CenturyLink Acquires Video Delivery Innovator Streamroot

Purchase strengthens CenturyLink's ability to deliver OTT video content for customers

MONROE, La., Sept. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global technology leader CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), has acquired privately held Streamroot Inc., a leading provider of disruptive technology, to improve video and static content delivery within bandwidth constrained areas. The acquisition represents another step in CenturyLink's commitment to innovation as a leader in content delivery network (CDN) and Edge Compute services.

"Streamroot brings a data driven approach to improving the user experience, particularly during peak internet traffic hours. Streamroot's customers have chosen peer assisted and multi-CDN approaches to gain an advantage over their competition when serving popular, high quality content to large audiences globally," said Bill Wohnoutka, vice president, global internet and content delivery services, CenturyLink. "This technology and the team that invented it are crucial to helping us enable high-quality viewing experiences, especially within hard to serve markets."

Streamroot's disruptive content delivery models enable connected consumer devices such as smart phones, tablets, computers, set-top consoles and smart TVs to participate in the serving of premium content through a secure and private mesh delivery. By incorporating consumer devices into this edge-based delivery architecture, CenturyLink believes its customers will be able to achieve performance otherwise not feasible with conventional CDN delivery methods. This hybrid delivery approach for over-the-top (OTT) video streaming is anticipated to allow content consumers to enjoy a higher quality user experience.

"Streamroot and CenturyLink share a vision to improve the user experience with rich media content by utilizing edge computing and data science," said Pierre-Louis Theron, CEO of Streamroot. "We believe joining forces with CenturyLink will accelerate our ability to innovate for the benefit of our customers, internet users and network operators across the globe."

Transaction Details

CenturyLink acquired Streamroot on Sept. 6, 2019. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to customers around the world. 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/.

Forward Looking Statement:

Except for historical and factual information, the matters set forth in this release and other of our oral or written statements identified by words such as "continues," "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "intends," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are based on current expectations only, are inherently speculative, and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in those statements. You are cautioned not to unduly rely upon our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We may change our intentions, strategies or plans (including our plans expressed herein) without notice at any time and for any reason.

SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

For further information: Media, Courtney Morton, courtney.morton@centurylink.com, 801-238-0228; or Investor, Mark Stoutenberg, Mark.Stoutenberg@CenturyLink.com

Vast Broadband Completes Recapitalization and Closes Acquisition of NTS

SIKESTON, MO. and LUBBOCK, TX, September 4, 2019 – Vast Broadband (“Vast”), a leading provider of high-speed broadband, video, and voice services to over 55,000 residential and business customers in South Dakota and Minnesota markets, announced that it has completed its acquisition of NTS Communications (“NTS”), a regional broadband fiber company offering high-speed data, video, and voice services to over 20,000 residential and business customers in Texas and Louisiana. Oak Hill Capital Partners (“Oak Hill“) and Pamlico Capital (“Pamlico“) led a recapitalization of Vast and NTS to support the company’s accelerated growth plans.

NTS operates a high-quality fiber network spanning over 2,700 owned route miles passing more than 60,000 homes and businesses in Texas markets of Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, and Wichita Falls, and select markets in Louisiana. The senior management team at Vast, led by CEO Jim Gleason, CFO Keith Davidson, and COO Larry Eby will join forces with local management at NTS to expand service offerings across the company’s markets.

“We are excited to officially welcome NTS to the Vast family and support the company’s next phase of growth,” said Gleason. “We look forward to working with the NTS team and the cities NTS serves to provide outstanding service to our customers and communities. Vast and NTS will work together to assure a seamless transition for both customers and employees.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bank Street Group LLC served as NTS’s exclusive financial advisor in connection with this transaction. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and TD Securities (USA) provided debt financing to support the transaction.

About Vast Broadband

Vast Broadband, headquartered in Sikeston, Missouri is a leading broadband/cable company providing high-speed Internet, television and digital telephone services for residential and business customers in South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota. For more information, please visit www.vastbroadband.com.

About NTS Communications

NTS Communications, headquartered in Lubbock, Texas is a leading provider of fiber-based communications solutions for both residential and business customers across Texas and Louisiana. NTS delivers one of the fastest Internet connections available over a true fiber to the premise network. For more information, please visit www.ntscom.com.

