This week, we sat down with Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson to delve into how AI is changing not just the network, but the culture inside telecom companies.

Just a few years ago, you’d have been forgiven for viewing Lumen as something of a company on the outs. Though company executives talked for years about transforming from a traditional telecom to a technology company, Lumen’s strategy was – to put it kindly – an enigma to analysts and investors alike. And the promised turnaround failed to materialize as the company battled declines in its legacy business segments.

When Johnson, a former Microsoft executive, took the helm in late 2022, things quickly felt different. Not only did she lean into hard changes – like cutting the dividend and reallocating capital from less successful initiatives to strengthen its core fiber backbone – but Johnson also articulated a new vision for the company – not just to investors but also employees. Soon after, the AI wave broke, setting the stage for Lumen to conveniently pitch itself as THE network needed to support the tech. A big Microsoft partnership and $5 billion worth of AI networking contracts later and voila. The tide has turned.

As telcos the world over grapple with AI, we set out to learn more about what went into developing Johnson’s strategy for the company, how AI is shaping its plans, and how Lumen is hoping to defend its position against fast followers to its playbook.

To learn more about the topics in this episode:
Exclusive: New CEO Kate Johnson talks what it’ll take to turn Lumen around
https://www.fierce-network.com/telecom/exclusive-new-ceo-kate-johnson-talks-what-itll-take-turn-lumen-around
Lumen’s CTO wants to weave a fresh fabric for the cloud’s future
https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/exclusive-lumens-new-cto-wants-weave-fresh-fabric-clouds-future
Lumen’s got its eye on the AI gold rush
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/lumens-got-its-eye-ai-gold-rush
AI could breathe new life into Lumen
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/lumens-saving-grace-may-be-long-haul-fiber-demand-driven-ai
Network is new scarce resource and that’s good news for Lumen
https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/microsoft-taps-lumens-fiber-network-help-it-meet-ai-demand

This week, we sat down with Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson to delve into how AI is changing not just the network, but the culture inside telecom companies.
Just a few years ago, you’d have been forgiven for viewing Lumen as something of a company on the outs. Though company executives talked for years about transforming from a traditional telecom to a technology company, Lumen’s strategy was – to put it kindly – an enigma to analysts and investors alike. And the promised turnaround failed to materialize as the company battled declines in its legacy business segments.
When Johnson, a former Microsoft executive, took the helm in late 2022, things quickly felt different. Not only did she lean into hard changes – like cutting the dividend and reallocating capital from less successful initiatives to strengthen its core fiber backbone – but Johnson also articulated a new vision for the company – not just to investors but also employees. Soon after, the AI wave broke, setting the stage for Lumen to conveniently pitch itself as THE network needed to support the tech. A big Microsoft partnership and $5 billion worth of AI networking contracts later and voila. The tide has turned.
As telcos the world over grapple with AI, we set out to learn more about what went into developing Johnson’s strategy for the company, how AI is shaping its plans, and how Lumen is hoping to defend its position against fast followers to its playbook.
To learn more about the topics in this episode:
<ul>
<li>Exclusive: New CEO Kate Johnson talks what it’ll take to turn Lumen around <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/telecom/exclusive-new-ceo-kate-johnson-talks-what-itll-take-turn-lumen-around">https://www.fierce-network.com/telecom/exclusive-new-ceo-kate-johnson-talks-what-itll-take-turn-lumen-around</a></li>
<li>Lumen’s CTO wants to weave a fresh fabric for the cloud’s future <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/exclusive-lumens-new-cto-wants-weave-fresh-fabric-clouds-future">https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/exclusive-lumens-new-cto-wants-weave-fresh-fabric-clouds-future</a></li>
<li>Lumen’s got its eye on the AI gold rush <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/lumens-got-its-eye-ai-gold-rush">https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/lumens-got-its-eye-ai-gold-rush</a></li>
<li>AI could breathe new life into Lumen <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/lumens-saving-grace-may-be-long-haul-fiber-demand-driven-ai">https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/lumens-saving-grace-may-be-long-haul-fiber-demand-driven-ai</a></li>
<li>Network is new scarce resource and that’s good news for Lumen <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/microsoft-taps-lumens-fiber-network-help-it-meet-ai-demand">https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/microsoft-taps-lumens-fiber-network-help-it-meet-ai-demand</a></li>
</ul>

Join host Diana Goovaerts and other Fierce Network editors as they explore the stories behind some of the hottest topics in tech and telecom. Want the inside scoop on broadband, wireless, artificial intelligence and cloud? You'll find it here.

Join host Diana Goovaerts and other Fierce Network editors as they explore the stories behind some of the hottest topics in tech and telecom. Want the inside scoop on broadband, wireless, artificial intelligence and cloud? You'll find it here.

Host Alejandro Piñero leads in-depth discussions on 5G connectivity, AI, networking and more.

The Five Nine

Join host Diana Goovaerts and other Fierce Network editors as they explore the stories behind some of the hottest topics in tech and telecom. Want the inside scoop on broadband, wireless, artificial intelligence and cloud? You'll find it here.

Building a new network for AI with Lumen

In this episode of The Five Nine Podcast, host James Careless dives into the future of 5G technology with special guests Matthew Almand, Chief Technology Officer at Texas A&M University System, and Thierry Chau, Vice President of Market Development at CommScope.

Texas A&M University System is gearing up for a full-scale 5G transformation across its flagship and regional campuses, and Matthew shares the challenges of supporting both urban and rural environments, plus high-demand venues like Kyle Field Stadium.

Thierry provides insights on CommScope’s role in delivering robust, adaptable connectivity solutions to meet Texas A&M University System’s unique needs—from enhancing fan experiences on game day to enabling connectivity in academic and administrative buildings.

