Why choose CenturyLink internet?
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CenturyLink internet comes with relatively fast speeds, high data allowances and a signature Price for Life Guarantee on select plans, but the service may not be for everyone. We break down everything you need to know about CenturyLink below to determine if the service is right for you.
What we like
Fast speeds – CenturyLink’s fiber speeds are as fast as any, and their DSL speeds are faster than most.
Broad service areas – CenturyLink internet is available to many areas where cable or other fiber providers may not offer high-speed internet.
No contracts – There are no contracts with CenturyLink service, so you can change or move service at any time without early termination fees.
Things to consider
Limited plan options – DSL and fiber service is one cost, so you won’t have the option of choosing a cheaper or faster/more expensive plan.
1 TB/mo. data cap – This is more than enough data for the average household, but going over the limit could violate the Terms of Use Agreement.
Price guarantee not available on all plans – Only plans up to 100 Mbps qualify for the price for life lock.
CenturyLink company info
- Founded in 1968, CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunication provider in the U.S. with close to five million internet subscribers.
- In September 2020, CenturyLink rebranded to Lumen Technologies, Inc., although residential customers will still see the familiar CenturyLink name for the foreseeable future.
- CenturyLink’s headquarters are in Monroe, LA and they employ over 40,000 people nationwide.
Shop CenturyLink plans near you
CenturyLink internet plans
| CenturyLink internet plans | Starting price | Max speeds |
| Price for Life 20 Mbps | $49/mo.* | 20 Mbps |
| Price for Life 40 Mbps | $49/mo.* | 40 Mbps |
| Price for Life 80 Mbps | $49/mo.* | 80 Mbps |
| Price for Life 100 Mbps | $49/mo.* | 100 Mbps |
| Fiber Gigabit | $65/mo.** | 940 Mbps |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 12/16/20.
Shop CenturyLink plans
CenturyLink delivers fast internet with simple pricing and unlimited long distance calling.
What to expect with CenturyLink internet
Real speeds close to advertised speeds
- According to an FCC report, over 45% of CenturyLink subscribers experienced speeds greater than 95% of what was initially advertised
- About 30% received speeds within 80-95% of what was advertised
- 25% received less than 80% of what was initially advertised
CenturyLink DSL price is the same, speeds vary
- Looking at the CenturyLink internet pricing table above, you may have noticed that some speed tiers are the same price.
- That’s because CenturyLink aims to get you the fastest available speed in your area at the lowest price they offer.
- You can choose a lower speed for the same price, but really, why would you want to?
Price for Life is real, but there is some fine print
- Requires new internet service and paperless billing
- Does not apply to leased equipment fees, or taxes and surcharges
- Is cancelled if the customer’s bill does not remain in good standing or changes the account in any manner, including change of address, change of service level or suspension of service.
Choosing the right CenturyLink internet plan
CenturyLink gives customers the option to choose between speeds in areas where more than one speed is available. However, all speeds up to 100 Mbps will cost the same monthly price. Our advice? Choose the fastest available speed in your area and opt for free self-installation (where available) to get the most value in the long run.
*Speed may not be available in your area.
**Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.
Benefits of CenturyLink internet
Along with high speeds and a Price for Life guarantee on select plans, CenturyLink comes with a few added benefits to further entice customers.
Free self-install
Self-installation is available with CenturyLink internet plans below 80 Mbps. You’ll receive your equipment and installation instructions by mail within days of your order.
Customer satisfaction
CenturyLink makes customer service a priority. CenturyLink consumers can enjoy popular online tools to track your technician and troubleshoot service issues.
CenturyLink @Ease
Receive @Ease Basic with Norton PC Security for free with CenturyLink high-speed internet. Upgrade to @Ease Standard, Advanced or Ultra to receive additional security features such as inside wire coverage, PC virus removal and identity theft protection.
Compare CenturyLink internet to other providers
In areas serviceable for CenturyLink fiber or DSL internet, a cable provider may also be available. You may also have access to competing DSL or fiber optic internet providers. Find out how CenturyLink compares to other internet service providers in terms of price, speeds and more below:
| CenturyLink | XFINITY |
| Starting price at | |
| $49.00/mo.* | $29.99/mo.* |
| Internet Speeds | |
| 3 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 15-2,000 Mbps |
| Data cap | |
| 1 TB/mo. | 1 TB/mo. for most plans |
| Contract | |
| None | No long-term agreement required |
- Provider
- CenturyLink
- Starting price at
- $49.00/mo.*
- $29.99/mo.*
- Internet Speeds
- 3 Mbps – 940 Mbps
- 15-2,000 Mbps
- Data cap
- 1 TB/mo.
- 1 TB/mo. for most plans
- Contract
- None
- No long-term agreement required
No contract agreement Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 12/16/20. *Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Offer Details
CenturyLink internet customer satisfaction ratings
How satisfied are CenturyLink customers compared to other providers? The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) gives the largest internet providers annual customer satisfaction scores based on feedback from actual customers.
CenturyLink 2020 American Customer Satisfaction Index rating: 63/100
- In 2020, CenturyLink received a 63/100, a four-point improvement over their 2019 score.
- Compared to other providers, CenturyLink lands around the middle of the pack, ahead of providers such as Windstream (61/100) and Mediacom (59/100), but well below leaders Verizon Fios (73/100) and AT&T Fiber (68/100).
CenturyLink internet FAQs
What type of Internet service is CenturyLink?
CenturyLink has fiber and DSL internet plans. Available connection type and home Wi-Fi speeds vary by region.
Can you use your own modem with CenturyLink internet?
Yes. You can use your own modem with CenturyLink. CenturyLink has a list of tested modems you can consider using with your internet service.
Does CenturyLink internet have unlimited data?
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit plans have unlimited internet. All other CenturyLink plans have a 1 TB data cap. CenturyLink does not currently charge overage fees, but they may give you a warning if you go over your data limit. CenturyLink reserves the right to disconnect service for customers who habitually exceed their Excessive Use Policy.
Can you get CenturyLink internet without a home phone line?
Yes. You can get CenturyLink internet without a home phone line if they offer fiber internet at your address. For CenturyLink DSL internet, you will need a phone jack, but it doesn’t require you to have an actual home phone to enjoy DSL internet.
Is 10 Mbps fast enough to stream Netflix?
Yes. Netflix recommends a speed of at least 3 Mbps for standard-definition (SD) quality streaming and at least 25 Mbps for Ultra HD quality. If you are planning on streaming on more than one device at a time, faster speeds may be necessary.
Does CenturyLink offer senior discounts?
CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which provides affordable internet to all qualifying customers for $9.25/mo.
Last updated 12/16/20.
The name CenturyLink and the pathways logo are trademarks of CenturyLink.
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Written by:
David AndersSenior Writer, Broadband Content
David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband & Wireless Content
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