Lumos Networks Corp. Introduces Dark Fiber Offering

Targeting Fiber to the Cell (“FTTC”), Large Enterprise and Data Center Opportunities

WAYNESBORO, Va.--()--Lumos Networks Corp. (“Lumos Networks” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LMOS), a leading fiber-based provider of data, voice and IP-based telecommunication services in the Mid-Atlantic region, today introduced a dark fiber product offering to meet the growing demand for high-capacity, customizable network connectivity for FTTC (both small cell and macro sites), large enterprises and data centers.

The Lumos Dark Fiber offering will provide connectivity for both wireless backhaul to macro sites and fronthaul for small cell sites. Dark Fiber provides the scalability and speed capabilities that wireless carriers require for small cell roll-outs, a rapidly growing trend as wireless carriers seek to expand the coverage and density of their mobile networks. Wireless backhaul provides connectivity between a macro cell site and a mobile switching center while fronthaul links a small cell and the macro site. The Lumos Dark Fiber solution will provide connectivity for both examples.

“National and regional wireless carriers already trust us with their FTTC backhaul needs so extending our services to support new applications in this area is a natural fit. Our Dark Fiber solution offers the right combination of high-bandwidth, low-latency backhaul and fronthaul necessary to manage their rapidly growing bandwidth needs,” said Craig Drinkhall, Lumos Networks’ Chief Technology Officer.

Joseph E. McCourt, Chief Revenue Officer at Lumos said, “The release of our dark fiber product comes at a very opportune time. Recently, we have seen an increase in the number of dark fiber RFPs for macro FTTC deals, small cells, and large Enterprise opportunities, particularly within the Education and Healthcare verticals. We expect to sign Enterprise dark fiber contracts in 2015 within our fiber expansion markets in Richmond, Norfolk and the rest of the Tidewater area.”

“Our Dark Fiber solution is also well suited for our large enterprise and data center customers who need to maximize control over their connectivity needs and demand a high-bandwidth, private network they can fully customize,” added Mr. Drinkhall. “Dark Fiber increases a customer’s control over all key aspects of network connectivity: design, capacity, latency, security, management and cost.”

Mr. Drinkhall continued, “The Dark Fiber product leverages Lumos’ extensive fiber assets and deep experience constructing new fiber networks. Our fiber network currently has nearly 8,000 fiber route miles with an average density of approximately 46 strands, and we expect both metrics to increase as we continue to aggressively expand our fiber footprint. With these assets and our ongoing focus on increasing our fiber footprint, we are well poised to meet the dark fiber needs of our FTTC, enterprise and data center customers,” Mr. Drinkhall said.

About Lumos Networks

Lumos Networks is a leading fiber-based service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region serving Carrier, Enterprise and Data Center customers, offering end to end connectivity in 23 markets in Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and Kentucky. With a fiber network of 7,955 fiber route miles and over 363,000 total fiber strand miles, Lumos Networks connects 907 unique Fiber to the Cell sites, 1,236 total FTTC connections, 31 data centers, 1,530 on-net buildings and 2,460 total on-net locations. In 2014, Lumos Networks generated over $106 million in data revenue over our fiber network. Detailed information about Lumos Networks is available at www.lumosnetworks.com.

SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE COMPANY REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Any statements contained in this presentation that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “should,” “may,” “will” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, our current expectations, plans and strategies, and anticipated financial results, all of which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of these risks are beyond our ability to control or predict. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important factors with respect to any such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to: rapid development and intense competition in the telecommunications and high speed data transport industry; our ability to offset expected revenue declines in legacy voice and access products related to the recent regulatory actions, wireless substitution, technology changes and other factors; our ability to effectively allocate capital and implement our “edge-out” expansion plans in a timely manner; our ability to complete customer installations in a timely manner; adverse economic conditions; operating and financial restrictions imposed by our senior credit facility; our cash and capital requirements; declining prices for our services; our ability to maintain and enhance our network; the potential to experience a high rate of customer turnover; federal and state regulatory fees, requirements and developments; our reliance on certain suppliers and vendors; and other unforeseen difficulties that may occur. These risks and uncertainties are not intended to represent a complete list of all risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed cautionary statements and risk factors included in our SEC filings, including our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.

Contacts

Lumos Networks Corp.
Will Davis
Vice President of Investor Relations and Chief of Staff
917-519-6994
davisw@lumosnet.com

Contacts

Lumos Networks Corp.
Will Davis
Vice President of Investor Relations and Chief of Staff
917-519-6994
davisw@lumosnet.com