CenturyLink internet plans & pricing
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Simply Unlimited
- Prices: $55.00 per month
- Speeds up to: 100 Mbps
Fiber Gigabit
- Prices: $75.00 per month
- Speeds up to: 940 Mbps
CenturyLink overview
CenturyLink offers two simple plans starting at $55/mo. Both plans offer unlimited data, although CenturyLink may throttle usage if you go over 1 TB a month. Regardless, there are no data overage fees, and customer satisfaction is generally high with CenturyLink Fiber. Find out more about CenturyLink internet plans, pricing and deals.
CenturyLink internet pricing
CenturyLink home Wi-Fi starts at $55/mo. for up to 100 Mbps. All CenturyLink internet plans have a $15/mo. fee for equipment rental, or you can purchase the gateway from CenturyLink for a one-time fee of $150 to $200. Alternatively, you can provide your own modem and router to avoid the monthly fee.
All plans provide no-contract internet, although the standard installation fee for CenturyLink plans is $25–99. Fortunately, CenturyLink promotions often include free installation to help set up your internet.
| Plan name | Starting price | Download/upload speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited | $55/mo.* | Up to 100 Mbps* | DSL |
| Fiber Gigabit | $75/mo.** | 940/940 Mbps** | Fiber |
**Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Last updated: 03/15/24
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How we reviewed CenturyLink
CenturyLink earned a 3.3 out of 5 on our provider rating scale. CenturyLink earned high ratings in the categories of speed and price. However, CenturyLink ranked below average compared to other top broadband providers when factoring in additional fees and availability. The ACSI score for CenturyLink’s fiber service was average, but the score for its DSL connection was below average for non-fiber ISPs.
Best CenturyLink internet plans
CenturyLink has one fiber plan and one DSL plan. Fiber is typically the best type of internet connection due to fast symmetrical speeds and minimal buffering or lag. CenturyLink also offers DSL internet in rural areas where internet options are limited. In that case, CenturyLink DSL is a good option for a reliable and virtually unlimited broadband connection. Check your address to find high-speed internet near you.
Here are more details about the CenturyLink home Wi-Fi no-contract internet plans.
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit – Best for fastest speeds
CenturyLink’s fastest plan is Gigabit internet, with symmetrical upload and download speeds of 940 Mbps. You can connect over 10 devices at once without much buffering or lag. This plan provides the speed you need for activities such as working from home, taking online classes or keeping a network of smart home devices, like Wi-Fi doorbells, virtual assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Voice), and security systems, in sync.
Pros
At $75/mo., CenturyLink’s Gigabit plan is the best value for cost per Mbps
Cons
Like CenturyLink’s other plans, fees make the monthly price of this plan more expensive
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited – Best for rural areas
CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited plan uses a digital subscriber line (DSL), or copper wires, to deliver the internet signal to many rural areas. While this dedicated connection type is an older technology, it still provides cheap internet to many hard-to-reach or rural areas across CenturyLink’s coverage areas. The Simply Unlimited plan starts at $55/mo. for download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Pros
DSL is often the only other Wi-Fi option than satellite in many rural areas. DSL provides virtually unlimited data and faster speeds than satellite internet, making it a better choice.
Cons
Monthly price is the same even if you are in an area receiving speeds lower than 100 Mbps
What’s the difference between DSL and fiber?
The main difference between the two internet connection types that CenturyLink offers are speed and price. DSL is less expensive but also provides slower internet speeds. CenturyLink fiber internet offers speeds up to 940 Mbps but costs a bit more.
Additionally, fiber can provide equal upload and download speeds, which are great for gaming. Meanwhile, upload speeds on a CenturyLink DSL connection are 5 Mbps.
CenturyLink deals
CenturyLink works with DISH and DIRECTV to offer TV and internet deals. However, bundling TV with your CenturyLink internet service will not net you a lower price for each service.
CenturyLink also offers internet and home phone bundles. Phone features include unlimited local and long distance, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting and international calling to select areas.
Bundle CenturyLink internet with TV
DIRECTV partners with CenturyLink for billing, giving you the convenience of paying just one monthly statement, but if you choose DISH TV, the internet and TV services are billed separately.
The following table details popular CenturyLink internet, TV and phone bundles.
| Services | Cost* | No. of channels | Download speed (up to) | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink Simply Unlimited internet + Home Phone Unlimited | $95/mo. | N/A | 100 Mbps | Yes |
| CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit + Home Phone Unlimited | $115/mo. | N/A | 940 Mbps | Yes |
| CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit, Home Phone Unlimited + DIRECTV CHOICE | $184.99/mo. | 155+ | 940 Mbps | Yes |
| CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit, Home Phone Unlimited + DISH America’s Top 120 | $199.99/mo. | 190+ | 940 Mbps | Yes |
CenturyLink vs. other internet service providers
Other internet service providers in the same area as CenturyLink include cable internet providers like Optimum, Spectrum and Xfinity. The following table shows each provider’s price, speed range and connection type. Generally, CenturyLink’s pricing and speeds are around the same as these competitors.
| Provider | Starting price range* | Speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $55–$75/mo. | 100–940 Mbps | Fiber, DSL |
| Optimum | $40–$265/mo. | 300–8,000 Mbps | Cable, fiber |
| Spectrum Internet® | $50–$70/mo. | 500–1,000 Mbps | Cable, fiber |
| T-Mobile 5G Home | $60/mo. | up to 245 Mbps | 5G |
| Xfinity | $9.95–$299.95/mo. | 50–6,000 Mbps | Cable, fiber |
CenturyLink availability
CenturyLink operates in the following 16 states.
| Arizona Colorado Florida Idaho | Iowa Minnesota Montana Nebraska | Nevada New Mexico North Dakota Oregon | South Dakota Utah Washington Wyoming |
CenturyLink customer service
CenturyLink Fiber is the third-highest ranked fiber internet service provider, behind AT&T and Verizon Fios. It earned a 76/100 with the ACSI in 2024. However, CenturyLink’s non-fiber services were rated 62/100, among the lowest of its broadband peers. The discrepancy is likely mainly due to the difference in the quality of these two connection types. Fiber is one of the fastest and most reliable internet connections available, while DSL is an outdated technology.
Contact CenturyLink customer support
- If you need to reach CenturyLink customer service or technical support, call 1-800-201-4099.
- You can check for CenturyLink outages in your area by entering your address here.
- Troubleshoot common connectivity issues here, such as what to do if your Wi-Fi is not working.
How to pay your CenturyLink bill
CenturyLink provides multiple ways to make a payment either virtually, in person or over the phone. CenturyLink charges a $3.50 surcharge for paying with a debit or credit card. Paying with bank account info does not carry an additional charge.
- Pay your bill online with Quick Bill Pay or by logging into your CenturyLink account.
- Pay your bill in the CenturyLink app.
- Pay your bill over the phone through the automated system. You can also pay your bill by speaking with a live agent, but there is a $9.95 charge.
- Pay by mail with a check or money order. Find the correct CenturyLink mailing address here.
- Pay your bill in person at these Western Union and CheckFreePay® locations (CenturyLink does not accept payments at their retail locations).
- If you need additional time to pay your bill, CenturyLink allows you to set up a payment plan here.
CenturyLink internet FAQs
Is CenturyLink internet cheaper than other internet providers?
CenturyLink fiber internet’s price is similar to comparable plans from other providers. CenturyLink DSL is also less expensive than most satellite internet plans.
What is CenturyLink?
CenturyLink is a telecommunication provider headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana. The company offers fiber, DSL, fixed wireless internet and home phone. CenturyLink is owned by Lumen Technologies.
How do I change my CenturyLink Wi-Fi password?
Change your Wi-Fi password from the “My Services��� screen in the CenturyLink app. Select your Wi-Fi network, hit “Edit” to change the password and then “Save.” You can also change your Wi-Fi password by signing in to your CenturyLink account, selecting “Services,” then selecting “Edit Wi-Fi info.”
How do I reset a CenturyLink router?
You can reboot your router by unplugging it from the wall, waiting 60 seconds, then plugging it back in. You can also schedule future router reboots in the CenturyLink app. Learn more about rebooting your router in this CenturyLink YouTube video.
Can I use my own equipment with CenturyLink?
Yes, you can use your own equipment with CenturyLink internet, but CenturyLink will not be able to provide technical support for that equipment.
What’s the average speed of CenturyLink internet plans?
The average speed of CenturyLink fiber is 940 Mbps. Meanwhile, the average speed for CenturyLink internet plans that use copper lines depends on the location of your home but maxes out at 100 Mbps.
Does CenturyLink have annual contracts?
No, CenturyLink does not have contracts or early termination fees on any of its internet plans.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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