Broadvoice vs. Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Broadvoice
Score 9.2 out of 10
N/A
Broadvoice is a provider of hosted voice, UCaaS, CCaaS, and CX solutions for small and mid-market enterprises and BPOs. Broadvoice solutions offer enterprise-class features to simplify communications and streamline operations.
$10
monthly, 12 or 36 months per seat
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Score 7.0 out of 10
N/A
Lumen Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) (formerly CenturyLink) combine adaptive networking with a portfolio of technologies on a secure global network with end-to-end support. The UC&C portfolio includes cloud, hosted, and fully managed services built on best-in-class applications that can be sold, provisioned, and managed as a solution, wrapped with a customer success practice. Lumen UC&C Solutions: • Cisco WebEx delivered by Lumen - online meetings with integrated…N/A
Pricing
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Editions & Modules
b-hive Standard Seat - Call Paths
$7
per month
b-hive Metered Seat Cloud PBX
$10
per month per user
b-hive Pro Seat - Call Paths
$10
per month
SIP Trunking - Metered
$11
per month per user
SIP Trunking - Unlimited
$17
per month per user
b-hive Standard Seat Cloud PBX
$18
per month per user
b-hive Pro Seat Cloud PBX
$23
per month per user
Contact Center
Contact Sales
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsPricing Based on 3 Year Terms
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Considered Both Products
Broadvoice
Chose Broadvoice
First and most important "Customer Service", CenturyLink customer service is worth zero. Also, the rates for the phone service with Broadvoice are much more accessible than the high price from CenturyLink without a good service in general.
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration

