When it comes to choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your business, two names often come up: Verizon Business and Lumen Technologies. Both companies offer robust solutions, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we'll compare Verizon Business and Lumen Technologies across various parameters. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Overview of Verizon Business
Verizon Business, founded in 2000, has been a key player in the telecommunications industry for 24 years. Headquartered in New York, New York, the company employs around 105,000 people. It holds a prominent position on the Fortune 500 list, ranking at 31.
Operating in 39 countries, Verizon Business has a significant global footprint. The company is known for its innovative solutions and unique promotional offers, such as discounted rates on new devices and business internet plans. These aspects make Verizon Business a versatile choice for enterprises looking for reliable and expansive telecom services.
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 a Fortune 500 ranking of 292.
Operating in 60 countries, Lumen Technologies offers a range of unique innovations. These include AI-ready infrastructure and a Private Connectivity Fabric designed exclusively for business needs.
Additionally, Lumen provides on-demand services and advanced security solutions like DDoS Hyper® and Lumen Defender℠. Their edge computing solutions, such as Edge Bare Metal, ensure low latency and high performance.
ISP Products
DIA
Verizon Business offers its Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) with a wide range of speeds, from 10 Mbps to an impressive 100 Gbps. With a robust fiber network spanning 900,000 miles, Verizon ensures extensive coverage and reliability. The service comes with a 99.99% uptime SLA and no utilization caps, making it a solid choice for businesses requiring consistent and high-speed internet.
Lumen Technologies also provides a Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) service, offering similar speed options up to 100 Gbps. However, Lumen's fiber network covers 263,000 miles, which is significantly less than Verizon's. Despite this, Lumen matches Verizon's 99.99% uptime SLA and offers the same range of add-on services, including DDoS Mitigation, Managed Security, and Cloud Connect.
Wireless
Verizon Business offers a comprehensive range of wireless products, including 5G and LTE services. Their 5G Business Internet and LTE Business Internet cater to both fixed and mobile sites, providing flexibility for various business needs. Verizon's wireless broadband plans are readily available online, allowing customers to choose from multiple 5G and LTE options. However, it's important to note that Verizon does not provide a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for these services.
On the other hand, Lumen Technologies' Wireless WAN service, also known as Enterprise Wireless Access Service (EWAS), leverages partnerships with major carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. This multicarrier approach ensures robust 4G LTE and 5G coverage across the United States. Unlike Verizon, Lumen's wireless plans are not listed online; customers must contact a sales representative for details. Similar to Verizon, Lumen does not offer an SLA for their wireless services.
Security
Verizon Business offers a comprehensive suite of security products designed to address various cyber threats. Their Zero Trust Dynamic Access serves as a robust cloud-based solution, acting as both the first and last line of defense. Additionally, their SASE Management provides a unified network and security management service, making a strategic shift to an identity-centric approach. For businesses needing continuous protection, Verizon's Managed Detection and Response Services offer 24/7 threat monitoring and rapid incident response.
Lumen Technologies also delivers a strong array of cybersecurity solutions. Their Adaptive Network Security is a cloud-based platform that streamlines threat management for hybrid environments, powered by Black Lotus Labs®. Lumen's DDoS Hyper® provides self-serve DDoS protection, activated in minutes to safeguard critical web assets. For comprehensive security, Lumen's Virtual SOC offers 24/7 SIEM monitoring and incident handling, ensuring quick detection and response to cyber threats.
Broadband
Verizon Business offers a robust Broadband Internet service under the brand name Fios Internet. With symmetrical speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to an impressive 2 GIG, Verizon ensures high-speed connectivity for various business needs. The service is delivered over a fiber network, guaranteeing a 99.99% uptime SLA and unlimited utilization caps, making it a reliable choice for enterprises.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies no longer offers a broadband service. As a result, there are no available speeds, uptime guarantees, or utilization caps to compare. This makes Verizon Business the clear option for businesses seeking dependable broadband internet solutions.
Ethernet
Verizon Business offers its Ethernet services under the Fios Internet brand, providing symmetrical speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 2 GIG. Delivered over a robust fiber network, Fios Internet ensures a 99.99% uptime SLA and unlimited utilization caps, making it a reliable choice for businesses needing consistent high-speed connectivity.
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 diverse business needs. Lumen's Ethernet solutions are designed for flexibility, supporting point-to-point, multipoint, and on-demand connections, making them suitable for complex networking requirements.
POTS Replacement
Verizon Business does not offer a dedicated POTS replacement product. Instead, they refer customers to partners like CSG or MarketSpark for solutions that handle fax, alarm, and elevator lines. This approach means that Verizon relies on third-party providers to meet the needs of businesses looking to upgrade their traditional telephone services.
In contrast, Lumen Technologies offers a comprehensive POTS replacement product called Lumen® Cloud Communications Specialty Lines. This service provides a fully managed digital solution for safety systems, including customer premises equipment and installation. It operates over third-party internet connections and includes backup cellular connectivity, ensuring "always-on" visibility and functionality. Additionally, Lumen's solution meets NFPA 72 standards and is available in both U.S. and select international markets.
Other Key Features
Geographic Coverage
Verizon Business serves 39 countries, offering a wide range of telecom services. Their extensive coverage ensures businesses can stay connected globally with reliable and high-speed internet solutions.
Lumen Technologies serves 60 countries, providing a wide range of telecom services. Their extensive coverage ensures businesses can stay connected globally with reliable and high-speed internet solutions.
SLA
Both Verizon Business and Lumen Technologies offer a 99.99% uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA). This means their services are designed to be available almost all the time, with very little downtime.
For customers, this high uptime guarantee means fewer interruptions to their internet service. Businesses can rely on consistent connectivity, which is crucial for daily operations.
In practical terms, a 99.99% uptime translates to less than an hour of downtime per year. This ensures that businesses can operate smoothly without worrying about frequent outages.
Transport Types Available
Verizon Business offers speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, making it ideal for everything from streaming and gaming to heavy business use. Their fiber network spans 900,000 miles, ensuring wide coverage and reliability.
Lumen Technologies also provides speeds up to 100 Gbps, suitable for various needs. Their fiber network covers 263,000 miles, offering solid performance for most business applications.
Both companies use fiber for their transportation type, ensuring fast and stable connections. Whether you need high-speed internet for entertainment or business, both Verizon and Lumen have you covered.
Customer Support
Verizon 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. They offer assistance via phone and online chat, ensuring customers can get help whenever they need it.
Both companies aim to provide reliable and friendly customer service, making it easy for businesses to resolve any issues quickly.
Final Verdict
Verizon Business excels in offering extensive global coverage and a robust fiber network, making it ideal for enterprises needing high-speed, reliable internet. Their comprehensive suite of wireless and security products further enhances their appeal.
Lumen Technologies, with its innovative AI-ready infrastructure and edge computing solutions, is well-suited for businesses seeking advanced technology and flexible networking options. Their strong cybersecurity offerings provide an added layer of protection.
For businesses prioritizing expansive coverage and a wide range of services, Verizon Business is a strong contender. Conversely, companies looking for cutting-edge technology and specialized solutions may find Lumen Technologies more fitting.
Get Started with the Right ISP Today
Ultimately, the choice between Verizon Business and Lumen Technologies depends on your specific business needs. Evaluate your requirements carefully to determine which ISP aligns best with your goals.
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