Spectrum Enterprise and Lumen Technologies are two prominent players in the ISP market, each offering a range of services tailored to business needs. Both companies have established themselves as reliable providers, but their offerings and strengths differ.
In this article, we'll compare Spectrum Enterprise and Lumen Technologies to help you determine which ISP is better suited for your specific requirements. By examining their services, pricing, and customer support, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what each provider brings to the table.
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. It holds a prominent position in the Fortune 500, ranking at number 76.
Operating exclusively in the USA, Spectrum Enterprise is known for its innovative technology solutions. They offer a 100% uptime SLA guarantee on several services, ensuring reliability for their clients. Their Enterprise Network Edge platform is a customizable solution designed to meet the unique needs of businesses.
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. It holds a position in the Fortune 500, ranking at number 292.
Operating in 60 countries, Lumen Technologies is known for its innovative solutions. They offer AI-ready infrastructure and a Private Connectivity Fabric designed exclusively for business needs. Their unique offerings also include Dark Fiber Solutions and Edge Bare Metal servers, ensuring low latency and high performance.
ISP Products
DIA
Spectrum Enterprise's Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) offers a wide range of speeds, from 20 Mbps to 100 Gbps, catering to various business needs. Their transport types include fiber, coax, and hybrid fiber coax, providing flexibility in connectivity options. With an uptime SLA of 99.99% and no utilization caps, Spectrum ensures reliable and consistent performance.
Lumen Technologies' DIA also boasts an impressive range of speeds, starting at 10 Mbps and going up to 100 Gbps. Unlike Spectrum, Lumen exclusively uses fiber for transport, which can be advantageous for businesses prioritizing high-speed, low-latency connections. Both providers offer similar add-on services, such as static IP addresses, BGP routing, managed security, and DDoS mitigation, ensuring comprehensive support for their clients.
Wireless
Spectrum Enterprise's wireless offering, branded as Spectrum Mobile, leverages Verizon's 5G network and WiFi hotspots from Spectrum modems. This service is primarily designed for phones and personal devices, providing users with 5G connectivity but no LTE options. While Spectrum Mobile offers various wireless broadband plans, there is no Service Level Agreement (SLA) or fixed wireless options listed on their website.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies' Wireless WAN service, also known as Enterprise Wireless Access Service (EWAS), utilizes a multicarrier 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 businesses. Unlike Spectrum, Lumen's wireless broadband plans are not readily available online; customers must engage with a Lumen sales representative to explore their options. Similar to Spectrum, Lumen does not provide an SLA for their wireless service.
Security
Spectrum Enterprise offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions tailored to different business needs. Their Enterprise Network Edge, built on the Fortinet platform, provides next-generation firewall protection, unified threat management, and web application control. For midsized businesses, the Managed Network Edge on the Cisco Meraki platform includes advanced malware protection, URL content filtering, and intrusion protection. Additionally, Spectrum's Managed Cloud Security simplifies security management with Cisco Duo and Cisco+ Secure Connect, while their cloud-based DDoS Protection shields against volumetric attacks.
Lumen Technologies' cybersecurity solutions are designed to secure digital environments with award-winning technology. Their Adaptive Network Security platform, powered by Black Lotus Labs®, offers automated detection and response for hybrid security environments. Lumen's DDoS Hyper® and DDoS Mitigation services provide robust protection against single and multi-vector attacks. Furthermore, Lumen Defender ensures proactive blocking and visibility for internet connections, while their Managed Premises Firewall Services offer managed firewalls and proactive monitoring. Lumen also provides advanced services like SASE, Web Application Firewall, and Enhanced Cybersecurity Services, which include classified threat information from the U.S. government.
Broadband
Spectrum Enterprise's broadband product, branded as SPECTRUM BUSINESS INTERNET, offers a range of asymmetrical speeds tailored to various business needs. With download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 35 Mbps, it provides robust connectivity options. The service operates on a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network and guarantees 100% uptime SLA, ensuring reliable performance without utilization caps.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies no longer offers a broadband service, making Spectrum Enterprise the clear choice for businesses seeking broadband internet solutions. With no available speeds, uptime SLA, or transport type, Lumen's absence in the broadband market leaves Spectrum Enterprise as the more viable option for comprehensive and reliable internet connectivity.
