A provider may say network-as-a-service and managed network in the same meeting. They are not the same purchase. One can bundle equipment, software, and day-to-day operations into a subscription. The other often runs a network you still own, while circuits and hardware are bought on their own.
What the public record is saying
Network World reports that network-as-a-service has grown more slowly than forecast, as buyers weigh simpler management against cost and lock-in. In that article, Network World says Gartner still places NaaS at 1% to 5% market penetration in its 2026 networking hype cycle, short of earlier expectations.
In the same article, Network World says Gartner finds that NaaS makes sense when organizations have limited resources and are looking for a turnkey, SLA-based network solution with no asset ownership.
A separate Network World explainer walks through delivery models, providers, and benefits for organizations that are new to subscription networking. Light Reading reports a carrier and a startup bundling WAN and LAN into a single NaaS offer. That packaging is a reason to read what the contract includes, who owns the equipment, and how you leave. Light Reading reports that Lumen is betting AI agent traffic will reshape enterprise network demand, so a bandwidth model built for people may not match a network that also serves software agents.
Opinion — Vlogic Advisors
We recommend separating three questions before you pick a label.
- What must the network do at each site, including failover?
- Who owns the equipment, the configurations, and the administrative access?
- Which charges are fixed, which move with use, and what does it cost to exit?
Compare the full service over the term. Our companion piece separates NaaS from SD-WAN, which describes what the network does rather than how you buy it.
Comparing a subscription network with a managed one? Talk to Vlogic Advisors about a review of your stack.
Sources
- Network World, “NaaS hasn't lived up to the hype. Is it still worth it?” (November 2, 2026)
- Network World, “What is NaaS? Providers, delivery models, and benefits explained” (February 28, 2025)
- Light Reading, “Lumen links with enterprise network startup Meter” (November 18, 2025)
- Light Reading, “Nobody is budgeting for agent traffic. Lumen noticed.” (September 25, 2026)
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