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AT&T vs. CenturyLink Internet Providers Compared
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Staff rating
4.8
Customers rating
4.2
Plans starting at: $55
Popular Package: AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 5000
Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps
Connection Types: Fiber & DSL
AT&T Staff Review
Industry-leading fiber internet speeds and strong reliability from AT&T
AT&T Fiber can support all your data-intensive internet activities, now and in the future. AT&T continues to lead the industry with 5 Gig (5000 Mbps) internet speeds available in select areas and more speed on the way. When you add no contracts, no equipment fees, no data caps, and a reputation for reliable customer service, AT&T is a superior choice for all-fiber internet. In areas where only AT&T copper service is available, customers should also check other options and compare speeds and pricing.PROS
- Good value on fast fiber speeds
- No data caps or equipment fees
- Highly rated customer service
CONS
- Fiber not available in all areas
- Comparatively high prices on DSL/copper
- Fee charged if you choose pro installation
Top cities with availability
CenturyLink Staff Review
CenturyLink’s DSL internet has the limitations of an older technology
CenturyLink is a DSL internet provider owned by a parent company known as Lumen Technologies. Lumen is the seventh-largest ISP in the U.S., based on its combined internet service in both DSL and fiber. Lumen serves a total of about 3 million customers [1]. CenturyLink is the DSL brand owned by Lumen. The fiber brand of Lumen is now known as Quantum Fiber. This review will focus on the CenturyLink DSL half of the Lumen brand. We will cover Quantum Fiber in a separate review, because the two brands provide very different technologies. If your only available internet is CenturyLink, your DSL connection is likely to be slower than if you have cable or fiber. Customer satisfaction for CenturyLink is below average in many places. DSL speed can vary widely depending on your neighborhood and even on the wiring in your home. But CenturyLink, like most DSL companies, will charge you the same $50/month for a slow 10 Mbps download speed as for 100 Mbps download speed. It’s luck of the draw, with no price break for slower service. DSL customers just aren’t getting the same kind of value that fiber customers are getting. And that’s one probable reason that Lumen separated its two brands. Now, it should be easy to tell what you’re getting – mostly. CenturyLink is DSL, and Quantum Fiber is all-fiber. On websites that still mix the two names, though, the speeds of each plan will often be a giveaway. CenturyLink is available in 16 states since it sold half of its DSL network to Brightspeed in 2022. It has a very unusual coverage footprint: think of it as the Western half of the United States, minus California and plus Florida.PROS
- Consistent prices with no built-in price hikes
- No data caps for DSL plans
- DSL is sometimes faster than satellite or fixed wireless, depending on the location
CONS
- DSL offers little speed for the money compared to fiber or cable
- DSL speeds vary widely and are sometimes below broadband speed
- Customer service gets poor reviews from many customers
Top cities with availability
CenturyLink Pricing
CenturyLink DSL charges high prices for widely varying speeds
DSL is not one of the more consumer-friendly internet technologies on the market. Usually, DSL customers sign up for their plans because there is no cable or fiber internet in their areas. And that can be a valid choice if DSL will give you better performance than satellite internet, though you have to evaluate that on a case-by-case basis. DSL deals are what you have to take if there’s no better option in town. Many times, DSL plans are good options for customers in rural areas. CenturyLink plans are no exception to the general qualities of DSL. You will generally pay $50 for your DSL package, whether you get 10 Mbps download speed or whether you are lucky enough to get 100 Mbps download speed (very unusual for DSL and true for only 28% of CenturyLink DSL customers) [2]. In better news, CenturyLink’s DSL plans are free of data caps. So, despite the fact that CenturyLink’s DSL prices are high, at least you won’t have unexpected data overage charges.
AT&T Reliability and Performance
Decades of growth give AT&T reliable infrastructure and sophisticated operations
As the third-largest ISP in the United States, AT&T has massive corporate size and history on its side. AT&T’s home internet serves over 100 metro areas in 22 states, with over 19 million fiber internet passings [1] [2]. AT&T provides strong infrastructure and tech support. With 99% reliability for your internet connection, AT&T Fiber service is less likely to be disrupted by outages or slowdowns than many other internet providers [3]. AT&T’s reliability rating is higher than some other ISPs because AT&T customers do not have to work with internet data caps. Many internet service providers have soft data caps. When you hit your data allowance for the month, your ISP will throttle your internet. Your internet speed will slow down to the point that only the simplest email tasks will be possible. You won’t be able to do complex web browsing, streaming, or your other usual internet tasks. In other words, your internet will become unreliable when you hit the limits of your data caps. AT&T and other providers with no data caps give you peace of mind because you won’t suddenly lose most of your internet functionality in the third week of the month. Unlimited data is a major bonus for your internet connection’s reliability.
