The sale of Lumen Technologies' fiber business to AT&T marks a pivotal moment in the telecommunications industry.
Lumen Technologies has announced the sale of its consumer fiber business to AT&T for $5.75 billion. This acquisition involves Lumen’s fiber operations across 11 states, adding around 1 million customers to AT&T’s network. The deal aims to improve fiber internet accessibility and create jobs, with plans to double fiber availability by 2030. Following the sale, Lumen will focus on enterprise customers and has already seen growth in its broadband base. This significant move positions AT&T as a stronger competitor in the telecommunications market.
MONROE, Louisiana – Lumen Technologies has announced the sale of its consumer fiber business to AT&T for $5.75 billion. This transaction involves Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber operations across 11 U.S. states, bringing approximately 1 million fiber customers into AT&T’s service network. The acquisition is set to enhance AT&T’s fiber reach to over 4 million locations nationwide.
The deal is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. AT&T officials have expressed that the acquisition will improve accessibility to fiber internet, generate job opportunities, and lead to increased infrastructure investments.
Lumen Technologies, which previously operated under the name CenturyLink, will transition its fiber customers in states including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Washington to AT&T. This move marks AT&T’s entry into the Colorado consumer fiber market, where it will absorb customers who previously received fiber service under the Quantum Fiber brand associated with CenturyLink.
Following the completion of the sale, Lumen will support the transition to AT&T services for two years. This strategic adjustment allows Lumen to shift its focus toward serving enterprise customers and expanding its offerings in artificial intelligence and digital networking solutions.
By acquiring Lumen’s consumer fiber business, AT&T aims to double its fiber availability by the end of 2030. This planned expansion is designed to enhance AT&T’s competitive edge against major internet service providers such as Comcast and new regional startups. The transaction is seen as a pivotal investment in the U.S. connectivity infrastructure and is expected to have positive effects on economic growth within various regions.
Lumen’s decision to divest its consumer fiber operations is part of a larger strategy to reduce its substantial $20 billion debt and lower annual interest expenses. Recently, Lumen has reported an increase in its fiber broadband customer base, growing from 952,000 to 1.1 million over the last year. On top of this, Lumen has entered into partnerships with significant technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud, securing connectivity contracts valued at $8.5 billion.
Lumen began as CenturyTel in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, and underwent a rebranding to CenturyLink before adopting its current name. Its former headquarters, now known as the Clarke M. Williams Innovation Center, has been donated to the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). This historical backdrop illustrates Lumen’s long-standing presence in the telecommunications field and its recent strategic pivots to adapt to the evolving market landscape.
As consumer demand grows for enhanced wireless and fiber-to-home services, Lumen’s CEO has emphasized that the company is aligning with the developing needs of the market. By focusing on the enterprise segment, Lumen aims to meet the increasing demand for robust and reliable internet solutions while enabling a smoother transition for consumers to AT&T’s platforms.
In summary, the acquisition of Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber business by AT&T for $5.75 billion represents a significant shift in the telecommunications sector. The transaction sets the stage for expanded fiber internet access across multiple states, potential job growth, and positions AT&T to grow its fiber network significantly while alleviating some of Lumen’s financial burdens.
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