CenturyLink Internet Reviews 2023
Packages & Pricing | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Final Recommendation
- CenturyLink Review Highlights:
- CenturyLink offers 3 simple to understand plans - DSL up to 100 Mbps for $55/month, and fiber plans up to 500 Mbps for $50 and up to 940 Mbps for $75/month.
- CenturyLink is available in 36 states across the country including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Washington
- Current CenturyLink offers include no contracts, no data caps, no coverage fees and more
CenturyLink is one of the largest internet service providers in the US as well as the fourth largest telecommunication company.
They are a bit on the expensive side when it comes to internet packages because they only provide DSL and fiber internet services. Plus, their fiber services are only available in limited areas currently, but they are actively working on bringing them to more regions!
Their top areas include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Denver, and Tucson, with the highest coverage being Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington. But thanks to their use of existing phone line infrastructure they are able to provide their internet services to many rural areas!
Their strongest selling point is the consistent pricing they offer when compared to other providers and there are little to no hidden fees. So with CenturyLink, what you see is what you get.
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Packages and Pricing
CenturyLink offers two high-speed internet packages in the selected areas where their services are available. These packages differ quite a lot when it comes to speeds, but the pricing differences are much much smaller.
- Simply Unlimited package for $55/month – depending on where you live, you will experience download speeds of 15 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
- CenturyLink Fiber Internet for $50/month – the fiber plan delivers speeds up to 500 Mbps.
- Fiber Gigabit Package for $75/month – the fiber plan delivers speeds up to 940 Mbps and includes a modem and free standard installation with purchase.
Note: You’ll notice on the Simply Unlimited package there is a wide range of speeds. CenturyLink groups all the packages together and simply says “up to 100 Mbps”. In reality you will fall under one of the following price speeds 15 Mbps, 20 Mbps, 40 – 80 Mbps, or 100 Mbps.
Both plans above come with no data caps, and have no annual contracts.
Fair Use Policy
CenturyLink actively manages their network, and in case there’s congestion, they ensure a fair distribution of network resources, which basically means that they might limit speeds at certain times. According to their data, congestion most often happens during evening hours, between 7PM and 11PM, when they will limit speeds for everyone on the affected network node to ensure everybody has speeds closest to their advertised package speed.
CenturyLink ensures “customers are not excessively using the network” by monitoring each individual usage, and there have been rare cases where they have either downgraded the service or completely disconnected customers who were using it too much, but not before they have taken active steps to help the customer bring their usage down.
Fees
CenturyLink have fewer fees compared to other ISPs. But, the installation fee is their highest. You could be looking at up to $125 for their prepaid options and up to $99 for postpaid options. The price of the fee is based on the network technology of each location. Note that some areas don’t have self-installation available, so paying the fee is the only option.
On the plus side, CenturyLink don’t require you to sign a contract for a minimum term so there are no early termination fees to consider.
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CenturyLink Modem & Router Review
All CenturyLink plans include a modem and have the option to either lease it for a price of $10/month or make a one-time purchase and pay $150. If you plan to stay longer than fifteen months, it’s best to buy the modem. If you’re not sure yet, a lease is the better choice here.
You can also use your own modem, but you have to make sure it’s approved by CenturyLink otherwise they won’t provide technical support for it.
Features and Benefits
CenturyLink offers several additional benefits internet plan users:
Internet Security with Each Package
All CenturyLink packages come with basic Norton Internet Security as standard that protects you from malevolent practices.
CenturyLink Customer Internet Protection Program (CIPP)
The program helps minimize the spread of malicious software like viruses and malware. This program is incorporated in all residential and small business broadband service packages.
In case a virus or other malware is detected, CenturyLink will not only notify the customer and help them resolve the issue but also educate them on how to avoid infections in the future. Help is offered in the form of online self-help guides and tools on how to successfully remove the infection.
CenturyLink @Ease
This is an additional service available as a recurring monthly subscription. There are three price tiers available: Standard for $9.99 per month, Advanced for $14.99 per month, and Ultra for $19.99 per month.
- The Standard plan includes desktop and internet security, PC support services (health check, optimization, and phone support), PC protection plan and Inside Wire Maintenance services, as well as online backup option for 5GB of data.
- The Advanced plan covers all these services and also has additional extended modem warranty, 50GB of cloud storage, support for your operating system issues, as well as ultimate PC protection that includes spam and hacker protection.
- The Ultra plan comes with all of that, but also includes 200GB of cloud storage, as well as identity theft protection and virus removal services.
CenturyLink SimplePay
A prepaid service that automatically makes payments to the credit or debit card of your choosing, so you don’t have to worry about being late with your payments.
Customer Service
CenturyLink’s customer support is available around the clock, 24/7, for all their customers, no matter which internet plan you choose.
But, while their availability is really good, the overall service is rated ‘average.’ The most common complaints users voice about their customer service is having to explain the issue every time they are referred to a new representative and having to wait longer than anticipated for installation or to resolve connectivity issues.
Still, their average customer service rating is on par with other ISPs – it’s not any better or worse when compared to their competitors.
That being said, their self-help is quite detailed, empowering their customers to resolve issues on their own instead of having to rely on customer support every time. The CenturyLink Guidance Center helps with troubleshooting, setting up, and fixing services. Customers can follow steps on troubleshooting slow or no internet connection, connecting wireless devices to the modem, turning on Wi-Fi, changing Wi-Fi passwords, setting up and activating services, and more.
The online customer center also offers services like the “Service Troubleshooter” where you simply write down your billing or account phone number and billing zip code to get started. The troubleshooter also allows you to schedule repair requests or check if the problem you are experiencing is affecting only you or your whole area. Which can negate the need to speak to customer service entirely.
