Lumen Technologies Sells IPv4 Blocks Worth Hundreds of Millions

August 9, 2023

3 min read

Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink) reportedly sold IPv4 blocks as part of its 2023 strategic divestitures—a move that illustrated how large telecom carriers can monetize legacy network assets. Here’s what this means for the market and for anyone considering a similar move.

What Large Telecom IPv4 Sales Look Like

Lumen held a large IPv4 portfolio from decades of network operations. In 2023, the company undertook major divestitures including selling its EMEA business to Colt Technology Services for $1.8 billion and its fiber-to-home business to AT&T for $5.75 billion. IPv4 addresses were among the digital assets divested during this period.

Market context for large sales:

Large blocks (/16 and larger) traded at approximately $52 per IP in 2023
A /16 block (65,536 addresses) at that rate: ~$3.4 million
A /14 block (262,144 addresses): ~$13.6 million
Legacy telecom carriers often hold multiple large blocks accumulated over decades

Comparable transaction: In 2024, StackPath’s liquidation included approximately 180,000 IPv4 addresses sold through IPv4 Global, demonstrating that large portfolio sales remain viable.

For context on securing blocks after purchase, see RPKI and ROA: Securing Your IPv4 Address Space After Purchase. For managing large blocks, see IP Address Management (IPAM) Tools Compared.

What the Lumen Sale Means for the Market

Supply. The sale returned a significant amount of IPv4 to the market. That increased supply and could affect prices.

Signaling. It signaled that large holders—including telecoms—can monetize IPv4. Other holders may take it as a cue to consider their own sales.

Process. A deal of this size required brokers, due diligence, and RIR coordination. It showed that selling at scale is viable when you follow the right process.

In short: large holders can sell, and the market can absorb big transfers.

What Large Holders Should Consider

If you hold large IPv4 blocks and may not need them long-term:

Assess your holding. Do you need the space for the long term? If not, a sale could unlock value.

Get a valuation. Valuation depends on size, region, reputation, and market conditions. Use a broker with experience in large transfers.

Follow the process. Our how to sell IPv4 guide walks through valuation, listing, due diligence, and completing the RIR transfer. The steps are the same at any scale.

If a sale fits your strategy, assess your holding, get a valuation, and follow the selling process.

What Buyers Should Know

The sale increased supply. Buyers may find larger blocks available, and prices may reflect the added activity.

Define your needs, get current quotes from a broker or marketplace, and follow the buying process. The Lumen sale didn’t change how you buy—only the supply landscape.

The deal was a milestone: large holders can monetize IPv4 at scale, and buyers can find more supply. If you’re considering selling, see our selling guide for the full process.

Frequently asked questions

Did Lumen sell IPv4 blocks?

Yes. Lumen Technologies sold IPv4 blocks worth hundreds of millions in 2023. It was one of the largest single IPv4 portfolio sales, and a major transfer in the market.

What was the Lumen IPv4 sale?

Lumen sold a significant portion of its IPv4 holdings as part of a broader strategic divestiture. The company had held a large portfolio from decades of network operations; the sale reflected both a shift in assets and the value of IPv4 in the secondary market.

What does the Lumen IPv4 sale mean for the market?

It showed that large holders can return blocks to the market at scale. The sale increased supply and demonstrated that portfolio sales are viable. Sellers with large holdings may see it as a precedent; see how to sell IPv4 for the process.

What should large IPv4 holders do after the Lumen sale?

If you hold large blocks and may not need them long-term, the sale shows that monetizing at scale is possible. Our guide on how to sell IPv4 walks through valuation, listing, due diligence, and completing the transfer.

How do I sell a large IPv4 block?

Use a broker or marketplace with experience in large transfers. Define your block, get a valuation, list or work with a broker, and complete due diligence and the RIR transfer. Our selling guide walks through the process.

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