Lumen Technologies says that its Multi-Cloud Gateway (MCGW) — which it is deploying across its network in major U.S. markets — will meet the challenge of moving artificial intelligence (AI)-generated data quickly and securely across clouds, data centers, and distributed locations.
The MCGW, an element of the company’s shift to cloud-based telecom, is a software-defined self-service routing layer on Lumen’s global fiber network. It provides private connectivity among clients, which include enterprises, hyperscalers, and emerging cloud platforms.
Key sectors are data-rich sectors, including financial services, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing, Lumen said.
The goal is to turn traditional telecom interconnections into programmable cloud fabrics. The company says that this allows dynamic connection of cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-enterprise environments. It optimizes traffic for performance and cost and supports advanced use cases such as AI workload distribution and real-time data exchange.
Telecompetitor reached out to Lumen to ask how smaller providers might approach the reality of AI traffic in their networks. “AI traffic doesn’t just require more capacity; it requires smarter control. For smaller providers, the opportunity isn’t to replicate hyperscale infrastructure, but to evolve how networks are designed and operated. AI workloads are inherently distributed, and architectures built for static, point‑to‑point connectivity will be increasingly stressed,” Lumen Technologies Vice President, Digital Strategy & Excellence David Shacochis told Telecompetitor.
“The path forward starts with modernizing the foundation: simplifying network design, increasing automation to reduce operational friction, and prioritizing predictable, private connectivity where it matters most. Providers that take this approach will be better positioned to scale responsibly, manage costs, and deliver consistent performance as AI‑driven traffic continues to grow.”
Lumen’s new service offers 100 Gbps service between regional data centers, campuses, and edge locations and 400 Gbps at some data centers.
The MCGW is available in northern Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; New York City, New York; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; San Antonio, Texas; San Jose, California; and Seattle, Washington.
Lumen is well into its planning for AI. The company detailed the progress it had made in building out the backbone last September. The long-term goal is to add 34 million intercity fiber miles by the end of 2028, which would bring the total to 47 million.
