fiber and capacity upgrade adds to the strength of our Private Connectivity Fabric. Lumen is doing more than expanding infrastructure, we’re laying the foundation for the AI economy,” Prigg added.
Lumen Technologies is unleashing the world’s digital potential by connecting people, data, and applications securely and efficiently. As the trusted network for AI, Lumen supports companies in realizing AI’s full potential through metro connectivity, long-haul transport, edge cloud, security, and digital platforms.
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