Overview
CenturyLink is an internet provider with a presence in all 50 states. It boasts the third-largest DSL network in the country and its fiber services are available to nearly 10 million people, primarily in urban areas. With CenturyLink, you’ll pay a flat rate for DSL and then get the speed available in your area, up to 100Mbps, while fiber delivers speeds of up to 940Mbps, for middle-of-the-road prices.
CenturyLink has two big selling points. First, both services are available without contracts, giving you the option of leaving at any time. But with CenturyLink’s Price for Life guarantee--unique among ISPs and locking in your monthly bill for DSL--you might not want to switch away.
Connection Types: What kind of internet connection can I get with CenturyLink?
CenturyLink sells two types of internet connection:
- DSL: CenturyLink’s DSL network spans 39 states, reaching nearly 50 million people. You pay a flat rate for DSL—usually $49 per month—and then receive whatever speed is available in your area. Speeds range from 15Mbps to 100Mbps and all CenturyLink plans come with a 1TB per month data allowance—not as generous as the unlimited allowances offered by some other providers, but you’re unlikely to blow through a terabit of data a month. With CenturyLink DSL, you can also lock in your price for as long as you stick with them.
- Fiber: CenturyLink’s fiber network has sprouted in large cities across the US and is currently available to nearly 10 million people. It delivers speeds of 940Mbps, with a 1TB data cap. Unfortunately, you can’t lock in your bills with the fiber packages but at $65 per month, the price is comparable to other fiber providers.
Fees: How much does CenturyLink internet cost?
If you live in a DSL area, you’ll pay $49 per month for CenturyLink’s service and then receive whatever speed the network in your neighborhood delivers. This can range from 15Mbps to 100Mbps, or from far too slow for the price or competitive. So whether CenturyLink DSL is worth it depends on what speeds are available to your home.
But you might be swayed by other features, including the Price for Life guarantee, locking in your monthly bill for as long as you remain with CenturyLink. While other ISPs hike their prices with each renewal, you’ll be sitting pretty with CenturyLink, paying the same as you have been for years.
CenturyLink’s fiber connections cost $65 a month, fairly competitive in the market. But unfortunately, you can’t lock in those prices and could see them rise.
CenturyLink doesn’t have contracts, so won’t charge you early termination fees for walking away. But they might hit you with installation charges. They vary depending on where you live but can run up to $125.
CenturyLink will also rent you a modem for $15 a month, plus a $49 shipping and handling fee (which you can dodge if you sign up online).
What speeds can I get with CenturyLink?
The speed you can achieve with CenturyLink depends on where you live. In DSL areas, networks are wired to deliver download speeds of 15Mbps, 20Mbps, 40Mbps, 80Mbps, or 100Mbps. CenturyLink will be able to tell you what speeds the network clocks in your area before you sign up.
CenturyLink fiber offers symmetrical download and upload speeds of 940Mbps.
Availability: Can I get CenturyLink internet in my state?
CenturyLink’s DSL is available in 39 states, overlooking California and New England to concentrate on the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, with substantial coverage in Colorado, North Carolina, and Virginia as well. Meanwhile, CenturyLink fiber is available in large cities across the United States. It’s the fourth largest provider of fiber by coverage area, reaching approximately 10 million people.
To see if CenturyLink is available in your state, use our interactive map to see a full list of providers operating in your state. To see what CenturyLink connection type and speed is available to your home, move on to our comparison engine. Plug in your ZIP code and we’ll return a personalized list of the internet plans available to your address, from CenturyLink and others.
Extras and TV Packages
CenturyLink internet services can be bundled with Prism TV digital television service. Depending on the package, Prism includes more than 240 channels, premium channels including HBO and Showtime, and hundreds of hours of on-demand programming, all delivered in HD. Prices start at $35 a month, with enhanced packages costing up to $165 a month.
Types of User: Who should get CenturyLink internet
CenturyLink is a good bet if you live in one of their fiber coverage areas or where their DSL is faster. If you move frequently or don’t like being tied into a contract, you’ll appreciate CenturyLink’s lack of contracts and the ability to leave at any time. Others will value the ability to lock in their internet costs for potentially years.
However, if CenturyLink DSL only offers speeds of 15Mbps or 20Mbps in your neighborhood, you can likely find faster internet for a lower price from another provider.