About Oak Hill Capital Partners

Oak Hill Capital is a private equity firm managing funds with approximately $15 billion of initial capital commitments and co-investments since inception. Over the past 33 years, Oak Hill Capital and its predecessors have invested in over 90 private equity transactions across broad segments of the U.S. and global economies. Oak Hill Capital applies an industry-focused, theme-based approach to investing in the following sectors: Consumer, Retail & Distribution; Industrials; Media & Communications; and Services. Oak Hill works actively in partnership with management to implement strategic and operational initiatives to create franchise value. For more information, please visit www.oakhill.com.

About Pamlico Capital

Pamlico Capital is a private equity firm founded in 1988 that primarily invests in growing middle-market companies in North America. Pamlico Capital seeks control-oriented growth equity and buyout investments of up to $125 million alongside founders and proven management teams in its target industries: business & technology services, communications, and healthcare. Since inception, the firm, based in Charlotte, NC, has invested over $3 billion. For more information, please visit www.pamlicocapital.com.

A1 Austria introduced 8K video content over a 5G network

A1 Group Austrian unit delivers 8K video content via 5G network for the first time in Austria at the Alpbach 2019 European Forum

A1 Austria broadcasted 8K video content through its 5G network during the European Forum Alpbach 2019, thus exclusively showing the future of entertainment. Along with its technology partners, Nokia and Samsung, A1 introduced one of the many application areas of the new 5G mobile technology.

Broadcasting content with 8K resolution will face today's challenges with today's mobile networks - the required speed and volume of data transfer will increase significantly. For example, the network will have to deal with broadcasting Hollywood production with 8K resolution, which will exceed 100 GB. Developing solutions that require more connection capacity and the growing trend of using real-time streaming technologies are making the 5G fast and widespread entry into the entertainment world imperative.

A1 is currently testing various applications of 5G in Bulgaria. The company launched the first 5G base station in the country after receiving test frequencies from the Communications Regulation Commission in early July. The entertainment field was also the first application of 5G, which A1 demonstrated in Bulgaria by showing 16 HD quality TV channels which simultaneously transmit to 5G network in the National Palace of Culture.

"5G is at the heart of all future improvements to the mobile Internet and will create unprecedented opportunities for new services. In addition to business applications, the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time communication with autonomous cars and drones, faster speeds and faster response times will lead to new applications for private clients such as virtual reality or cloud gaming. In the future, the 5G network will play a key role in providing gigabit connectivity to rural areas, ”said A1 Group CEO Thomas Arnoldner, describing the capabilities of the next-generation mobile network.

"The transmission of 8K video content will be among the applications that require maximum connection speed. High resolution videos require extremely high data transfer capacity and would overload the current networks. At the premiere, we showed what new opportunities the 5G of A1 offers, ”commented A1 Austria CEO Marcus Grausam.

5G from A1 in the Alpbach

A1 has expanded the mobile internet infrastructure in Tirol tremendously, in preparation for the 5Giganet premiere in Alpbach. In addition to upgrading four external transmitters with 5G Massive MiMo antennas, the company installed an internal transmitter for the Alpbach Forum. In this way, speeds of up to 1.2 Gbit / s were reached inside the convention center where the event was being held. All five transmitters are connected to the Internet via 10 gigabit cables, providing a high quality 5G connection. Hundreds of areas in Austria will be connected to 5G over the next few months.

Momentum Telecom Completes Acquisition of DCT Telecom Group

Acquisition Expands Reach of Momentum’s Leading UCaaS Solution and Enhances White-Glove Experience

ATLANTA – August 12, 2019 – Momentum Telecom, a premier provider of cloud voice, network services and unified communications solutions, today announced that it has completed its transaction to acquire DCT Telecom Group. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, DCT is a provider of leading-edge cloud voice and network solutions.

“We’re happy to welcome DCT into the Momentum family and we’re looking forward to combining efforts to further our white-glove experience and enterprise customer knowledge,” said Todd Zittrouer, Momentum Telecom CEO. “The future continues to be bright for Momentum, and we’re excited about our continued expansion and leadership in the UCaaS market.”

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bank Street Group LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to DCT in connection with the transaction.

For more information about Momentum Telecom or to discuss partnership opportunities email sales@momentumtelecom.com or call 877-251-5554.

# # #

Momentum Telecom empowers human connections through developing, streamlining and integrating cloud voice and cloud-based applications in order to enable others to thrive. An industry leader in customer experience, Momentum uses superior technology, an unparalleled geo-redundant network and a nationwide network of more than 500 white label and channel partners to empower businesses to communicate better, faster and more efficiently. To learn more visit momentumtelecom.com or connect with us on Facebook, Google, Twitter, LinkedIn or visit our blog.

