Verizon Business vs Lumen Technologies: Which ISP Is Better?

When sourcing enterprise internet, you'll often encounter two major providers: Verizon Business and Lumen Technologies. Both offer a wide range of connectivity services for businesses of all sizes.

Choosing between them can be a challenge, so we're comparing them head-to-head to help you find the right fit for your company's specific needs.

Our comparison uses Lightyear's proprietary data, which includes aggregated benchmarks on pricing, installation timelines, and delivery points from over 70,000 real-world ISP quotes.

Keep reading for our detailed comparison of Verizon and Lumen. Or, if you're ready to explore your provider options now, you can begin our questionnaire to receive real-time quotes.

Overview of Verizon Business

Verizon Business was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in New York, New York. With over 105,000 employees, the company operates in 39 countries and holds the 31st spot on the Fortune 500 list.

A key part of their approach is offering services specifically for different business sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises and public sector organizations. They are also known for developing new technologies like private 5G networks and AI-powered assistants.

Overview of Lumen Technologies

Lumen Technologies was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana. The company has 28,000 employees, serves 60 countries, and holds the 292nd spot on the Fortune 500 list.

Lumen's approach centers on AI-ready infrastructure and secure, programmable connectivity. A key innovation is its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model for on-demand networking. The company also runs Black Lotus Labs®, a division focused on advanced threat detection and cybersecurity.

ISP Products

Dedicated Internet (DIA)

Both Verizon and Lumen offer Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) over fiber with a 99.99% uptime SLA and no data caps. Their available speeds are nearly identical, ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, though Verizon has a much larger network with 900,000 fiber route miles compared to Lumen's 340,000. Both providers also offer a similar suite of add-on services, including DDoS mitigation, managed security, and cloud connectivity.

When it comes to installation, our data shows Lumen is typically faster, with an average install time of 68 days, beating the market average of 77 days. Verizon’s installations average around 80 days, which is slightly longer than the industry standard. This difference could be a key factor if your business is on a tight timeline.

In terms of pricing, our data reveals that for 100 Mbps circuits, both Verizon and Lumen are about 3% more expensive than the market average. However, for higher-capacity 1 Gbps circuits, both become more competitive. Lumen is typically 3% less expensive than the average, while Verizon is about 7% less expensive, making it a slightly more cost-effective option at that speed.

Please keep in mind that these are aggregate figures. Actual installation times and pricing can vary significantly based on your region and specific DIA configuration.

For a precise comparison of Verizon Business, Lumen Technologies, and other top ISPs for your location, we recommend filling out our questionnaire. It uses the most comprehensive data set in the industry to provide you with accurate quotes.

DIA Pricing, Delivery and Install Days Compared

The data in this table comes from Lightyear’s aggregated ISP quotes collected in 2024 and 2025 YTD.

• Install Days: how long it typically takes to deliver service.
• 100Mb Price vs Avg / 1Gb Price vs Avg: shows whether this ISP is cheaper or more expensive than the market average.
• Delivery Point: “Suite” means the ISP delivers service all the way to the company’s server room; “MPOE” means the circuit stops at the building’s minimum point of entry (typically the building's utility basement) and the tenant must handle the inside wiring.

Wireless

Verizon Business operates its own extensive wireless network, offering 5G and LTE Business Internet directly to customers. Their service covers the US and parts of Canada and Mexico for phones, fixed sites, and mobile devices.

Lumen takes a different approach with its Wireless WAN service, also known as Enterprise Wireless Access Service (EWAS). It functions as a multi-carrier solution, using the 4G LTE and 5G networks of T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T to provide primary or backup connectivity exclusively within the United States.

When it comes to purchasing, Verizon offers multiple 5G and LTE plans that are readily available. In contrast, Lumen's plans are not publicly listed, so you'll need to contact a sales representative for details. It's also worth noting that both providers appear to be phasing out older Line of Sight (LOS) fixed wireless services in favor of modern 5G solutions.

Security

Verizon Business offers a broad portfolio of security products for network, cloud, and mobile protection. These include services like Zero Trust Dynamic Access and dedicated Mobile Device Management, reflecting their strength in wireless.

Lumen Technologies builds its security solutions around its threat intelligence arm, Black Lotus Labs®. Their services, like DDoS Mitigation and a Virtual SOC, focus on automated threat detection and response. A unique aspect is their Enhanced Cybersecurity Services, which uses classified threat information from the U.S. government.

While both companies provide essential security like SASE and DDoS protection, their focus differs. Verizon provides a wide selection of individual products with a clear emphasis on mobile security. Lumen, on the other hand, promotes an integrated approach driven by the advanced threat intelligence from its Black Lotus Labs®.

