- Agreement reserves 10% of Corning's global fiber capacity for each of
the next two years to interconnect AI-enabled data centers
- Agreement will more than double Lumen's intercity network
miles to unlock the next phases and capabilities of AI for cloud
data centers, enterprises, and public agencies
CORNING,
N.Y. and DENVER,
Aug. 1,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN)
today announced an agreement with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW)
for a substantial supply of next-generation optical cable. This
fiber-dense cable will more than double Lumen's U.S. intercity
fiber miles, offering significant capacity to major cloud data
centers racing to stay ahead of AI workloads and high bandwidth
applications fueled by massive amounts of data.
The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence
requires at least 10 times more fiber connections within data
centers, as well as a robust fiber network to transmit information
between these data hubs. With this agreement, Lumen reserves 10% of
Corning's global fiber capacity
for each of the next two years.
The agreement, Lumen's largest cable purchase, will equip Lumen
to meet the network infrastructure needs of major data center
operators for years to come, including Microsoft, which announced
last week that it's investing with Lumen to support the rising
demand on its data centers.
"Lumen is the network that delivers AI. The rise of AI is
driving technology companies to quickly secure fiber and bandwidth
before their competition," said Kate
Johnson, president and CEO, Lumen Technologies. "With
Corning's innovative solutions, we are building the backbone of the
AI economy. This partnership gives Lumen status as a preferred
partner and secures a significant supply of next-generation fiber
today and in the future."
Lumen has the largest ultra-low-loss intercity fiber network in
North America. Its U.S. intercity
network includes diverse routes to more than 50 major cities across
the country. Lumen distinguishes its network from others in the
industry by continuously upgrading its infrastructure using a
multi-conduit system, allowing for the quick deployment of the
latest fiber technology.
"As generative AI increases bandwidth requirements
between data centers, we're pleased to reach an agreement with
Lumen Technologies to provide our latest optical fiber and cable
innovations to facilitate Lumen's build of a new network to
interconnect AI-enabled data centers," said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO, Corning
Incorporated. "This marks the first outside-plant deployment of
Corning's new gen-AI fiber and
cable system, which will enable Lumen to fit anywhere from
two-to-four times the amount of fiber into their existing
conduit."
To properly power AI with capacity, performance, stability and
speed, Lumen is creating a digital platform on top of its physical
network allowing cloud-like consumption of network services.
Lumen's Private Connectivity Fabric℠ is a custom network that
includes dedicated access to existing fiber in the Lumen network,
the installation of new fiber on existing and new routes, and
access to Lumen's digital services.
Visit Corning's media
resource center for information, videos, and images.
About Lumen Technologies
Lumen connects the world. We
are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and
applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we
do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro
connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud,
security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers'
needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights
visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter:
@lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram:
@lumentechnologies, and YouTube: /lumentechnologies.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the
world's leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year
track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in
glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its
deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop
category-defining products that transform industries and enhance
people's lives. Corning succeeds
through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of
material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based
relationships with customers who are global leaders in their
industries. Corning's capabilities
are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve
to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers
capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today,
Corning's markets include optical
communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive,
solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.
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SOURCE Lumen Technologies