Lumen bought CenturyLink in 2017, and the company now operates under the Lumen name
CenturyLink was a major telecommunications company that provided internet, phone, and TV services across the United States. In 2017, Level 3 Communications acquired CenturyLink and rebranded the combined company as Lumen Technologies. If you have a CenturyLink account or bill, you are now a Lumen customer — the service and infrastructure are the same, but the company name changed.
This merger happened over six years ago, so most former CenturyLink customers have already transitioned to Lumen billing and customer service. However, some people still encounter CenturyLink references in old paperwork, online searches, or when calling about legacy accounts. Understanding this history helps explain why you might see both names when looking up your account or service area.
Key Takeaways
- Lumen Technologies is the current legal name of the company that was formerly CenturyLink, following a 2017 acquisition and rebrand.
- Your CenturyLink service, account, and billing have all moved to Lumen, though the underlying infrastructure and service types remain the same.
- You can manage your account through Lumen's website and customer service channels, not through CenturyLink portals.
- Lumen offers internet, phone, and TV services in many regions, with service quality and speeds varying by location and plan type.
What happened when Level 3 acquired CenturyLink
Level 3 Communications, a large fiber-optic network operator, purchased CenturyLink in 2017 for approximately $34 billion. After the acquisition closed, Level 3 decided to retire the CenturyLink brand name and operate the entire combined company under the Lumen name, which was Level 3's existing corporate identity. This was a rebranding decision, not a service shutdown — all CenturyLink customers kept their service, their phone numbers, and their existing contracts.
The transition took place gradually over several months. Customers received notices about the name change, and billing systems were updated to show Lumen as the provider. Customer service phone numbers changed, and the online account portal moved from CenturyLink's system to Lumen's system. If you had a CenturyLink account during this period, your service continued without interruption, but you had to update your login information and contact methods to use Lumen's new systems.
How to manage a former CenturyLink account now
If you currently have service from what was once CenturyLink, you manage your account through Lumen's website and customer service. Visit lumen.com to log in to your account, pay your bill, or change your service. Your account username and password are the ones you set up during the transition to Lumen, not your old CenturyLink login credentials — those systems no longer exist.
To contact Lumen customer service about your account, call 1-844-LUMEN-1 (1-844-586-3361) or visit the support section of lumen.com. Have your account number ready, which appears on your Lumen bill. If you are looking for information about a service area or want to check what speeds are available at your address, you can enter your zip code on Lumen's website to see what plans they offer in your location.
If you still have old CenturyLink paperwork or bills, those documents are still valid for reference — they show your service history and account details. However, any links or phone numbers printed on old CenturyLink materials will not work. Use the Lumen contact information instead.
What services Lumen offers in different regions
Lumen provides internet, phone, and TV services, but not all services are available in all areas. Internet service comes in different speeds depending on your location — some areas have fiber-optic connections with speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, while other areas have DSL service with lower speeds. Phone service is available in most regions where Lumen operates, and TV service (called Lumen TV) is offered in select markets.
To find out what services and speeds are available at your address, enter your zip code and street address on lumen.com. The website will show you which plans you can order and what the monthly cost is. Speeds and pricing vary significantly by location, so two addresses even a few miles apart may have very different options.
Understanding your Lumen bill
Your Lumen bill shows charges for internet, phone, and TV service if you have those services. The bill also lists any equipment rental fees (for a modem or router), taxes, and fees. Promotional pricing may explore if you signed up for a new service or plan — these discounts typically last 12 months and then the price increases to the regular rate.
You can view your bill online through your Lumen account or request paper bills by mail. If you have questions about a specific charge, contact Lumen customer service with your account number and the date of the bill. They can explain what each charge is for and whether you are may be able to access for any discounts or plan changes.
Switching away from Lumen service
If you want to change to a different internet, phone, or TV provider, you can do so at any time. Check what other providers serve your address by entering your zip code on comparison websites or contacting providers directly. Some areas have limited options, so availability depends on where you live.
Before you switch, review your current Lumen contract to see if there are any early termination fees. Some plans have no contract, while others require you to keep service for a set period. If you own your modem or router, you can keep it; if Lumen owns the equipment, you will need to return it or pay a non-return fee. Contact Lumen to arrange equipment return before your service ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CenturyLink still a company?
No. CenturyLink was rebranded as Lumen Technologies in 2017 after being acquired by Level 3 Communications. The company name CenturyLink no longer exists, though the service and infrastructure continue under the Lumen name. If you see CenturyLink mentioned online, it is usually in historical context or in old archived pages.
Will my CenturyLink service stop working?
No. Your service will continue to work as it did before. The change is only in the company name and billing system. You will need to update your account login and contact information to use Lumen's systems, but your internet, phone, or TV service will not be interrupted.
How do I find my account number if I have old CenturyLink bills?
Your account number appears on your old CenturyLink bills in the same location it appears on your current Lumen bills — usually near the top of the first page. You can also log into your Lumen account online to find your account number, or call Lumen customer service and provide your name and service address.
Can I keep my old CenturyLink phone number?
Yes. Your phone number transferred to Lumen when the company was rebranded. You keep the same number as long as you maintain phone service with Lumen. If you switch to a different phone provider, you may be able to port your number to them, depending on their policies and your location.
What if I have questions about my old CenturyLink account?
Contact Lumen customer service at 1-844-586-3361 or through lumen.com. Have your account number ready. Lumen can access your full service history, including the time when you were a CenturyLink customer, so they can answer questions about old charges or service changes.