CenturyLink Reliability and Performance
“But it was so fast in the ‘90s!” DSL shows its age in many locations
CenturyLink DSL uses one of the oldest internet technologies: copper cables originally designed as telephone wire. In some things, age is good. Age brings wisdom to people, depth to a wine, and richness to cheese. But in internet technology, age is usually a negative, and especially when it comes to internet speed. Only 65% of CenturyLink’s DSL achieves speeds over 25 Mbps, or what the FCC calls “high-speed” internet. 85% of the CenturyLink DSL network is above 10 Mbps. That means a good 15% of CenturyLink’s DSL customers have very, very slow connections below 10 Mbps [3]. If DSL gives you under 10 Mbps download speed and only 1 Mbps upload speed, you won’t be able to play real-time games online with any kind of reliability. You may also experience glitching if multiple people stream or videoconference at the same time. To be fair, some DSL connections will give you faster speeds such as the 28% of customers who will get 100 Mbps download, and that will considerably improve your performance. But if you are considering ordering CenturyLink DSL, make sure you know what your other options are. You can test your actual speed here to see what kind of performance your current internet connection is giving you.
AT&T Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features
AT&T offers no equipment fees, optional self-installation, extra cybersecurity features
As long as you have AT&T internet service, you will also get to use an internet gateway at no charge [4]. (This gateway is a modem/router combo known as AT&T Smart Wi-Fi.) Your plan may also include a free Wi-Fi extender depending on your terms. If you order AT&T Fiber, technicians will install an ONT (optical network terminal) and a fiber jack or ethernet jack. Professional installation from AT&T will cost you $99 for either copper internet or fiber installation. If you are planning to order copper-based internet (DSL/IPBB) and there is already a dual-port phone jack in your home, AT&T can mail you a self-installation kit at no charge. You can even self-install fiber internet if you are comfortable with a wall installation and following technical instructions. AT&T customers have access to the AT&T ActiveArmor internet security app. The app will block fraud calls and guard risky Wi-Fi connections. For a small extra monthly charge, ActiveArmor offers advanced functions such as Identity Monitoring and Reverse Number Lookup. AT&T also offers a Smart Home Manager app to manage your Wi-Fi and all smart home devices and check for outages.
CenturyLink Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features
Option to use your own modem/router or self-install your connection
With the CenturyLink DSL plan, there’s a $15 a month modem/router rental fee, which is on the high end of equipment fees. You can avoid the modem/router fee by buying your own. And that might not be a bad plan, given that you will make up the price of a typical modem/router in a year or less. You may have to pay for a professional installation, which is usually a one-time fee of $99. Fortunately, in many places you may also have the option to self-install for $15. It depends whether there is still a working CenturyLink DSL connection in your home.
AT&T Customer Experience & Support
AT&T Customer Service provides 24/7 tech support and ranks #1
AT&T has a robust customer support framework, including community forums, live chat, and phone assistance. Tech support is available 24/7, which can be a lifesaver if you work or study from home. Billing and account support are available from 7 AM to 9 PM CT Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to 9 PM Saturday. Those Saturday hours are especially valuable if you work Monday to Friday and can’t squeeze in personal business during the week. In 2022, AT&T ranked#1 for Customer Satisfaction in Residential Internet Service (South and West regions) with J.D. Power and Associates [5]. AT&T also ranked #2 in the North Central region.
CenturyLink Customer Experience & Support
CenturyLink runs below average in some satisfaction rankings
CenturyLink’s customer satisfaction rankings vary widely by region on the J.D. Power survey [3]. In the North Central region, CenturyLink ranks above average. In the West, CenturyLink ranks slightly below average, and in the South, CenturyLink is second from last in customer satisfaction. The North Central and West regions where CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber rank higher are also the regions in which Quantum Fiber provides most of its fiber access. The South only includes one state with fiber internet coverage, which means most of that low customer satisfaction rating is based on CenturyLink’s DSL. The American Customer Satisfaction Index confirms that split in results by dividing “CenturyLink” specifically into fiber and DSL. Fiber ranks 16 points higher than the DSL service [4]. For CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, these customer satisfaction rankings tell the story clearly. CenturyLink’s DSL service is not as likely to please you. However, be aware that there is a certain amount of online cross-marketing between the two companies. So, if CenturyLink says they are able to sell you “fiber” as they seem to imply on their homepage, all that means is that they’re going to send you to a Quantum Fiber plan if your address has fiber availability.
AT&T FAQ's
Where can I order AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet?
To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ATT-bundles.com.
Can I set up my AT&T Internet by myself?
Absolutely! AT&T provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of setting up your own internet connection. By setting up your internet on your own, you can save money by avoiding the cost of professional installation. Additionally, you'll receive your Wi-Fi gateway within three business days, skipping the waiting time for a technician. The self-setup process takes around 30 minutes, allowing you to connect to the internet quickly.
How can I manage my home network with AT&T Internet?
AT&T offers the free AT&T Smart Home Manager app, which allows you to easily manage and personalize your home network information using your own device. With this app, you can control various aspects of your Wi-Fi network, including device management, network security, and parental controls. The app is free to use if you have one of the compatible Wi-Fi gateways listed on the AT&T website.
Can I connect multiple devices to my AT&T Internet?
