Aug 5 (Reuters) - Telecommunications firm Lumen

Technologies ( LUMN ) has secured new deals worth $5 billion

from cloud and tech companies for its networking and

cyber-security solutions as more businesses rush to adapt AI

driven technologies.

Deals include one with tech giant Microsoft ( MSFT ), which

announced last month that it will use Lumen's network equipment

to expand its capacity for AI workloads.

Lumen, which provides secure digital connections for data

centers, said on Monday that it is involved in active

discussions with customers to secure sales opportunities worth

an additional $7 billion.

The surge in AI adoption has led enterprises across multiple

sectors to invest heavily in building infrastructure capable of

supporting AI-powered applications.

Lumen said that major corporations are rushing to secure

high-capacity fiber, a resource that is becoming increasingly

valuable and potentially scarce, due to growing AI requirements.

"Our partners are turning to us because of our AI-ready

infrastructure and expansive network. This is just the beginning

of a significant opportunity for Lumen, one that will lead to

one of the largest expansions of the internet ever," Lumen CEO

Kate Johnson said.

Separately, Lumen said it has established new division,

Custom Networks, to oversee its Private Connectivity Fabric

solutions portfolio and meet increasing demand from various

organizations.