What does AT&T’s purchase of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber mean for you?

AT&T will acquire most of Lumen’s fiber markets (CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber’s parent company) in 2026. What does this mean for current AT&T and Lumen customers? Learn how this internet provider consolidation could affect your internet service, pricing and coverage, with insights from our broadband expert.

Jump to: 

• Changes to pricing and service terms
• Bundling and moving advantages
• Security and infrastructure benefits
• Customer service changes
• Internet speed and quality

Changes to pricing and service terms 

Pricing and terms for home internet service may be affected depending on a customer’s current fiber internet plan.  

• Long-term pricing: Quantum Fiber offers an internet ‘Price for Life’ deal, which is an offer that AT&T does not employ. AT&T may continue to honor established deals for existing Quantum Fiber customers, but will likely not continue that plan going forward
• Cheap internet plans: Another change may be with base pricing and speeds available. Quantum Fiber’s two cheapest internet deals are 200 Mbps at $45/mo. and 500 Mbps at $50/mo. However, AT&T Fiber’s base plan is 500 Mbps for $55/mo.* Therefore, customers in legacy Quantum Fiber areas who sign up for internet service post-acquisition will likely pay more for new internet service
• Contracts/ETFs: Neither Quantum Fiber, CenturyLink or AT&T have internet contracts or early termination fees (ETFs), so no changes are expected in those areas

*Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. See offer details below. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Updated as of 06/05/25.

Bundling and moving advantages

Still, there are benefits for home internet users in the inherited Lumen areas that will now be under the AT&T umbrella of brands.

• Bundle discounts: Lumen customers with AT&T Mobile service will be able to bundle their AT&T cell phone and home internet service for more convenient billing. Bundle customers gain a 20% discount on their monthly internet bill, which can help offset the potentially increased cost of home Wi-Fi
• Faster speeds: Current AT&T Mobile customers living in the acquired Lumen areas who are seeking faster internet in their area will gain access to fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps (depending on area). These multi-gig speeds surpass the 4.7 Gbps* maximum available to customers in other existing AT&T coverage areas
• Simplified moving: AT&T home internet customers moving from existing AT&T areas to inherited Quantum Fiber areas will have an easier time moving their service to their new homes, since they are not switching providers

*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.

Security and infrastructure benefits

AT&T’s security features and investment capital have several advantages for its newly acquired fiber areas. 

• Security products: AT&T’s suite of security products, which includes security, antivirus and parental controls to keep kids safe online, is a comprehensive solution for AT&T customers
• Infrastructure upkeep: AT&T’s financial resources could lead to increased infrastructure maintenance and improvements

Customer service changes

Carried out properly and efficiently, the AT&T-Lumen acquisition should provide a seamless experience for both Lumen and AT&T customers, with minimal disruption to internet service, billing or customer service. 

• Gradual transition: Fortunately for Lumen customers, the transition will not be too abrupt and they can expect substantial support throughout the switch to AT&T’s care
• Ongoing support: Lumen has committed to supporting AT&T for the first two years after the acquisition
• Superior customer care: Customers can expect high satisfaction under AT&T’s care, based on positive AT&T customer reviews and a top-tier American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) rating that is 9% higher than Quantum Fiber (AT&T scored 78 vs. Lumen’s 71 in ACSI’s 2025 survey results)

Internet speed and quality 

AT&T customers may be concerned whether the increase in customers will strain AT&T’s network, leading to slower internet speeds or lag. Fortunately, the answer is no. 

• Fiber quality: Because fiber internet is not a shared connection, internet service reliability and speed should not be affected
• Consistent speeds: A dedicated fiber connection also means that the service does not pull from a limited ‘amount’ of speed. So, unlike cable or 5G internet, additional users won’t slow down your internet

Final thoughts on the Lumen sale

The one million-plus current Lumen customers throughout 11 states included in the AT&T acquisition can expect no change in available service and reliability. Although becoming fully integrated within AT&T could take some time, the overall effect on internet subscribers should be a net positive, with benefits outweighing any potential drawbacks. 

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