Network-as-a-Service bundles most of what you'd otherwise buy and manage piece by piece. Here's what almost always comes standard, what's typically an add-on, and the questions that tell you which is which for any provider.
| What it covers | Status in a typical NaaS package | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Switches, access points, controllers, provider-owned, not purchased by you | ✓ Included |
| Design & survey | RF planning, coverage design, scoping for your sites | ✓ Included |
| Installation | Device install, configuration, turn-up; cabling coordinated | ✓ Included |
| Management portal | Cloud dashboard for visibility across all sites | ✓ Included |
| Monitoring & support | 24/7 monitoring, alerting, and support with response targets | ✓ Included |
| Updates & refresh | Firmware/software updates and hardware refresh over the term | ✓ Included |
| Network security | Access control and segmentation at the network layer | ✓ Usually included (basic) |
| Advanced security | Next-gen firewall, ZTNA, SASE, threat filtering | Optional / add-on |
| Connectivity (ISP) | Internet circuits and carrier/ISP management | Optional (included by some, e.g. Meter) |
| SD-WAN | Intelligent multi-site routing and WAN policy | Optional / add-on |
| Cellular failover | 4G/5G backup connectivity for resilience | Optional / add-on |
| Physical cabling | New low-voltage cable runs and structured wiring | Often separate |
| Uptime SLAs | Guaranteed availability and redundancy tiers | Tier-dependent |
| Compliance | HIPAA / PCI / SOC 2 controls and reporting support | Optional / add-on |
It varies by provider. The biggest differences live at the edges, connectivity, advanced security, and SLAs. Meter, for example, tends to include ISP management; security-first providers like Nile build more of the security layer in. That's exactly the kind of line-item an advisor maps out before you sign.
That's the job. An independent NaaSAdvisor advisor maps your requirements to what each provider includes, so you're not paying for add-ons you don't need, or surprised by ones you do. No cost to you, no obligation.
We'll break down what's included, what's optional, and what it should cost, across every major provider.