# Lumen expands cloud networking access to more than 10M U.S. business locations > Source: > Published: 2026-08-26 15:12:11+00:00 Featured Story ## Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung clash over 6G's need for Nvidia The technical strategies of the main RAN vendors are diverging radically, with Nokia championing GPUs as a 6G essential and its rivals arguing otherwise. Expanded access helps enterprises extend cloud and AI connectivity to more locations with a consistent, digitally managed network experience that reduces complexity, streamlines operations and supports increasing AI and cloud demands. #pressrelease August 26, 2026 Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) today announced expanded access to its Multi-Cloud Gateway service, giving enterprises a way to connect more than 10 million U.S. business locations to private, high-performance cloud networking. The expansion extends the service beyond Lumen's fiber footprint, so qualified third-party connected locations can use the same cloud networking environment as Lumen on-net sites. As organizations expand across multiple cloud environments, networking gets harder to manage. Businesses increasingly rely on multiple clouds to get the right mix of performance, resiliency, security, and specialized services for different applications and workloads. Many enterprises operate locations outside a single provider's footprint, often requiring separate network architectures and management tools. Lumen's expanded Multi-Cloud Gateway access helps bring more locations under a consistent cloud networking model. Enterprises can use the Lumen Connect portal and APIs to apply the same routing policies, segmentation controls and digital management experience across more locations. Organizations can use the service to connect more locations to private cloud environments through a consistent networking model. Healthcare providers can securely move medical imaging data between clinics and cloud platforms, financial institutions can standardize networking policies across branch locations, and manufacturers can bring newly acquired facilities online faster without redesigning their network architecture. Multi-Cloud Gateway is designed for simpler operations, faster deployment, and reduced reliance on the public internet for critical workloads. The expansion builds on Lumen's programmable network, which combines private cloud connectivity, software-based control, and digital service delivery through the Lumen Connect platform. Together, these capabilities help enterprises simplify networking and support AI workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Expanded access for Multi-Cloud Gateway is available now through Ethernet Fabric Connect in the Lumen Connect portal and via API. Customers can review availability and eligibility with their Lumen account team or through the Lumen Connect platform. Read the full press release [here](https://ir.lumen.com/news/news-details/2026/Lumen-Expands-Cloud-Networking-Access-to-More-Than-10-Million-U-S--Business-Locations/default.aspx).