No answer on this topic

Top Pros

No answers on this topic

Top Cons
Features
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.3
124 Ratings
2% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
High quality audio8.3123 Ratings00 Ratings
High quality video8.439 Ratings00 Ratings
Screen Sharing
Comparison of Screen Sharing features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.4
28 Ratings
6% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Desktop sharing8.428 Ratings00 Ratings
Online Meetings / Events
Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.3
29 Ratings
2% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Calendar integration8.424 Ratings00 Ratings
Meeting initiation8.426 Ratings00 Ratings
Record meetings / events8.221 Ratings00 Ratings
Online Events Collaboration
Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
7.9
23 Ratings
1% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Live chat7.923 Ratings00 Ratings
Online Events Security
Comparison of Online Events Security features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.5
45 Ratings
9% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
User authentication8.539 Ratings00 Ratings
Participant roles & permissions8.444 Ratings00 Ratings
Cloud PBX
Comparison of Cloud PBX features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.4
134 Ratings
2% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Hosted PBX8.485 Ratings00 Ratings
Multi-level Interactive Voice Response (IVR)8.362 Ratings00 Ratings
Directory of employee names8.3114 Ratings00 Ratings
Call Management
Comparison of Call Management features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.4
163 Ratings
2% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Answering rules8.5142 Ratings00 Ratings
Call recording8.6107 Ratings00 Ratings
Call park8.5133 Ratings00 Ratings
Call screening8.6115 Ratings00 Ratings
Message alerts8.5130 Ratings00 Ratings
Business SMS/External Messaging7.964 Ratings00 Ratings
Online Fax8.377 Ratings00 Ratings
Voicemail Transcription8.394 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile apps
Comparison of Mobile apps features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.1
116 Ratings
3% below category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Mobile app for iOS7.9105 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile app for Android8.264 Ratings00 Ratings
Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration
Comparison of Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration features of Product A and Product B
Broadvoice
8.3
62 Ratings
5% above category average
Lumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
-
Ratings
Centralized communications management8.553 Ratings00 Ratings
Team messaging8.336 Ratings00 Ratings
Team document sharing8.223 Ratings00 Ratings
Call and meeting analytics8.237 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Small Businesses
Nextiva
Nextiva
Score 9.2 out of 10
Broadvoice
Broadvoice
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Nextiva
Nextiva
Score 9.2 out of 10
Nextiva
Nextiva
Score 9.2 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Score 9.0 out of 10
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Likelihood to Recommend
9.3
(310 ratings)
7.0
(1 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(21 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.5
(67 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
8.7
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
7.4
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.5
(19 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
8.0
(3 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
8.2
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
7.1
(9 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
6.9
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Contract Terms and Pricing Model
9.1
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
5.7
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.1
(3 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.1
(3 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
BroadvoiceLumen Unified Communications & Collaboration
Likelihood to Recommend
Broadvoice
I think it depends on the services you enroll in. Broadvoice could be used for basic business perfectly, but allowing for tracking calls and recordings makes it great for businesses where legalities come into play. Were I to leave the firm I am with, I would hope to either utilize a service that offers everything Broadvoice does, or just continue with Broadvoice itself.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
While I am happy with the service, it does leave something to be desired. The MPLS circuit connection has been very stable and I am very happy with its uptime. I am also quite happy with the calling plans. I have been able to cut back on costs with the design they have. Support is the reason for the lower score.
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Pros
Broadvoice
  • Broadvoice is quick to furnish the phone numbers before we even have the store built.
  • Broadvoice gives us temporary numbers until the port occurs.
  • Broadvoice monitors our accounts so we Dont have to.
  • Most times we get the replacement phones within 1-2 work days.
  • Broadvoice is very easy to work with.
Read full review
Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
  • MPLS circuits
  • Domestic calling plans
  • International calling plans
Read full review
Cons
Broadvoice
  • The terminology used in the self-service drop-down options for outbound greetings is akin to reading a foreign language; it's hard to tell which drop-down option will yield the appropriate results for the appropriate time periods (during or after hours). I'm also still not sure whether I should set all outbound messages using my b-hive account, or if it will work if I do that from my phone handset.
  • The TCR brand registration process is difficult. I followed the instructions to register my brand, and after months of checking to see if it was verified, I was told I needed to provide a 147C letter, which certifies my EIN number. I am a sole proprietor, with no employees, so I am not required to have an EIN. If I file taxes using my SSN, I would think a W9 would suffice. This has held up my ability to use the texting platform. It would have been good to know upfront that an EIN would be needed in order for the registration verification to process -- like maybe getting an error message of some sort instead of just a "status."
  • Overall, there seems to be way too many sub-sections within the b-hive screens. To go back from the call log to what I view as the main dashboard, you have to click on "portal," which is okay once you know that it takes you back to the page that has all the tabs for "reports, voicemails, communicator," etc.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
  • Cleaner invoices
  • Easier access to support
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Broadvoice
Our last phone system was very outdated and we were left not getting calls that we needed nor having a seamless way to change voicemail or to get voicemail if we were out of the office for longer periods of time. Broadvoice has erased these issues and has really made our agency more responsive.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Usability
Broadvoice
Broadvoice has been a great investment so far! Its system allows you to easily handle multiple lines & provides you with many useful, easy-to-use, features. It delivers faxes right to your email inbox, how much easier can it get? Through their app, it enables you to easily determine if the call is business or personal related. And you are able to answer calls no matter where you are
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Broadvoice
AWAYS available to assist when I call. I could not be happier about that!
Read full review
Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Performance
Broadvoice
Any issues are usually overcome fairly quickly. We don't utilize reports offered by the system - we are a small company and the monitoring that would provide is just not something we would utilize.
Read full review
Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Broadvoice
Laura H. our Service Coordinator was exceptionally helpful when the inevitable hiccups occurred along the way. She calmly sought out solutions that kept the project moving so that we could meet our move-out/move-in deadlines. Also, their 24/7 Business Support line is staffed with knowledgeable people that answer my questions quickly and accurately.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
In-Person Training
Broadvoice
The in-person was done by phone and was GREAT!
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Online Training
Broadvoice
Overcame obstacles of everyone being in different places. Trainer was excellent (do not remember her name!). Open to all questions no matter how technical. The feedback from my colleagues were they were happy
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Broadvoice
It was straightforward to set up. The phone was delivered prior to installation. The script and routing of calls were established prior to installation as well. The on-site technician installed each phone and offered training to anyone who asked. The main setup for hours, calls, and extensions was already set up via online meeting, making the phone install on-site a seamless experience.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Broadvoice
We've had a few phone vendors over the years and their main item, the phone, usually worked. Now past that, all other features or needs were hardly ever met. With Broadvoice, our experience has been amazing. The call quality, the ease of use on the admin portal and b-hive app, the flexibility of implementing new users. And if something ever seems to stump us, we can quickly reach out to support via email or phone and they are amazingly fast to respond and resolve the issue.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
We do not use any other products.
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Contract Terms and Pricing Model
Broadvoice
Answered in previous question
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Scalability
Broadvoice
We keep adding phones to each of restaurants every month
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Broadvoice
  • Sadly I can't quite gather any hard numbers since my use of the product don't extend into the admin level where I can see everything. I can say that since installing the phone at my desk though, I've been more reachable by other staff and therefore more present with current happenings in the workplace.
  • It took a while to get a line for my desk, so I can compare the before and after very clearly. Communication is like night and day, and any questions or problems other coworkers had that in the past they may have had to deal with themselves, they can now reliably reach me and have a convenient option to. This has improved the relationships between me and others at the workplace.
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Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink)
  • Outstanding uptime
  • Good value
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ScreenShots

Broadvoice Screenshots

Screenshot of Call routing rules to manage holidays, and off-hours.Screenshot of Inbound call routing with automated menus and announcements, like a large business.Screenshot of User accounts can be added, removed, and managed from this interface.Screenshot of A detailed view of call history with detailed call reports.Screenshot of Video conference with up to 50 users with b-hive Communicator.Screenshot of Group messaging and file sharing to keep internal teams connected.