When it comes to choosing a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your business, two names often come up: AT&T Business and Spectrum Enterprise. Both offer a range of services designed to meet the needs of modern enterprises.
AT&T Business is known for its extensive network and advanced technology solutions, while Spectrum Enterprise boasts robust connectivity and customer support. In this article, we'll compare these two ISPs to help you determine which one is the best fit for your business needs.
Overview of AT&T Business
AT&T Business has been a cornerstone in the telecommunications industry for over 140 years, having been founded in 1885. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company employs around 150,000 people and holds the 32nd spot on the Fortune 500 list.
Operating in 46 countries, AT&T Business is known for its innovative solutions like the AT&T Dynamic Defense™ for cybersecurity and Hyper-Gig Internet with built-in 5G backup. These innovations highlight their commitment to providing reliable and secure connectivity for businesses worldwide.
Overview of Spectrum Enterprise
Spectrum Enterprise, a division of Charter Communications, has been in business for 31 years since its founding in 1993. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company employs around 89,000 people and holds the 76th spot on the Fortune 500 list.
Operating exclusively in the USA, Spectrum Enterprise is known for its innovative technology solutions. They offer unique aspects like secure SD-WAN, which simplifies and scales networks, and exclusive fiber internet offers tailored to specific locations.
ISP Products
DIA
AT&T Business offers its Dedicated Internet (ADI) product with a wide range of speeds, from 10 Mbps to an impressive 1 Tbps, utilizing a robust fiber network spanning 1,100,000 miles. The service boasts a 99.95% uptime SLA and includes various add-on services such as static public IP addresses, BGP routing, managed routers, and DDoS mitigation.
On the other hand, Spectrum Enterprise's Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) provides speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to 100 Gbps, with a 99.99% uptime SLA. Spectrum's network, which includes 230,000 miles of fiber, offers similar add-on services like static public IP addresses, BGP routing, and managed security. Additionally, Spectrum's transport options include fiber, coax, and hybrid fiber-coax, providing more flexibility in connectivity solutions.
Wireless
AT&T Business offers a comprehensive wireless product lineup, including Internet Air - Standard and Internet Air - Premium, which support both LTE and 5G. Their services cover the US, parts of Canada, and Mexico, providing robust connectivity for phones and personal devices. Additionally, AT&T is transitioning its fixed wireless services to 5G, moving away from the older Line of Sight (LOS) technology.
In contrast, Spectrum Enterprise leverages Verizon's 5G network and its own WiFi hotspots to deliver wireless services under the Spectrum Mobile brand. While Spectrum Mobile supports 5G, it does not offer LTE, and there is no fixed wireless option listed on their website. Spectrum's wireless services are primarily focused on the US market, providing connectivity for phones and personal devices without a specific SLA for wireless services.
Security
AT&T Business offers a robust suite of security products designed to protect enterprises from a wide range of cyber threats. AT&T Dynamic Defense proactively blocks 97% of cyber threats, providing a high level of protection. Additionally, AT&T Active Armor offers 24/7 proactive internet security, included with AT&T Business Fiber®, to help block malicious threats before they reach your devices. For businesses needing secure remote access, the Secure Service Active Edge ensures network security right to the edge.
Spectrum Enterprise also provides comprehensive security solutions tailored to different business needs. The Spectrum Business Security Suite includes best-in-class desktop security with F-Secure, protecting networks from viruses and online attacks. For larger enterprises, the Enterprise Network Edge offers next-generation firewall protection and unified threat management (UTM) over the Fortinet platform. Midsized businesses can benefit from the Managed Network Edge, which provides advanced malware protection and intrusion protection via the Cisco Meraki platform. Additionally, Spectrum's Managed Cloud Security and DDoS Protection services offer further layers of security, ensuring safer interactions and shielding against volumetric attacks.
Broadband
AT&T Business Fiber offers symmetrical broadband speeds, ranging from 300 Mbps to an impressive 5 GIG, ensuring consistent upload and download rates. This fiber-based service comes with unlimited utilization caps, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks. However, specific uptime SLA details are not readily available.
In contrast, Spectrum Business Internet provides asymmetrical speeds, with download rates up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds capped at 35 Mbps. Utilizing a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) transport type, Spectrum guarantees a 100% uptime SLA, offering reliability for businesses. Like AT&T, Spectrum also features unlimited utilization caps, catering to various business needs.