Media Contact

Beth Hildreth, bhildreth@momentumtelecom.com 315-579-7112

Milestone Communications Inc. Activities 2019

Press Releases

August 1, 2019

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to CalNeva Broadband, LLC in the sale of its cable television systems serving Winnemucca, Nevada and Frazier Park and Lake Almanor, California.  Sale represented over 2,700 RGU’s.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented CalNeva Broadband, LLC in the transaction.

August 1, 2019

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Trenton TV Cable Company in the sale of its cable television system serving Trenton and portions of Gibson County in Tennessee.  Sale represented over 1,400 RGU’s.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Trenton TV Cable Company in the transaction.

Morgan Stanley Announces Corporate Partnership with the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council (HITEC)

Partnership to strengthen career advancement and opportunities for diverse talent in technology and beyond

New York —

Morgan Stanley announced today a corporate partnership with the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC), the premier global organization for senior-level business and technology leaders. The partnership will help advance diversity initiatives and connect Morgan Stanley with accomplished Hispanic technology professionals to build a strong talent pipeline for the future. HITEC’s network spans the Americas and is focused on building stronger technology and executive leaders, leadership teams, corporations and role models in a rapidly changing, technology-centric world.

"We’re honored to welcome Morgan Stanley to the HITEC Familia,” said Omar Duque, HITEC President. “We are excited to partner with Morgan Stanley on diversity initiatives, share best practices and resources for talent growth, and facilitate connections with the best and brightest Hispanic executives in technology.”

“Our culture of innovation at Morgan Stanley is fueled by the diverse perspectives and experiences our world-class technologists bring to bear as they solve the most complex client and business challenges every day,” said Sal Cucchiara, CIO, Wealth Management and Co-Chair of the Technology Global Diversity Council at Morgan Stanley. “We look forward to working closely with HITEC and its members to open up new opportunities for current and future leaders.”

Morgan Stanley’s rich history of innovation and technology excellence is rooted in the Firm’s four core values of Doing the Right Thing, Putting Clients First, Leading with Exceptional Ideas and Giving Back. The Firm is committed to supporting the careers of historically underrepresented groups globally by investing in robust programs to help recruit and advance a dynamic talent base, and creating a culture where all employees have the tools and support necessary to advance and thrive.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 41 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/diversity

Media Relations Contact: Christine Alberti, 212.761.6303

LIBERTY GLOBAL COMPLETES THE SALE OF ITS OPERATIONS IN GERMANY, HUNGARY, ROMANIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC TO VODAFONE

Denver, Colorado – July 31, 2019

Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”) (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) today announced that it has completed the sale of its operations in Germany, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic to Vodafone Group plc (“Vodafone”) for approximately €19.0 billion ($21.3 billion) 1 on a U.S. GAAP basis2. The purchase price represents a multiple for all four businesses combined of 11.5x3 adjusted Segment OCF4, or approximately 24.0x operating free cash flow (“OFCF”)5, for 2017 (the full year prior to announcement).

The net cash proceeds were approximately €10.1 billion ($11.3 billion)1.

We have hedged the foreign currency risk associated with the net proceeds through the use of various derivative instruments, which had the effect of converting the majority of the euro denominated proceeds into U.S. dollars at an average USD/EUR exchange rate of 1.12.

ABOUT LIBERTY GLOBAL

Liberty Global (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) is one of the world’s leading converged video, broadband and communications companies, with operations in six European countries under the consumer brands Virgin Media, Telenet and UPC. We invest in the infrastructure and digital platforms that empower our customers to make the most of the digital revolution. Our substantial scale and commitment to innovation enable us to develop market-leading products delivered through next-generation networks that connect 11 million customers subscribing to 25 million TV, broadband internet and telephony services. We also serve 6 million mobile subscribers and offer WiFi service through millions of access points across our footprint.

In addition, Liberty Global owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture in the Netherlands with 4 million customers subscribing to 10 million fixed-line and 5 million mobile services, as well as significant investments in ITV, All3Media, ITI Neovision, LionsGate, the Formula E racing series and several regional sports networks.

