Representation by Lumen Technologies UK Limited (formerly CenturyLink) (Lumen Technologies UK Limited (formerly CenturyLink))
- Date submitted
- 23 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Lumen Technologies UK Limited is a Communications utility who owns 80% of the worlds Sub-Sea fiber optic cables, the Lower Thames Crossing project will impact and affect 2 x separate Fibre Optic cables connecting UK to France and Belgium, these are assets that is regarded by the UK Government as assets of National Importance as it transports critical National Security Services between Mainland Europe and UK. The Fiber Optic Cables and 4 way HDPE ducting was installed in 2001 but would not require replacing at any time in the future. Fiber Optic cable, especially cables connecting to our Sub-Sea connections is never upgraded or replaced, new technology allows us to replace and upgrade the Transmission Equipment at either end, where the Transmission Equipment is "Span Engineered" which accommodates both the age and condition of the fiber, Lumen Technologies is currently in the process of upgrading the Transmission Equipment on this route from a 100Gig DWDM solution to a 400Gig DWDM solution. The Network Relocation to accommodate Lower Thames Crossing requires Lumen Technologies to grant very costly additional discounts for Deferment of Renewal and Betterment, this is in addition to the standard 18 percent discount as required under NRWSA legislation. Lumen Technologies will therefore object to the Lower Thames Crossing project based on the additional discounts for Deferment or Renewal and Betterment for an asset and apparatus that Lumen Technologies would never have the need to replace or renew at any future time. Lumen Technologies have also requested additional Protective Measures due to the importance of the assets and services being at risk for the duration of the works, these additional Protective Measures has not been agreed by National Highways, as such there is no Agreement of Common Ground in place with National Highways for the Lower Thames Crossing project. It should be noted that National Highways agreed to the additional Protective Measures and waiving of the Deferment of Renewal and Betterment discounts on the A303, A30 and A358 Smart Motorway Upgrade projects where the Lumen Technologies AC1 & AC2 Sub-Sea cable connecting UK to North America was affected and impacted.