When it comes to choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your business, two names often come up: Comcast Business and Lumen Technologies. Both companies offer a range of services designed to meet the needs of modern enterprises.
In this article, we'll compare Comcast Business and Lumen Technologies to help you determine which ISP is better suited for your specific requirements. From speed and reliability to customer support and pricing, we'll cover all the essential factors.
Overview of Comcast Business
Comcast Business, founded in 1963, has been a significant player in the telecommunications industry for over six decades. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company employs around 190,000 people. It holds the 33rd spot on the Fortune 500 list, reflecting its substantial influence and success.
Operating exclusively in the USA, Comcast Business is known for its high-capacity connectivity and a 99.99% uptime service level agreement for dedicated internet. The company also offers real-time immersive experiences for events like the PGA TOUR, showcasing its innovative approach to networking solutions.
Overview of Lumen Technologies
Lumen Technologies, founded in 1930, has been in business for 94 years. Headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana, the company employs around 28,000 people and holds the 292nd spot on the Fortune 500 list.
Serving 60 countries, Lumen is known for its AI-ready infrastructure and innovative solutions like Private Connectivity Fabric and Dark Fiber Solutions. Their edge computing capabilities, such as Edge Bare Metal, offer ultra-low latency, making them a leader in modern networking.
ISP Products
DIA
Comcast Business offers its Ethernet Dedicated Internet (EDI) with a wide range of speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, utilizing fiber, coax, and hybrid fiber-coax transport types. With 200,000 fiber route miles and a 99.99% uptime SLA, it ensures reliable connectivity without utilization caps. Common add-on services include static public IP addresses, BGP routing, managed routers, DDoS mitigation, and more.
Lumen Technologies' Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) also provides speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, but exclusively uses fiber for transport. With a slightly larger fiber network of 263,000 miles and the same 99.99% uptime SLA, Lumen matches Comcast in reliability and performance. Their add-on services are similar, offering static public IP addresses, BGP routing, managed routers, and various security solutions.
Wireless
Comcast Business leverages Verizon's 5G network and its own WiFi hotspots to provide wireless services under the brand name xfinity mobile. This service is designed primarily for phones and personal devices, offering both LTE and 5G connectivity. While multiple wireless broadband plans are available, specific details are subject to availability, and there is no Service Level Agreement (SLA) listed for these services.
On the other hand, Lumen Technologies' Wireless WAN service, also known as Enterprise Wireless Access Service (EWAS), utilizes a multi-carrier network that includes T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T's 4G LTE and 5G networks. This service is available exclusively in the United States and is intended as a primary or backup access option for enterprises. Unlike Comcast, Lumen does not list specific wireless broadband plans online, requiring customers to engage with a sales representative for details. Similar to Comcast, Lumen does not provide an SLA for its wireless services.
Security
Comcast Business offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions under its Security Edge and Managed Security products. Security Edge acts as the first line of defense against cyberattacks, providing essential protection for businesses. Managed Security includes a range of services such as Managed VPN, Unified Threat Management (UTM), and DDoS protection for Ethernet. These services ensure secure data transmission, robust threat management, and protection against DDoS attacks, all managed by Comcast to simplify security for enterprises.
Lumen Technologies' cybersecurity solutions are designed to protect digital environments with advanced, award-winning security measures. Their Adaptive Network Security platform offers automated threat detection and response, while DDoS Hyper provides self-serve DDoS protection. Lumen Defender, powered by Black Lotus Labs®, secures internet connections with proactive blocking and visibility. Additionally, Lumen's Managed Premises Firewall Services and SASE solutions fortify network defenses, making them a strong contender in the cybersecurity space.
Broadband
Comcast Business offers a robust Broadband Internet service under the name Comcast Business Internet. With speeds ranging from 150 Mbps to 1.25 Gbps for downloads and up to 35 Mbps for uploads, it caters to various business needs. The service operates on a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network and includes a 99.99% uptime SLA, ensuring reliable connectivity. However, it does come with a utilization cap of 1.2 Terabytes (TB) per month.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies no longer offers a broadband service, making Comcast Business the clear choice for enterprises seeking broadband solutions. With no available speeds, uptime SLA, or transport type listed for Lumen, businesses looking for broadband internet will find Comcast Business to be the more viable and reliable option.