They also explore how ongoing tech upgrades, evolving carrier partnerships, and strategic planning are shaping future-ready digital campuses.

With the tech needs of students, faculty, and sports fans in mind, this episode offers a look at the broader 5G landscape, and the specific steps taken to bring seamless connectivity to one of the largest university systems in the U.S.

In this episode of The Five Nine Podcast, host James Careless dives into the future of 5G technology with special guests Matthew Almand, Chief Technology Officer at Texas A&amp;M University System, and Thierry Chau, Vice President of Market Development at CommScope.
Texas A&amp;M University System is gearing up for a full-scale 5G transformation across its flagship and regional campuses, and Matthew shares the challenges of supporting both urban and rural environments, plus high-demand venues like Kyle Field Stadium.
Thierry provides insights on CommScope’s role in delivering robust, adaptable connectivity solutions to meet Texas A&amp;M University System’s unique needs—from enhancing fan experiences on game day to enabling connectivity in academic and administrative buildings.
They also explore how ongoing tech upgrades, evolving carrier partnerships, and strategic planning are shaping future-ready digital campuses.
With the tech needs of students, faculty, and sports fans in mind, this episode offers a look at the broader 5G landscape, and the specific steps taken to bring seamless connectivity to one of the largest university systems in the U.S.

Explore Texas A&M University System’s 5G journey as they partner with CommScope to elevate campus connectivity, enhance student life, and boost game-day experiences.

Scaling Up: Texas A&M's 5G Expansion with CommScope's Tech Expertise [Sponsored]

This week, we’re taking a look at what the recent U.S. election means for telecom and tech policy in the years ahead.  



Donald Trump just won a second term in the White House, but this go around could be very different from the first thanks in part to the entrance of new key characters - like Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy – into the equation.  



To sift through the implications of another Trump term on telecom and tech policy at the FCC, FTC and beyond, we spoke with Blair Levin, who is a non-resident senior fellow at The Brookings Institution and an analyst with New Street Research. We also spoke with veteran tech and telecom analyst Jack Gold.  



They told Fierce that another Trump term could mean big changes for BEAD, AI and even cloud computing costs.  



Here’s what they had to say about the issues they’re watching. 



To learn more about the topics in this episode: 


What the Trump win means for the FCC and telecom policy 
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/what-trump-win-means-fcc-and-telecom-policy



What the Trump win could mean for the BEAD program 
https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/what-trump-win-could-mean-bead-program



What the Trump win could mean for wireless and spectrum 
https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/trump-and-wireless-first-glance



What the Trump win means for cloud policy  
https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/what-trump-win-means-cloud-policy

This week, we’re taking a look at what the recent U.S. election means for telecom and tech policy in the years ahead.  
  
Donald Trump just won a second term in the White House, but this go around could be very different from the first thanks in part to the entrance of new key characters - like Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy – into the equation.  
  
To sift through the implications of another Trump term on telecom and tech policy at the FCC, FTC and beyond, we spoke with Blair Levin, who is a non-resident senior fellow at The Brookings Institution and an analyst with New Street Research. We also spoke with veteran tech and telecom analyst Jack Gold.  
  
They told Fierce that another Trump term could mean big changes for BEAD, AI and even cloud computing costs.  
  
Here’s what they had to say about the issues they’re watching. 
  
To learn more about the topics in this episode: 
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;·&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">
What the Trump win means for the FCC and telecom policy  <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/what-trump-win-means-fcc-and-telecom-policy">https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/what-trump-win-means-fcc-and-telecom-policy</a>      
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;·&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">
What the Trump win could mean for the BEAD program  <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/what-trump-win-could-mean-bead-program">https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/what-trump-win-could-mean-bead-program</a>     
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;·&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">
What the Trump win could mean for wireless and spectrum  <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/trump-and-wireless-first-glance">https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/trump-and-wireless-first-glance</a>     
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;·&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">
What the Trump win means for cloud policy   <a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/what-trump-win-means-cloud-policy">https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/what-trump-win-means-cloud-policy</a> 
</li>
</ul>

The Five Nine: What does Trump mean for telecom and tech policy? 

This week, we’re venturing into the thorny territory that is cloud security.  

In a newly issued security report, Google Cloud noted that new tools are lowering barriers to entry for malicious actors, and will make it easier for them to launch attacks in the year ahead. The report also noted that something as seemingly small as a compromised identity can have an outsized impact on an enterprise given the widespread use of integrated hybrid on-prem and cloud environments.  

But what are enterprises even responsible for when it comes to cloud security? In the multi-cloud universe, is achieving zero trust access even possible? And is AI about to upend everything entirely? 

We went in search of answers to these questions and ended up on the horn with Andrew Gault, CEO of virtual networking company ZeroTier. We talked through what’s most important when it comes to enterprise cloud security, the ways in which the security landscape is changing and how AI could change the game entirely. 

This week, we’re venturing into the thorny territory that is cloud security.  
In a newly issued security report, Google Cloud noted that new tools are lowering barriers to entry for malicious actors, and will make it easier for them to launch attacks in the year ahead. The report also noted that something as seemingly small as a compromised identity can have an outsized impact on an enterprise given the widespread use of integrated hybrid on-prem and cloud environments.  
But what are enterprises even responsible for when it comes to cloud security? In the multi-cloud universe, is achieving zero trust access even possible? And is AI about to upend everything entirely? 
We went in search of answers to these questions and ended up on the horn with Andrew Gault, CEO of virtual networking company ZeroTier. We talked through what’s most important when it comes to enterprise cloud security, the ways in which the security landscape is changing and how AI could change the game entirely.

Building a new network for AI with Lumen

In 1 playlist(s)

The Five Nine

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips