CenturyLink Internet

CenturyLink offers affordable internet and fiber options. But is it reliable? Read on.

Affordable internet is almost impossible to find nowadays. Even if it is affordable, the speeds aren't nearly as fast as you want them to be.

And even if you do find fast affordable wifi, the customer service is horrible.

Sounds familiar? CenturyLink's cheap plans and fast speeds might be your solution. Keep reading for an in-depth review.

What Is CenturyLink?

CenturyLink is a telecommunications company owned by Lumen Technologies. It offers TV, phone services, and internet (fiber-optic and DSL).

Fiber-optic vs. DSL
Fiber-optic has a much faster internet speed than DSL. However, DSL is more affordable and widely available, even in rural areas.

Who Is CenturyLink Internet Best For?

CenturyLink is best for those who live in areas where Quantum Fiber is available. This is because its DSL plan only offers speeds up to 100 Mbps. This may not be enough for fast-paced video games, group conference calls, or streaming in 4k.

With Quantum Fiber, you get symmetrical fast upload and download speeds and unlimited data.

Pros and Cons

Here's a short idea of why CenturyLink is or isn't for you.

Pros

• Affordable fiber plans
  
• No annual contract
  
• Unlimited data
  
• Offers fiber-optic
  
• Good reviews on initial installation

Cons

• Poor reviews on reliability
  
• No tiered pricing for non-fiber plans
  
• Fiber-optic not available in all areas

Plans and Pricing

CenturyLink offers both DSL and fiber-optic:^[2][3]

All plans have no data caps or term contract requirements. However, its DSL option has no tiered pricing and offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps (the next section discusses speeds in more detail). On the other hand, its fiber optic has two types of speed.

Internet Speeds

CenturyLink has DSL internet that goes up to 100 Mbps. The speed depends on your location. But here are possible upload and download speeds:

Simply Unlimited Internet

If you're looking for symmetrical upload and download speeds then you'll want to look into Quantum Fiber. But note that CenturyLink doesn't offer this in all locations.

Quantum Fiber

Looking to add a Wi-Fi extender? Or maybe more outlets? Check out the add-ons below.

CenturyLink Add-ons

Here are the add-ons you can choose from:^[4]

• Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip: $39.99+
  The KP303 Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip features 3 outlets and 2 USB ports for charging devices. It also protects plugged-in devices from power surges during thunderstorms. You can use the Kasa Smart app, Alexa, or Google Assistant to control your plugged-in devices anywhere.

• Desktop Switch: $17.99+
  The TP-Link SG-105 is a 5-port desktop switch. It features 10/100/1000Mbps auto-negotiation RJ45 ports that support auto-MDI/MDIX. Its green ethernet technology helps save power consumption.

• Suttle in-line DSL filter with splitter: $6.95+
  This connects the wall jack to the voice device (phone, fax machine, answering machine, etc.). It eliminates erratic disturbances that can interfere with DSL communications.

• Wifi Range Extender: $30.99 to $109.95+
  A wifi range extender is ideal for places with dead internet spots. Prices vary based on speed, but each of these options offer dual-band speeds:

  Device	Price	Dual-band Speed
  RE220	$30.99+	Up to 750Mbps
  RE315 AC1200	$44.99+	2.4 GHz (300 Mbps) and 5 GHz (867 Mbps)
  RE450 AC1750	$69.99+	2.4 GHz (450Mbps) and 5 GHz (1300Mbps)
  RE650 AC2600	$109.95	2.4GHz (800 Mbps) and 5GHz (1733Mbps)

Any add-ons you purchase will show on your billing information, detailed below.

Billing Information

These are some of the items that you'll see on your bill:

• Plan plus any add-ons ($50 to $75+)
  This is your internet plan and add-ons

• Tech installation ($129 to $145)
  This is a one-time payment professional fee for internet installation.

• Modem lease ($15/mo. or buy for $200)
  You can lease a modem from CenturyLink or make a one-time payment to buy the modem.

• Taxes
  Taxes depend on your location.

Is CenturyLink Worth It?

CenturyLink is worth it if you need affordable unlimited data. But it's much more worth it if your place has access to Quantum Fiber.

But if you're looking for a more reliable connection, you might be better off with other internet providers.

Still interested in CenturyLink? Keep reading to see how to place an order.

How to Place an Order

Follow these six steps:

1. Visit CenturyLink's homepage.
   
2. Input your address, then click "Get Internet"
   
3. Choose the speed you want and click continue
   
4. Enter your contact information
   
5. Enter your payment details
   
6. Place your order

How to Cancel

If you're not satisfied with CenturyLink's service, here's how you can cancel:

• Cancel online
  Sign in to your CenturyLink account, scroll to the bottom of the homepage, and click cancel.

  Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to cancel online. CenturyLink doesn't specify who exactly is eligible for online cancellation.

• Chat to cancel
  Try chatting with an agent if you can't cancel a subscription through your account. Open the chatbox at the bottom right of CenturyLink's website.

Customer Reviews

Just like other internet providers, CenturyLink has pretty mixed reviews. Great reviews mention hassle-free initial installation and efficient service technicians.

Here's what Dan has to say:

On the other hand, bad reviews revolve around frequent outages, poor customer service, and billing concerns.

Check out what David said:

Customer Service

There are several ways to reach CenturyLink's customer service:

• Text 888-320-3452
  
• Call 800-603-6000 or 877-644-4465* (8 AM to 6 PM local time)
  
• Chat with an agent via the CenturyLink website (8 AM to 9 PM CT)

*This number is dedicated to Quantum Fiber customers only.

How CenturyLink compares

CenturyLink vs. Spectrum

Unlike CenturyLink, Spectrum Internet Gig runs on a fiber-rich network which is a hybrid of fiber and coaxial cable. This means you'll get slower upload speeds. And if you're on a budget, CenturyLink is the better option since its plans are cheaper than Spectrum's.

However, Spectrum gets much better reviews on reliability and customer service.

CenturyLink vs. Optimum

Both internet providers offer fiber-optic plans. However, Optimum offers more plans and faster fiber speeds (up to 8 Gbps). It also has slightly better reviews on reliability and customer service,

Bottom Line

CenturyLink is a great option if you're on a budget and need unlimited data.

Here's a recap of its plans and pricing:

• $55: 6 to 100 Mbps (DSL)
  
• $50: 500 Mbps (fiber)
  
• $75: 940 Mbps (fiber)

Regardless of affordability and unlimited data, remember that CenturyLink doesn't have the best reliability or customer service. You might experience a bit of lag or buffering. Alternatively, check out better providers for those who work from home or those who like playing online games.

References