Ethernet
Comcast Business offers a range of asymmetrical broadband internet speeds, from 150 Mbps to 1.25 Gbps for downloads and up to 35 Mbps for uploads. Utilizing a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network, it ensures a 99.99% uptime SLA but comes with a utilization cap of 1.2 Terabytes per month. This makes it a reliable option for businesses with moderate data needs and a focus on consistent uptime.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies provides a variety of Ethernet services, including E-Line, E-LAN, Ethernet On-Demand, and Metro Optical Ethernet. These services offer scalable bandwidths from 2 Mbps to 30 Gbps and port speeds up to 100 Gbps, catering to businesses requiring high-speed, flexible, and secure connections. With options for point-to-point, multipoint, and on-demand connectivity, Lumen's Ethernet solutions are designed for enterprises with more complex networking needs.
POTS Replacement
Comcast Business Voice is tailored for essential applications like fax, alarm, and point-of-sale systems. It requires Comcast Business Internet to avoid service fees for unlimited talk and text, and offers an optional LTE failover. The service includes a 5-hour internal battery and aligns with NFPA 72 standards for fire alarm and signaling systems. However, it does not include long-distance calling, which may incur additional charges.
Lumen's Cloud Communications Specialty Lines provide a fully managed digital solution for critical safety systems, including alarms and security gates. Unlike Comcast, Lumen's service can operate over third-party internet connections and includes backup cellular connectivity with LTE or 5G networks. It offers more robust battery options of either 12 or 24 hours and includes unlimited local and domestic long-distance calling. Additionally, Lumen's service is available in select international markets, providing broader availability compared to Comcast.
Other Key Features
Geographic Coverage
Comcast Business serves only the United States. Their services are available nationwide, making them a reliable choice for businesses across the country.
Lumen Technologies serves 60 countries, offering a wide range of services. Their global reach ensures businesses can rely on their solutions no matter where they are located.
SLA
Both Comcast Business and Lumen Technologies offer a 99.99% uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA). This means their services are designed to be highly reliable.
For customers, this uptime guarantee translates to less than an hour of downtime per year. This is crucial for businesses that rely on constant internet access.
In practical terms, a 99.99% uptime ensures smooth operations, minimal disruptions, and increased productivity for your business.
Transport Types Available
Comcast Business offers speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, using fiber, coax, and hybrid fiber-coax. With 200,000 fiber route miles, it’s great for streaming, gaming, and business needs.
Lumen Technologies also provides speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps but uses only fiber. With 263,000 fiber route miles, it’s ideal for high-speed business applications and low-latency tasks.
Both ISPs cater to different needs, ensuring reliable and fast internet for various activities.
Customer Support
Comcast Business offers 24/7 customer support through phone, chat, and email. Their support team is known for quick responses and helpful solutions.
Lumen Technologies also provides 24/7 customer support, but they focus more on personalized service. Customers often praise their knowledgeable staff and tailored assistance.
Both companies aim to keep their customers happy, but Comcast is known for speed, while Lumen excels in personalized care.
Final Verdict
Comcast Business is ideal for enterprises seeking a wide range of connectivity options, including broadband and wireless services, with a strong focus on nationwide availability and high-capacity connectivity. Their robust security solutions and extensive customer support make them a reliable choice for businesses operating solely within the United States.
Lumen Technologies, on the other hand, excels in providing advanced networking solutions like edge computing and Ethernet services, catering to businesses with complex, high-speed, and low-latency requirements. Their global reach and innovative cybersecurity measures make them suitable for enterprises with international operations and specialized networking needs.
Both ISPs offer a 99.99% uptime SLA, ensuring minimal downtime and reliable service. However, the choice between Comcast Business and Lumen Technologies ultimately depends on your specific business requirements and geographic needs.
For businesses prioritizing extensive U.S. coverage and a variety of connectivity options, Comcast Business is the better fit. Conversely, enterprises needing advanced networking solutions and global reach will find Lumen Technologies more aligned with their needs.
Get Started with the Right ISP Today
Ultimately, the choice between Comcast Business and Lumen Technologies hinges on your specific business needs and geographic requirements. Evaluate your priorities to determine which ISP aligns best with your goals.
To simplify your telecom procurement, sign up with Lightyear and streamline the process. Get started today.