Broadband

Verizon Business offers broadband through its Fios Internet service, which runs on a fiber network. They provide several symmetrical speed options, including 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 2 Gbps, all with a 99.99% uptime guarantee and no data caps. Our data shows Verizon's broadband installations average 24 days—faster than the 28-day market average—and their pricing is about 5% less expensive than average.

Lumen also provides business broadband services. However, due to limited quoting history, we’re not able to provide benchmark pricing or installation timelines at this time. To get the most current pricing and availability for Lumen, we recommend you fill out our questionnaire for real-time, location-specific quotes.

Ethernet

Lumen Technologies offers a comprehensive suite of Ethernet services for complex business needs. This includes E-Line for point-to-point connections, E-LAN for multipoint networking, and Metro Optical Ethernet for connectivity within a metropolitan area.

Lumen also provides an Ethernet On-Demand service, allowing businesses to create high-speed connections to data centers and cloud providers in real time. Their services are highly scalable, with bandwidth options from 2 Mbps to 30 Gbps to support various operational demands.

In contrast, Verizon's most widely available fiber offering is its Fios service, which operates as a high-speed business broadband solution. While Verizon does provide enterprise Ethernet, Lumen's portfolio is more distinctly focused on a broad range of traditional Ethernet services for building wide-area networks.

POTS Replacement

Lumen provides a dedicated POTS replacement solution called Cloud Communications Specialty Lines, a fully managed service for critical systems like alarms, elevators, and security gates. Verizon, on the other hand, does not offer a direct product. Instead, they guide customers to partners for these services, as explained in their guide on the topic.

Lumen's solution is designed to be flexible, operating over any third-party internet connection while also providing cellular failover for backup. For safety compliance, the service meets NFPA 72 standards and includes options for 12 or 24-hour battery packs. It is available in the U.S. and select international markets and comes with unlimited domestic long-distance calling.

Other Key Features Compared

Geographic Coverage

Verizon Business operates in 39 countries around the world. Their broad network is a good choice for companies with international locations that need reliable service across different regions.

Lumen Technologies has an even wider reach, serving 60 countries. This extensive global footprint makes them a solid choice for international businesses that need consistent connectivity across many different locations.

SLA

Both Verizon and Lumen offer a 99.99% uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA) for their dedicated fiber services, which is the industry standard for high-end connectivity.

In simple terms, this means your connection is guaranteed to be operational for all but about 53 minutes over the course of a year.

If their service doesn't meet this uptime promise, you are typically eligible to receive a credit on your monthly bill.

Transport Types Available

Both Verizon and Lumen deliver their services primarily over fiber optic networks, offering a wide range of speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps. This flexibility supports everything from basic business tasks to heavy data use.

Verizon’s network is built on an extensive 900,000 fiber route miles. Their higher-end speeds are ideal for large enterprises that need to support many users, cloud applications, and data-heavy operations.

Lumen uses its 340,000 fiber route miles to deliver similarly powerful speeds. Their scalable options are a great fit for growing businesses that need reliable connectivity for daily operations and future expansion.

Customer Support

When it comes to customer support, Verizon Business offers several ways to get help. You can reach their teams through an online portal or by phone for technical and billing questions.

Lumen Technologies provides a similar support structure. They also have a dedicated portal and phone support to assist with service management and troubleshooting.

With any large provider, the quality of support can vary. Your specific experience often depends on the complexity of your issue and your account team.

Final Verdict: Verizon Business or Lumen Technologies?

Choosing between Verizon and Lumen comes down to your specific business priorities. Both are top-tier providers, but they excel in different areas.

Verizon is a strong choice if your business relies heavily on wireless connectivity, given its extensive 5G network. It also offers slightly more competitive pricing for 1 Gbps dedicated internet circuits.

Lumen stands out for its faster DIA installation times and a more comprehensive suite of traditional Ethernet services for building wide-area networks. Their broader global reach and dedicated POTS replacement solution are also key advantages for certain businesses.

Ultimately, the best provider depends on your unique requirements for speed, global reach, and specific services.

To make your decision a little easier, here’s a side-by-side look at how Verizon and Lumen stack up on the most important features we've covered.

Choose the Right ISP Today With Lightyear

Choosing the right ISP is a big decision, and as we've seen, the best option depends entirely on your company's unique needs. If you're looking for a way to simplify this process, Lightyear's software can help you compare providers and find the right fit with confidence. Our platform provides:

• Automated ISP Procurement: We digitize the RFP process and use our proprietary dataset so you can see best-fit providers and benchmarked rates side by side.
• Transparent Pricing & Negotiation: Our software proactively negotiates quotes down if they don’t align with market benchmarks, so you get fair rates without overpaying.

By automating the comparison and negotiation process, you can save time and find the best rates without the usual hassle. If you're ready to simplify your telecom procurement, get started with Lightyear today.