AT&T has announced a deal to purchase Lumen Technologies’ (formerly CenturyLink) residential broadband operations in 11 states, a move set to reshape the internet service market for millions of U.S. customers.
The acquisition, which includes CenturyLink’s consumer broadband and fiber business in Oregon, Washington, and nine other states, will bring more than one million new customers under AT&T’s umbrella. The deal reflects AT&T’s push to grow its fiber-optic footprint and expand its high-speed internet offerings in underserved and rural areas.
The terms of the transaction were not immediately disclosed, but the deal is expected to close by mid-2026, pending regulatory approval. Lumen Technologies said the sale will allow it to sharpen its focus on business and enterprise services.
“By exiting the consumer broadband market in select states, we can invest more heavily in our enterprise fiber and edge computing operations,” Lumen said in a statement.
For AT&T, the acquisition complements its broader strategy to expand access to its fiber-based internet, which has become a key growth driver as demand for high-speed connectivity continues to climb. The company has invested billions into upgrading its network infrastructure, especially in areas where competition is limited or where CenturyLink has faced challenges maintaining service quality.
In Oregon, CenturyLink has faced criticism over aging infrastructure, slow speeds, and unreliable service—particularly in rural communities. AT&T executives say they aim to modernize these systems and offer significantly faster internet options once the deal is finalized.
“This acquisition will allow us to bring our advanced fiber services to more homes and communities, many of which have lacked reliable broadband options for years,” AT&T said in a press release.
The affected states reportedly include Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Idaho. AT&T will gain control of CenturyLink’s existing residential infrastructure and fiber lines in these states.
Consumer advocacy groups are watching the transition closely, raising questions about pricing, service improvements, and customer experience under new ownership. AT&T said it plans to honor existing contracts and begin outreach to customers in the coming months.
The deal marks one of the biggest shifts in the U.S. broadband market this year and continues a broader trend of consolidation among internet service providers. Analysts say the move could boost AT&T’s presence in regions where it previously had little to no footprint, while Lumen focuses on high-margin enterprise clients.
More details about customer transition timelines and service upgrades are expected later this year.
