Lumen Expands Network-as-a-Service Customer Base to 2,000 Businesses

Company's off-net reach and cloud-focused network platform drive growth in high-value digital revenues.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Lumen, a leading telecommunications provider, has significantly expanded its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) customer base, reaching 2,000 business customers. The company's growth in this area has been fueled by its expanded off-net reach and a network platform that supports Cloud 2.0 and AI workloads. Lumen's NaaS offerings, such as on-demand internet, Ethernet, and IP VPN, are now accessible to off-net sites using a variety of access types, including 5G, fiber, copper, fixed wireless, and satellite.

Why it matters

Lumen's focus on providing software-driven, automated NaaS platforms aligns with the growing enterprise demand for multi-cloud connectivity and on-demand network services. By offering a more flexible and scalable network solution, Lumen is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the high-value digital revenue market.

The details

Lumen's NaaS growth is supported by its 'Project Berkeley,' a network interface device that extends the company's NaaS services to off-net sites. This expansion significantly increases Lumen's addressable market for NaaS services. The company's NaaS platform, which can be managed through the Lumen Connect self-service portal, has been adopted by large enterprises, including Seattle Sounders FC, which turned to Lumen to build a network that can rapidly scale for game days.

  • In September, Lumen unveiled 'Project Berkeley' to extend its NaaS services to off-net sites.
  • During its fourth quarter earnings call, Lumen reported that it has sold more than 900 off-net ports so far.

The players

Lumen

A leading telecommunications provider that offers a range of network, cloud, and security services to businesses.

Kathleen Johnson

The CEO of Lumen, who discussed the company's off-net NaaS growth and plans during the fourth quarter earnings call.

Kari Escobedo

The Interim CTO of Seattle Sounders FC, which turned to Lumen to build a scalable network for its game-day operations.

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What they’re saying

“While it's still early, we believe off-net growth significantly expands our addressable market for NaaS services. Great brands across industries are adopting this new capability with more than 900 off-net ports sold so far.”

— Kathleen Johnson, CEO of Lumen (Lumen's fourth quarter earnings call)

“Live sports don't operate on a steady curve. We need the ability to scale when the business needs to scale — and to know the network will perform when it matters most. With Lumen NaaS, the network adapts to the business instead of the other way around.”

— Kari Escobedo, Interim CTO at Seattle Sounders FC (Lumen press release)

What’s next

Lumen plans to share more details on its off-net NaaS plans and Project Berkeley at its upcoming Investor Day.

The takeaway

Lumen's focus on providing flexible, software-driven NaaS solutions is resonating with enterprises that are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies and require on-demand network services. By expanding its off-net reach, Lumen is poised to capture a larger share of the high-value digital revenue market.