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Ways to Save on CenturyLink Internet
Use Your Own Modem
While you can lease or buy the modem, you can also choose to use your own modem instead. Just make sure it’s approved by CenturyLink to be able to get tech support when you need it.
Special Promotions
It’s not a bad idea to keep an eye out for special promotions that bring the price down. CenturyLink often has $20 discounts on their plans for new customers from time to time.
New Customer Benefits
New customers are eligible to receive a free modem and free installation, which considerably lowers the overall price!
Bundle Up
If you require more than just high-speed internet, you can bundle services as CenturyLink offers TV and phone services too. In bundles, you will often get unlimited calling nationwide and up to 330 channels with their DirecTV services. All their bundles are also available with lock-in pricing.
Our Recommendation – CenturyLink Internet
CenturyLink is a great choice for those who live in rural areas and prefer data-heavy activities like HD streaming and online gaming, and live in larger households with many users and devices. Their coverage is better than that of their counterparts, and their DSL and Fiber internet packages deliver speeds from 15 Mbps to 940 Mbps.
What really makes them stand out is their transparency when it comes to internet availability and the fact that no contract is needed for their exclusive offers. The biggest commitment you have to make with them is opting for a prepaid option where your credit or debit card will be billed on a monthly basis, but you can quit at any time without the fear of any termination fees.
But from a cost perspective, CenturyLink offers 2 reasonably priced plans that are easy to understand. Like all internet providers, your homes location will determine which plan is available to you.
Is CenturyLink For You?
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet: Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the Internet wirelessly from various devices. Download speeds are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access through a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internet policy for more information.
Service is not available everywhere. Offer is available to qualifying customers only. Limited time offer. Monthly service rate, leased equipment rates, installation and constructions fees, taxes, and fees are subject to change and, if any changes are made to existing CenturyLink accounts in any manner, all prior discounts will be void. Modem: Customers may provide their own compatible equipment, lease from CenturyLink (up to $15/mo. fee + tax), or one-time purchase (up to $200 + tax). Installation: A one-time installation fee may apply depending on network technology at customer location: Standard installation fee up to $15 (technician completes work outside of location and customer installs modem/connects devices inside) or technician installation fee up to $149 (technician completes work outside of location and installs modem/connects devices inside). Construction: For certain, new Internet installations, construction charges may apply (“Construction Charges”) that are from $150 to $300. However, in limited circumstances, the Constructions Charges may exceed these amounts. Customer will be contacted prior to install for approval to proceed with order if Construction Charges apply. Month to month (referred to as “no contract”) service means no term commitment and may be cancelled at any time without an early termination fee but customer must accept Internet Subscriber Agreement prior to using service (see centurylink.com/eula). To receive advertised rate, all customers must enroll in paperless billing and agree to not receive a paper invoice from CenturyLink. If paperless billing is cancelled or not activated in a timely manner, the then-current standard monthly rate will apply. Customer may access their monthly invoice in My CenturyLink online account. Customers who elect to receive a paper bill will be charged $1 for each applicable monthly bill. Postpay: A credit check or deposit may apply. Prepay: Service will begin on the date your order is completed and full payment is processed through your choice of debit card, credit card, or other prepay service available with your subscription. Each month following, a recurring e-commerce transaction for your service will be processed as service automatically renews monthly until cancelled by customer. CenturyLink may change, cancel, or substitute offers and services, or vary them by service area, at its sole discretion without notice. See centurylink.com/feesandtaxes for applicable taxes and fees. Additional restrictions apply. Secure WiFi: If your modem includes the Secure WiFi feature, it should begin working within 72 hours of activating as long as you fully install it and leave it plugged in. Altering modem settings may disable Secure WiFi, as will Internet connection issues. If you are unsure whether Secure WiFi is working, contact us. Restrictions apply.
CenturyLink Fiber Internet: Although our fiber service usually means 100% fiber-optic network to your location, in limited circumstances CenturyLink may need to deploy alternative technologies coupled with a non-fiber connection from a certain point (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds.
Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the Internet wirelessly from various devices. Download/upload speeds are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access through a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.
Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Offer available to qualifying customers only. Limited time offer. Monthly service rates, leased equipment rates, installation and construction fees, taxes and fees are subject to change and, if any changes are made to existing CenturyLink accounts in any manner, all prior discounts will be void. WiFi Equipment: CenturyLink-provided leased WiFi equipment is included in the service and must be returned upon termination of service. Installation: Offer includes technician installation at customer’s eligible location. Construction: For certain, new Internet installations, construction charges may apply (“Construction Charges”). CenturyLink will absorb the first $1,500 of the Construction Charges; customer will be responsible for Construction Charges to the extent they exceed $1,500, usually no more than an additional $2,000. Customer will be contacted prior to install for approval to proceed with order if Construction Charges apply. Month to month (referred to as “no contract”) service means no term commitment and may be cancelled at any time without an early termination fee but customer must accept Internet Subscriber Agreement prior to using service (see centurylink.com/eula). To receive advertised rate, all customers must enroll in paperless billing and agree to not receive a paper invoice from CenturyLink. If paperless billing is cancelled or not activated in a timely manner, the then-current standard monthly rate will apply. Customer may access their monthly invoice in My CenturyLink online account. Customers who elect to receive a paper bill will be charged $1 for each applicable monthly bill. Postpay: A credit check or deposit may apply. Prepay: Service will begin on the date your order is completed and full payment is processed through your choice of debit card, credit card, or other prepay service available with your subscription. Each month following, a recurring e-commerce transaction for your service will be processed as service automatically renews monthly until cancelled by customer. CenturyLink may change, cancel, or substitute offers and services, or vary them by service area, at its sole discretion without notice. See centurylink.com/feesandtaxes for applicable taxes and fees. Additional restrictions apply.
