Lumen Technologies Boasts Big Gains and a Differentiator to Drive Growth

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At its core, Lumen Technologies is a company dedicated to connecting people, data, and applications to make the world a more connected place. But that mission can also be incredibly profitable; just look at the company’s growth. Lumen reported that it has sealed more than $8 billion in private custom fiber agreements with the biggest names in tech including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Google. But on the company’s latest earnings call, CEO Kate Johnson said it’s just the beginning.

“Big Tech is choosing Lumen because our geographically diverse, conduit-based intra and intercity fiber network was built for this moment … No other telco that owns a fiber network is doing this. And we see it as a material differentiator and revenue generation opportunity for Lumen in the future.”

Financial analysts at MoffettNathanson agree. In a note to investors, the analysts relayed their belief that Lumen is uniquely positioned for success, given its deal on existing long-haul routes and the current inability of competitors to build that kind of infrastructure to catch up.

There is more good news. Lumen’s network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform, introduced in summer 2023, has already landed four hundred enterprise customers, a move the Lumen CEO says has “fundamentally repositioned” the company for future growth.

When it comes to issues that are reshaping the current tech and telecom landscape, AI is always a focal point for discussion. Lumen is helping clients evolve the ways in which they drive digital transformation and AI initiatives. Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric is a custom network solution providing dedicated access to existing fiber in Lumen’s network, the option to install new fiber on existing and new routes, and the use of Lumen’s services to handle the high bandwidth needs of AI.

AI also demands high-capacity cloud connectivity, another service in Lumen’s portfolio. High-speed, scalable, enterprise-grade connectivity is designed to meet the massive sharing demands required to power AI models and services.

Lumen is also utilizing AI and machine learning to help its partners prepare for the “when,” not “if” of a sophisticated cyberattack. Lumen Defender proactively blocks threats at the network level before they have the capability to compromise a business’ network.

Leaders at Lumen like Fernando Boza, senior director of supply chain, are helping ensure that the company itself is as safe and secure as its clients. The twelve-year Lumen veteran is an experienced operations leader with a track record of driving results across supply chain management, services, and manufacturing.

Boza has worked in multiple industries including telecom, tech, and automotive. His passion for improving operation efficiency through a systematic, data-driven approach is bolstered by his commitment to building high-performing teams. Boza is a Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing expert, and his growth and evolution in supply chain management includes an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Boza is as committed to connecting with his own teams as Lumen is with its clients. The senior director is a passionate advocate for development and acts as an advocate to help grow talent within Lumen.

And should Boza need help protecting Lumen’s digital supply chain operations, well, his company has an answer for that. Lumen utilizes a single unified platform to protect clients and its third-party suppliers. The company also provides audit services and an intelligent management platform to allow clients to gain oversight of supplier risks. There’s no doubt the platform was given a dry run by Boza, and if it’s good enough for him, it’s likely good enough for just about anyone.

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