Ethernet
Spectrum Enterprise's Ethernet product, branded as SPECTRUM BUSINESS INTERNET, offers asymmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps download and 35 Mbps upload. Utilizing a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network, it guarantees 100% uptime SLA and provides unlimited utilization caps, making it a reliable choice for businesses needing consistent performance.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies offers a range of Ethernet services, including E-Line, E-LAN, Ethernet On-Demand, and Metro Optical Ethernet. These services provide scalable bandwidths from 2 Mbps to 30 Gbps and support port speeds up to 100 Gbps. Lumen's Ethernet solutions are designed for various networking needs, from point-to-point connections to multipoint-to-multipoint networking, offering flexibility and high-speed connectivity for businesses.
POTS Replacement
Spectrum Enterprise's Spectrum Business Voice offers unlimited local and long-distance calling with over 35 advanced business voice features. It allows businesses to keep their existing phone numbers without requiring new equipment. However, it prohibits the use of its service for critical safety systems like medical alerts and fire alarms. The service is available in 41 states but not outside the United States.
On the other hand, Lumen Technologies' Cloud Communications Specialty Lines is a fully managed, cloud-based solution designed to replace traditional POTS lines for critical safety systems, including alarms and elevators. It includes customer premises equipment, installation, and backup cellular connectivity, ensuring always-on visibility. Lumen's service meets NFPA 72 standards and is available in select international markets, offering more extensive coverage compared to Spectrum Business Voice.
Other Key Features
Geographic Coverage
Spectrum Enterprise operates exclusively in the United States, providing services across 41 states. Their focus on the U.S. market ensures tailored solutions for American businesses.
Lumen Technologies serves businesses in 60 countries, offering a wide range of services. Their global reach ensures that companies can rely on their solutions almost anywhere in the world.
SLA
Spectrum Enterprise offers a 100% uptime SLA on several services, ensuring that their network is always available. This means businesses can rely on consistent internet access without worrying about downtime.
Lumen Technologies also provides strong uptime guarantees, with a 99.99% SLA for their services. This high level of reliability ensures minimal disruptions for their customers.
For customers, these uptime SLAs mean peace of mind. They can trust that their internet will be up and running, allowing them to focus on their business operations without interruptions.
Transport Types Available
Spectrum Enterprise offers speeds from 20 Mbps to 100 Gbps, using fiber, coax, and hybrid fiber coax. With 230,000 fiber route miles, they cater to various needs, from streaming to business use.
Lumen Technologies provides speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, exclusively using fiber. With 263,000 fiber route miles, they are ideal for gaming and high-speed business applications.
Both ISPs offer flexible options, ensuring reliable and fast connections for different customer needs.
Customer Support
Spectrum Enterprise offers 24/7 customer support with a dedicated team ready to assist. They provide various contact options, including phone, email, and live chat, ensuring help is always available.
Lumen Technologies also offers round-the-clock support, but they emphasize personalized service. Customers can reach out via phone or email, and they have a robust online help center for quick solutions.
Both companies prioritize customer satisfaction, but Spectrum's multiple contact methods and Lumen's personalized approach cater to different preferences.
Final Verdict
Spectrum Enterprise is ideal for businesses seeking a wide range of connectivity options and robust broadband services within the United States. Their 100% uptime SLA and extensive customer support make them a reliable choice for American companies.
Lumen Technologies, with its global reach and exclusive fiber network, caters to businesses needing high-speed, low-latency connections across multiple countries. Their advanced cybersecurity solutions and diverse Ethernet services offer flexibility for complex networking needs.
For U.S.-based businesses prioritizing broadband and comprehensive support, Spectrum Enterprise is a strong contender. Conversely, companies requiring international coverage and specialized networking solutions may find Lumen Technologies more suitable.
Get Started with the Right ISP Today
Evaluating your business needs is crucial in choosing the right ISP. Consider your requirements for speed, reliability, and coverage to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
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