Ethernet
AT&T Business Fiber offers symmetrical broadband speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 5 GIG, ensuring consistent upload and download rates. This fiber-based service comes with unlimited utilization caps, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks. However, specific uptime SLA details are not readily available.
In contrast, Spectrum Enterprise's Ethernet Services provide a variety of options, including Ethernet Private Line (EPL), Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL), and Ethernet Private LAN (EP-LAN). These services offer speeds up to 100 Gbps and are MEF Carrier Ethernet (CE) 2.0-certified, making them suitable for high-speed, low-latency connections. Spectrum's Ethernet solutions are designed to support cloud-based applications, connect multiple business locations, and simplify network infrastructure.
POTS Replacement
AT&T Business offers the AT&T Phone for Business – Advanced, which allows businesses to convert their analog phone and specialty data lines to the cloud. This product can utilize existing public internet connectivity, whether wireless or wireline, and does not require AT&T internet. It features a 24-hour internal battery backup and supports specialty lines such as security and fire alarms, elevators, and faxes. Additionally, it provides unlimited domestic local and long-distance calling and complies with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 standards.
In contrast, Spectrum Enterprise's Spectrum Business Voice provides unlimited local and long-distance calling along with 35+ advanced business voice features. While it can be subscribed to without bundling with Spectrum Business Internet, bundling often offers cost savings and additional benefits. The product includes an 8-hour internal battery backup but prohibits the use of specialty lines for medical alert systems, fire alarms, and similar services. Unlike AT&T, Spectrum Business Voice does not comply with NFPA 72 standards and is available in 41 states.
Other Key Features
Geographic Coverage
AT&T Business serves 46 countries, offering reliable internet, voice, and colocation services. Their extensive coverage ensures businesses stay connected globally with top-notch support and advanced technology solutions.
Spectrum Enterprise serves businesses only in the USA. Their focus is on providing reliable internet, voice, and colocation services across the country, ensuring strong local support and connectivity.
SLA
AT&T Business offers a 99.95% uptime SLA, meaning their services are almost always available. This high reliability ensures your business stays connected with minimal interruptions.
Spectrum Enterprise provides a slightly better 99.99% uptime SLA. This means even fewer chances of downtime, giving you peace of mind that your internet will be up and running when you need it.
In practical terms, these uptime guarantees mean fewer disruptions to your daily operations, helping maintain productivity and customer satisfaction.
Transport Types Available
AT&T Business offers speeds from 10 Mbps to 1 Tbps, using a fiber network that spans 1,100,000 miles. This makes it great for businesses needing high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, or heavy data use.
Spectrum Enterprise provides speeds from 20 Mbps to 100 Gbps, with a fiber network of 230,000 miles. Their service is ideal for businesses that need reliable internet for various tasks.
Both providers use fiber for fast, stable connections, but AT&T's larger network may offer more extensive coverage and higher speeds for demanding needs.
Customer Support
AT&T Business offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring help is always available when you need it. Their support team is known for being responsive and knowledgeable, making it easy to resolve issues quickly.
Spectrum Enterprise also provides 24/7 customer support. They focus on delivering friendly and efficient service, helping businesses solve problems without long wait times.
Both companies prioritize customer satisfaction, but AT&T's extensive experience might give them a slight edge in handling complex issues.
Final Verdict
AT&T Business excels in global reach and high-speed internet options, making it ideal for large enterprises with international operations and demanding data needs. Their extensive network and advanced technology solutions offer robust connectivity and security.
Spectrum Enterprise, on the other hand, focuses on the US market, providing reliable and flexible connectivity options. Their services are well-suited for businesses that prioritize local support and cost-effective solutions.
Both providers offer strong customer support and a range of services, but AT&T's global presence and higher speed capabilities may appeal more to larger, data-intensive businesses. Spectrum's localized focus and flexible options make it a great choice for small to mid-sized enterprises.
Get Started with the Right ISP Today
Ultimately, the choice between AT&T Business and Spectrum Enterprise depends on your specific needs. Evaluate your business requirements carefully to determine which provider aligns best with your goals.
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