For more information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com or contact:

Investor Relations: Molly Bruce +1 303 220 4202, Matt Beake +44 20 8483 6428

Corporate Communications: Matt Coates +44 20 8483 6333, John Rea +1 303 220 4238, Stefan Halters +44 20 8483 6211

-

1 Convenience translation based on USD/EUR rate of 1.12. The amount of net cash proceeds we received from the transaction differs from the amount we estimated at the time the deal was announced in May 2018 primarily due to the net effect of (i) adverse movement in the EUR/USD exchange rate, (ii) higher vendor financing at Unitymedia in the interim period between transaction announcement and closing, which had the effect of Liberty Global receiving a corresponding increase in cash generated by Unitymedia during the period prior to closing, (iii) a debt recapitalization at Unitymedia, (iv) the settlement of centrally-procured vendor financing amounts that are attributable to the disposed operations, (v) changes in the value of our derivatives associated with the debt at Unitymedia and (vi) working capital and cash adjustments

2 Total enterprise value is calculated on a U.S. GAAP basis and does not include any outstanding indebtedness of the UPC Holding borrowing group

3 For the purpose of the purchase price multiple calculations, the U.S. GAAP 2017 Segment OCF of Germany (€1,493 million) has been reduced by €26 million and the combined U.S. GAAP 2017 Segment OCF of Unitymedia, UPC Hungary, UPC Czech Republic and UPC Romania (€1,714 million) has been reduced by €58 million, with each reduction representing the allocable estimated net amount of transitional services (excluding amounts related to costs expected to be capitalized by Liberty Global) to be provided by Liberty Global during the first year following closing. Segment OCF represents the portion of Liberty Global’s consolidated OCF that is attributed to the applicable business and gives pro forma effect to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Germany purchase price multiple calculation is based on our estimate of the total enterprise value that is attributable to Germany

4 Represents operating cash flow, as customarily defined by Liberty Global

5 OFCF represents adjusted Segment OCF, as described above, less property and equipment additions as customarily defined by Liberty Global

C Spire Business Named One of World’s Top Managed Service Providers in 2019

Channel Futures 12th annual ranking of 501 most elite MSPs honors nation’s first full-stack MSP

Ridgeland, Miss. (July 30, 2019) – C Spire Business has been selected for the sixth consecutive year as one of the world’s premier managed service providers by Channel Futures, one of the leading media brands devoted to the diverse spectrum of channel companies that are part of the growing digital services revolution.

C Spire Business placed 13th on the list of 501 companies worldwide released in June, up from 18th in 2018 and the only MSP in the southeastern portion of the U.S. to make the top 20 of the IT channel’s largest and most comprehensive ranking of leading managed service providers worldwide.

Every year, MSPs worldwide complete an extensive survey and application on product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenue, pricing structures, revenue mix and more and are ranked by Channel Futures based on a unique methodology that weighs how well the company’s business strategy anticipates trends in the fast-evolving channel ecosystem.

“We’re very honored to receive this recognition. It is another indicator that our best practices, strategies and technologies make all the difference in how we deliver superior IT products and services to our customers,” said Allen McIntosh, general manager of C Spire Business. “We’re proud to be recognized as an industry leader.”

A unit of C Spire, a diversified telecommunications and technology services company, C Spire Business joined other top MSPs on the list, including Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc., TPx Communications, PCM Inc. and Optiv Security Inc., according to Kris Blackmon, content director of Channel Partners and Channel Futures and lead of the MS 501 program.

“The 2019 MSP 501 winners are the most elite, innovative and strategic IT service providers on the planet,” Blackmon said, “and they stand as a model of excellence in the industry.” Since its inception 12 years ago, the annual list has gained popularity and clout in the industry among MSPs and business customers ranging from small businesses to enterprises.

C Spire Business, with a 57 net promoter score that makes customers 2x more likely to recommend them to others, is the industry’s first full-stack managed information technology solutions provider, but customers can count on far more than just gaining access to the latest technology, according to McIntosh.

“As the industry’s first full-stack managed solutions provider, we partner with customers to help them successfully navigate their biggest business challenges through technology and give them resources to make their business successful in an increasingly data-driven world,” McIntosh said.

C Spire Business offers advanced connectivity, cloud, software, hardware, communications, professional services, cybersecurity, business continuity and technology support in a single, seamless, managed IT solution portfolio. “From desktop to data center, we help customers work smarter, faster and more secure,” McIntosh said.

With over 500 service professionals, multiple data centers and operation of nearly 9,000 route miles of fiber optic infrastructure, C Spire Business is dedicated to delivering world-class managed services to a variety of businesses. The firm is ranked 9th in the world among cloud service and No. 1 in the world among health care managed IT service providers, McIntosh added.

The 2019 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected Feb. 28 through May 31. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics, including recurring revenue, growth and other factors.

