MONROE, La., July 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As customer demand
for extreme high-capacity, low-latency data transport continues to
grow, CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) is utilizing its global
multi-conduit infrastructure to expand the company's intercity
network by 4.7 million miles of fiber, making it the largest
ultra-low-loss fiber network in North
America.
"Our newly built intercity fiber network, created with the
latest optical technology, is another example of how our diverse
fiber assets differentiate us from other network providers," said
Andrew Dugan, CenturyLink chief
technology officer. "Our multi-conduit infrastructure has a
significant amount of capacity
for supporting the growing
demand for fiber and will allow us to quickly
and cost effectively deploy new fiber technology now
and in the future. This uniquely positions CenturyLink to meet
the needs of companies seeking highly reliable, low-latency network
infrastructure designed to move massive amounts of data."
The first phase of this overbuild fiber network, completed in
June, connects more than 50 major cities throughout the U.S. and
represents another powerful asset in CenturyLink's vast global
fiber-optic network, which includes a purpose-built long-haul
network and dense metro networks designed to stay ahead of the
growing data demand. The second phase of this expansion will
include areas in Europe and will
be completed by early 2021. The expanded infrastructure, using the
latest optical innovations from Corning Incorporated (NYSE:
GLW), will enhance performance levels across CenturyLink's network,
benefiting businesses, government agencies and providers seeking
fiber to build their own secure, scalable networks for demanding
next-generation applications. The investments in the first phase of
this project are included in the full year 2019 capital expenditure
outlook announced on CenturyLink's fourth quarter 2018 earnings
call.
This project uses Corning's SMF-28® ULL fiber and SMF-28® Ultra
fiber in a hybrid Corning® SST-UltraRibbon™ cable. With a silica
core design, SMF-28 ULL fiber offers the lowest loss of any
terrestrial-grade optical fiber and will provide the CenturyLink
network with a boost in optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) which
can extend optical reach at very high data rates. The added
capacity will further improve the scalability of the network to
meet the high bandwidth demands of emerging technologies and
applications such as 5G, augmented reality, high-definition video
streaming and the Internet of Things.
"A next-generation network requires next-generation optical
infrastructure, and we believe Corning's fiber and cable
innovations will enable CenturyLink and its customers to unlock the
opportunities presented by the Internet of Things and other
transformative technologies," said Dr. Bernhard Deutsch, vice president and general
manager, Corning Optical Fiber and Cable. "With the expanded
optical reach and capacity provided by our ultra-low-loss fiber,
CenturyLink will magnify the capabilities of their expansive,
scalable fiber network."
CenturyLink was able to quickly and cost effectively complete
the first phase of the project using multi-conduit infrastructure
already in place. The company is currently selling routes to large
enterprise companies and content providers in the U.S. and will
work with customers to add additional routes as needed.
Key Facts:
- CenturyLink is creating an extensive 4.7-million fiber mile
intercity fiber network across the U.S. and parts of Europe.
- The first phase, comprising 3.5 million fiber miles, was
completed in June. An additional 1.2 million fiber miles will be
added by early 2021.
- CenturyLink is currently selling fiber routes to large
enterprise companies and content providers in the U.S.
- Multi-conduit infrastructure allows CenturyLink to quickly and
economically deploy new fiber technology or add network capacity as
needed.
- The investments in the first phase of the fiber upgrade are
included in CenturyLink's full year 2019 capital expenditure
outlook.
- The expanded fiber network utilizes Corning's SMF-28® ULL fiber
and SMF-28® Ultra fiber, creating the largest ultra-low-loss fiber
network in North America.
Additional Resources
- See CenturyLink's expanded intercity network map
- Hear Andrew Dugan explain the
benefits of the fiber network expansion
- Learn more about CenturyLink Dark Fiber
- Learn more about Corning's SMF-28® ULL fiber and SMF-28® Ultra
fiber
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering
hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to
customers located in more than 60 countries. Through its extensive
global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable
services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and
consumers. CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the
networked world and is focused on delivering technology that
enhances the customer experience. Learn more
at http://news.centurylink.com/.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com)
is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with
a more than 165-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.
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SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.