Lumen Alternatives: Compare Other Providers

Lumen Technologies, formerly CenturyLink, runs one of the largest fiber networks in the US and sells dedicated internet, private networking, wavelengths and voice to businesses. It is a strong option on many routes. Businesses compare alternatives when a contract or MPLS renewal comes up, when a location is still on an older copper-based service, when they want a second carrier for diversity, or when another carrier simply prices the same route lower.

Fiber from another carrier

Symmetrical fiber where another provider is in the building or nearby.

Dedicated internet access

Reserved bandwidth with an SLA, for sites where downtime is expensive.

Fixed wireless and 5G

A fast install, or a backup with no shared physical path.

What we help with

A side-by-side of every carrier at your address, including Lumen
Benchmarking what you pay Lumen today against the market
Reviewing your contract end date, auto-renewal and early termination terms
Planning the switch with an overlap so you never lose service
Adding a second carrier as backup instead of replacing anything

Who it’s for

Businesses facing a renewal or a price increase
Offices that need more upload speed or an SLA
Multi-site businesses that want one point of contact across carriers
Anyone who wants a backup connection from a different carrier

How we help

Send us your address and a recent bill. We quote every carrier that serves the building, including a fresh quote from Lumen where it makes sense, and lay the options out on the same terms.

Options we compare

We’re vendor-neutral. Depending on your address, options can include:

Zayo
Verizon Business
AT&T Business
Comcast Business
Spectrum Business
Cogent
Regional fiber carriers

The provider compensates us, so our guidance is free to you — see how it works.

Frequently asked questions

What are the alternatives to Lumen?

Depending on your address, alternatives can include fiber or dedicated internet from other national and regional carriers, cable from another provider, and fixed wireless or 5G. Which ones serve your building varies, so the reliable answer comes from checking your address.

Can I switch from Lumen before my contract ends?

Usually, but early termination fees may apply. Check your agreement for the end date and notice window. It is often cheaper to time the switch to the end date, or to ask the new provider to help offset the fee.

Should I keep Lumen as a backup?

It can make sense. Two connections from different carriers on different physical paths is a common, cost-effective way to stay online when one fails.

Are there alternatives for Lumen MPLS or wavelengths?

Often, yes. MPLS can be re-priced with another carrier or replaced with SD-WAN, and wavelength routes between major markets usually have several carriers to quote. See MPLS and wavelength services for more.

Is it really free?

Yes. The provider you select compensates us, so our comparison and sourcing cost you nothing.

Want to see your options?

Send us your address and a recent bill. We’ll compare every carrier at your building, side by side.

Talk to an Expert

Explore more: all services · MPLS · wavelength services · dedicated internet access · SD-WAN · check availability at your address.

Discover Communications is independent and not affiliated with Lumen Technologies. Lumen is a trademark of its owner.