About C Spire Business
C Spire Business is a unit of C Spire, a Mississippi-based diversified telecommunications and technology services provider. The unit offers the nation’s first full-stack managed IT solutions suite of services, including advanced connectivity, cloud, software, hardware, communications, professional services, cybersecurity, business continuity and technology support in a single, seamless, managed IT solutions portfolio. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire Business, visit www.cspire.com and click on the business tab or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.

VIRGIN MEDIA TO BRING GIGABIT INTERNET TO MILLIONS OF HOMES

Virgin Media has today unveiled a bold boost to UK broadband with plans that will bring next-generation gigabit internet to its entire network by the end of 2021. The move will make Virgin Media the UK’s largest and fastest widely available residential gigabit connectivity provider.

Providing nearly 15 million UK households with access to gigabit internet speeds represents a significant step towards delivering the Government’s ambition to make reliable, gigabit-capable connections widely available over the coming years.

This next-generation service will be introduced in cities across Virgin Media’s national network later in the year, starting with Southampton. The first customers trialling these speeds have already been connected.

The scale of the plan, and rapid expansion programme, will mean more than a million people will be able to access broadband speeds of 1Gbps (1,000Mbps) by the end of 2019. The speeds will allow them to take advantage of emerging consumer technologies such as cloud gaming and virtual reality entertainment as well as 8K video streaming. Millions more homes are set to benefit next year when the service is expanded across the UK.

Investments

Virgin Media, through the backing of Liberty Global, has invested billions of pounds to expand its network. It provides speed upgrades unmatched by other major providers, all while broadband usage had increased by almost 40% in the last year.

It is now rolling out next-generation broadband technology, known as DOCSIS 3.1, across its cable network which will bring faster, more reliable broadband speeds to customers’ homes. Gigabit broadband speeds will be available later in the year, with the capability to roll out multi-gigabit connections and further improvements over the next decade.

Lutz Schüler, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Media, said: “This is a giant digital leap forward for the UK.

“Virgin Media has been the unparalleled speed leader for many years. Very soon, for the first time ever, millions of people right across the country will be able to experience hyperfast and reliable gigabit internet connections thanks to the latest technology and the power of our network.

“This upgrade plan will see gigabit speeds rolled out at an unrivalled pace right across the country, bringing our customers the future-proof connections of tomorrow.”

Sharon White, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: “We welcome Virgin Media’s commitment to investing further in its network, providing gigabit speeds to millions more households. This shows the race to roll out ultrafast speeds to people and businesses across the UK is really gathering pace.”

Virgin Media has the largest gigabit-capable network in the UK which currently passes nearly 15 million UK premises. The network consists of both fibre-rich cable and fibre connected directly to the premises, both of which can provide customers with gigabit speeds.

In February, as further proof of its network innovation and broadband speed leadership, Virgin Media began trialling the UK’s fastest home broadband with a full fibre connection offering speeds of more than 8Gbps to homes in Cambridgeshire. The trial made use of EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network) technology – a global point-to-point network standard.

Trials Underway

Selected Virgin Media customers are already trialling the new 1Gbps connection ahead of services going live later in the year. No changes to the line connecting the customer’s home are required to introduce services; trialists simply plug in a new router to benefit from the speeds.

Further details on the next Virgin Media gigacities as well as availability and pricing will be announced in the coming months.

Giga Potential

Gigabit speeds are projected to add billions of pounds to the economy. According to research published by Virgin Media’s parent company, Liberty Global, from international management consulting firm, Arthur D. Little, the innovation spurred by the widespread availability of gigabit speeds will unlock a market of at least 250 billion euros per year in Europe by 2025.

By providing ultra-high capacity, reliable, secure, resilient and low latency networks, gigabit connections will unlock significant growth in new technologies over the next five to 10 years. Innovative technologies such as cloud-based gaming, 8K streaming, remote health telemonitoring and advanced telepresence, which could allow consumers to go ‘virtual reality shopping’ or watch live broadcasts of holographic sports events, are amongst those set to benefit.

