When it comes to choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your business, two names often come up: Verizon Business and Spectrum Enterprise. Both providers offer robust solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern enterprises.
Verizon Business is known for its extensive network and advanced technology offerings, while Spectrum Enterprise boasts a strong presence with flexible service options. 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 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 number 31.
Operating in 39 countries, Verizon Business has a significant global footprint. The company is known for its innovative solutions and extensive network infrastructure. Unique aspects include their focus on advanced technology and a commitment to providing reliable services to enterprises 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. It holds a notable position on the Fortune 500 list, ranking at number 76.
Operating exclusively in the USA, Spectrum Enterprise is known for its innovative solutions like SD-WAN and Enterprise Network Edge. These technologies simplify network management and enhance performance, making them a unique player in the industry. Their focus on security and remote workforce solutions further sets them apart.
ISP Products
DIA
Verizon Business offers its Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) with a wide range of speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, ensuring flexibility for businesses of all sizes. With an uptime SLA of 99.99% and a robust fiber network spanning 900,000 miles, Verizon provides a reliable and extensive service. Common add-on services include static public IP addresses, BGP routing, managed routers, and DDoS mitigation, making it a comprehensive solution for enterprise needs.
Spectrum Enterprise's DIA also boasts a 99.99% uptime SLA and offers an even broader range of speeds, from 20 Mbps to 100 Gbps. Their network infrastructure includes 230,000 fiber route miles and additional transport options like coax and hybrid fiber coax. Spectrum Enterprise provides similar add-on services such as static public IP addresses, BGP routing, and managed security, ensuring businesses have the necessary tools for secure and efficient internet connectivity.
Wireless
Verizon Business offers a comprehensive wireless product lineup, including 5G Business Internet and LTE Business Internet. Their services cover the US, parts of Canada, and parts of Mexico, providing extensive reach. Verizon's wireless broadband includes multiple 5G and LTE plans, catering to various business needs. They are transitioning from Line of Sight (LOS) fixed wireless to more advanced 5G solutions.
Spectrum Enterprise, on the other hand, leverages Verizon's 5G network and its own WiFi hotspots from Spectrum modems to provide wireless services. Their product, Spectrum Mobile, focuses on 5G connectivity without offering LTE options. While Spectrum does not list any fixed wireless solutions on their website, their integration with Verizon's network ensures robust coverage and performance.
Security
Verizon Business offers a comprehensive suite of security products designed to protect enterprises from a wide range of cyber threats. Their Zero Trust Dynamic Access serves as a robust first and last line of defense, while SASE Management provides a unified network and security management service. Additionally, Verizon's DDoS Shield and Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Services offer specialized protection against DDoS attacks and secure public internet connections, respectively.
Spectrum Enterprise also delivers a robust security portfolio, tailored to different business sizes and needs. Their Enterprise Network Edge and Managed Network Edge solutions provide next-generation firewall protection and unified threat management, leveraging platforms like Fortinet and Cisco Meraki. For cloud security, Spectrum's Managed Cloud Security simplifies interactions between users and systems, while their DDoS Protection offers cloud-based defense against volumetric attacks.
Broadband
Verizon Business offers its Fios Internet with symmetrical speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 2 GIG, ensuring consistent upload and download rates. With a 99.99% uptime guarantee and unlimited utilization caps, Verizon's fiber-based broadband is designed for reliability and high performance.
Spectrum Enterprise's SPECTRUM BUSINESS INTERNET provides asymmetrical speeds, with download rates up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds capped at 35 Mbps. Their hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) transport type and 100% uptime SLA make it a robust option for businesses needing reliable internet, though the asymmetrical speeds may be a consideration for those requiring high upload capacity.
Ethernet
Verizon Business offers its Fios Internet with symmetrical speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 2 GIG, ensuring consistent upload and download rates. With a 99.99% uptime guarantee and unlimited utilization caps, Verizon's fiber-based broadband is designed for reliability and high performance. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that require stable and high-speed internet connectivity.
Spectrum Enterprise's Ethernet Services provide a more versatile range 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 ideal for businesses needing high-speed, low-latency connections for applications like data center connectivity and disaster recovery. The flexibility to quickly increase bandwidth or expand to new locations further enhances their appeal.
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 specific needs of businesses requiring POTS replacement services.
In contrast, Spectrum Enterprise offers Spectrum Business Voice, a comprehensive solution with unlimited local and long-distance calling and over 35 advanced business voice features. While it requires an internet connection, it does not need to be bundled with Spectrum Business Internet, though bundling can offer cost savings. Spectrum Business Voice also includes an optional LTE failover and an 8-hour internal battery, but it prohibits use for medical alert systems and fire alarms, limiting its application for certain specialty lines.
Other Key Features
Geographic Coverage
Verizon Business serves 39 countries, offering extensive global coverage. Their wide reach ensures businesses can rely on consistent and reliable internet services, no matter where they operate.
Spectrum Enterprise serves businesses only in the USA. Their focus on the American market ensures they provide specialized and reliable services tailored to local business needs.
SLA
Both Verizon Business and Spectrum Enterprise offer a 99.99% uptime SLA. This means their services are designed to be available almost all the time, with very minimal downtime.
For customers, this high uptime guarantee translates to reliable internet connections, which is crucial for daily operations. It ensures that businesses can run smoothly without frequent interruptions.
In practical terms, a 99.99% uptime means less than an hour of downtime per year. This reliability helps businesses maintain productivity and avoid costly disruptions.
Transport Types Available
Verizon Business offers speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, making it great for everything from streaming to heavy business use. Their fiber network spans 900,000 miles, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
Spectrum Enterprise provides speeds from 20 Mbps to 100 Gbps, perfect for gaming and business needs. Their network includes 230,000 fiber route miles, offering solid performance.
Both providers use fiber transport, but Verizon's larger network may offer more extensive coverage. Choose based on your specific needs and location.
Customer Support
Verizon Business offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring help is always available. 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 personalized service, with dedicated account managers to assist with specific business needs.
Both companies prioritize customer satisfaction, but Verizon's extensive global reach might offer a slight edge in terms of support availability.
Final Verdict
Verizon Business excels in global coverage and advanced technology, making it ideal for enterprises with international operations and high-tech needs. Their extensive fiber network and comprehensive security solutions offer robust support for large-scale businesses.
Spectrum Enterprise, with its focus on the USA, provides specialized services tailored to local businesses. Their flexible service options and strong security features make them a great choice for companies needing reliable, high-performance internet within the country.
For businesses requiring global reach and cutting-edge technology, Verizon Business is the better option. However, for those focused on the American market with a need for versatile and secure solutions, Spectrum Enterprise stands out.
Get Started with the Right ISP Today
Ultimately, the choice between Verizon Business and Spectrum Enterprise depends on your specific needs. Evaluate your business requirements carefully to determine which ISP aligns best with your goals.
To simplify your telecom procurement, sign up with Lightyear. Get started today and streamline your sourcing and management process.