With Virgin Media’s hyperfast gigabit internet, ultra-high definition 4K films and TV programmes, very large files and 360 degree videos can be downloaded almost instantaneously, even with multiple devices using the connection simultaneously. The connection is almost 20 times faster than the UK average broadband connection meaning that users can, for example:

• You can download a high definition (HD) film (5GB) in just 42 seconds, compared to more than 13 minutes on the UK’s average connection

• Download an Ultra High Definition 4K film (20GB) in less than 3 minutes, compared to nearly an hour (52 minutes) on the UK’s average connection

• Download a chart-topping PlayStation 4 game, for example FIFA 18 (45GB), in just six and a half minutes, compared to nearly 2 hours on the UK’s average connection

Project Lightning

Since the start of Virgin Media’s Project Lightning network expansion programme, more than 1.7 million premises have been added to the provider’s network. This is more than the build of all the alternative broadband infrastructure providers combined.

Liberty Global has already successfully launched gigabit cities in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands using DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

Top 100: CenturyLink moves forward post Level 3 integration

After its $34 billion acquisition of Level 3 Communications at the end of 2017, CenturyLink spent much of 2018 blending the two companies together. The result is a 45,000-person, $23.4 billion company that recently became the first supplier to receive an authority to operate (ATO) under the General Services Administration’s $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) program.

“We worked really hard to understand our best-in-breed practices from both companies and to make sure that we were picking up the right methods to operate in the marketplace, because both have a very rich history of dealing with the government,” said David Young, who was promoted to senior vice president of CenturyLink’s strategic government group last year. “We have a deeper cybersecurity product portfolio. We do data analytics. We run one of the world’s largest IP networks. Our ability to put all of that together for our customers in one year has been a pretty incredible journey for us, and our customers rewarded us with business.”

Most notable among that new business for the company, which held onto its position as No. 29 on this year’s Top 100 list, is winning a spot on EIS and earning an ATO under the $50 billion Alliant 2 governmentwide acquisition contract.

In April, CenturyLink announced that it won the first task order awarded under EIS to provide core backbone network services with speeds of up to 100 Gbps to NASA for a nine-and-a-half-year period. The company is one of a few with approval to move forward with EIS.

Through Alliant 2, CenturyLink offers cybersecurity solutions, Internet of Things-integrated smart sensors, and on-demand servers and managed storage that support disaster recovery solutions.

The government sector also has a portfolio based on its role as a subcontractor, particularly in the defense industry.

“We have a somewhat unique model in the government space and that is we focus not on just the prime contract vehicles, but we also are very comfortable as a subcontractor,” Young said. “We have a whole market set up to go and work with the Defense Industrial Base,” a sector that enables research and development plus design, production, delivery and maintenance of military weapons systems, subsystems and components.

He also credits the channel’s success to support from the overall corporation. As CenturyLink was reforming last year after the acquisition, it chose five centers of excellence to focus on, one of which was federal business.

“For the company itself to embrace the federal marketplace is really powerful,” Young said. “Getting the resources from the company, whether it’s people or capital or IT systems is much easier if the whole company understands the importance of the marketplace.”

With the integration and ATOs settled, Young is turning his attention to areas of opportunity. Overall, the company is focusing on adaptive networking with fiber at the core of that. The idea is to build the infrastructure that future communications such as 5G require. The company already operates more than 450,000 route miles of fiber globally.

From a marketplace perspective, the sector invested hundreds of millions of dollars on extending the fiber infrastructure into government facilities. “That’s really part of our equation of the customer experience because our ability to deliver service and our ability to repair service is greatly improved when we can control the end-to-end environment, and so we’re willing to spend money wherever the government says we can bring fiber to them,” Young said.

That makes the government’s IT modernization efforts an opportunity for CenturyLink. As agencies modernize financial and reporting systems, for example, suddenly there’s a flood of traffic on the network. Without modernization, the infrastructure the app is running on can’t handle the added stress, performance degrades and users get frustrated, Young said.

What’s more, the company is looking to build new networking products on top of the fiber foundation, such as cloud or hybrid local-area networks – anything that enables more efficiency, he said. “As we build up the stack, it enables all of those efficiencies that we see in that IT modernization model,” he said.

The company’s major challenge has been moving forward with EIS. GSA’s process was slower than expected, but more solicitations will likely roll in this summer.

Looking ahead, EIS and Alliant 2 will help expand CenturyLink’s brand. As the company grows in cybersecurity, cloud and data analytics, Alliant 2 will kick in be a channel for opportunities, Young said.

“We are actively pursuing parts of the market that we have traditionally not been in, and so my belief is that we’re going to see some of our unique solutions be rewarded with awards on EIS,” he said. “I think the next place as I look into 2020 is really about Alliant 2.”

On the defense side, he said the company is gearing up to better serve the Defense Information Systems Agency, which uses EIS.

“It’s a really exciting time to be involved with the government,” Young said.