Yes, AT&T Internet allows you to connect multiple devices to your home network. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart home devices, you can connect them all to your Wi-Fi network provided by AT&T Internet.
How can I optimize my Wi-Fi signal at home for AT&T Internet?
To optimize your Wi-Fi signal, there are a few steps you can take. Start by placing your Wi-Fi gateway in a central location within your home. Ensure that there are no obstructions, such as walls or large objects, blocking the signal. You can also try adjusting the Wi-Fi channel settings on your gateway to reduce interference from neighboring networks. Additionally, consider using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh network systems to expand your coverage area and improve signal strength in hard-to-reach areas of your home.
Do AT&T Internet and AT&T Fiber have data caps?
AT&T Fiber has no data caps. AT&T Internet has a one terabyte (TB) data cap, which is very high and will support most households with average data use.
CenturyLinkFAQ's
Where can I order CenturyLink Internet?
To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BuyCenturyLink.com.
What is CenturyLink internet?
CenturyLink internet is an affordable DSL home internet service that offers unlimited data. It allows you to work from home, shop online, connect multiple users and devices, and stream movies. There is no annual contract, and the service is available in various speed options.
Is CenturyLink available in my area?
Internet availability may vary depending on your location. To check if CenturyLink internet is available in your area, enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com. We’ll give you a complete list of providers available in your area.
What is the installation process for CenturyLink internet?
CenturyLink offers either professional installation or self-installation for your internet service. Professional installation will carry a higher one-time fee but will be guaranteed to fix any issues as soon as possible. Self-installation will be less expensive and not too complicated with their self-install kit.
Can I connect multiple users and devices to CenturyLink DSL?
Yes, CenturyLink allows you to connect multiple users and devices simultaneously. Whether it's for work, school, or entertainment purposes, you can connect and use multiple devices on the same internet connection. Fiber will give you higher speeds than DSL that may work better for multiple devices.
Does CenturyLink offer Wi-Fi service?
Yes, CenturyLink provides Wi-Fi service. With Wi-Fi, you can enjoy wireless connectivity in your home, allowing you to connect your devices without the need for wired connections. The maximum internet speed available for Wi-Fi may vary depending on your location and your internet plan.
AT&T Sources
[1] ATT.com. "Network Quality and Reliability."
[2] ATT.com. "Fiber Internet."
AT&T Accolades
CenturyLink Accolades
AT&T Internet Plans
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Plan
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Service Type
|
Download Speed
|
Monthly Price
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Get an extra $50 reward card when you sign up for AT&T Fiber, when you call to order or enter promo code EXTRA50 at checkout. Plus AT&T will cover your cancellation fee in full. AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 5000
|
Fiber | Up to 5,000 Mbps |
Only $250
/mo. w/ No Annual Contract *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
|
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Get an extra $50 reward card when you sign up for AT&T Fiber, when you call to order or enter promo code EXTRA50 at checkout. Plus AT&T will cover your cancellation fee in full. AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 2000
|
Fiber | Up to 2,000 Mbps |
Only $150
/mo. w/ No Annual Contract *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
|
|
Get an extra $50 reward card when you sign up for AT&T Fiber, when you call to order or enter promo code EXTRA50 at checkout. Plus AT&T will cover your cancellation fee in full. AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 1000
|
Fiber | Up to 1,000 Mbps |
Only $80
/mo. w/ No Annual Contract *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
|
|
Get an extra $50 reward card when you sign up for AT&T Fiber, when you call to order or enter promo code EXTRA50 at checkout. Plus AT&T will cover your cancellation fee in full. AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 500
|
Fiber | Up to 500 Mbps |
Only $65
/mo. w/ No Annual Contract *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
|
|
Get an extra $50 reward card when you sign up for AT&T Fiber, when you call to order or enter promo code EXTRA50 at checkout. Plus AT&T will cover your cancellation fee in full. AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 300
|
Fiber | Up to 300 Mbps |
Only $55
/mo. w/ No Annual Contract *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
|
| Internet 100 | DSL | Up to 100 Mbps |
Only $55
/mo. for 12mos. /w No Annual Contract. *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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CenturyLink Internet Plans
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Plan
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Service Type
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Download Speed
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Monthly Price
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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CenturyLink Internet - Up To 940Mbps.
Free Equipment! |
Fiber | Up to 940 Mbps |
Only $75
/mo. /w No Annual Contract. *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
|
| CenturyLink Internet - Up To 500Mbps. | Fiber | Up to 500 Mbps |
Only $50
/mo. /w No Annual Contract. *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
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| CenturyLink Internet - Up To 140Mbps. | DSL | Up to 140 Mbps |
Only $55
/mo. /w No Annual Contract. *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
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| CenturyLink Internet - Up To 100Mbps. | DSL | Up to 100 Mbps |
Only $55
/mo. /w No Annual Contract. *Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
|
Customers Review
Expensive
Ashley T from Nashville, MI
March 2024
So far so good.
Christine H from Riverdale, GA
October 2023
Is a great wifi for a small family
Angel G from Lafayette, LA
August 2023
none
Daniel B from Midlothian, TX
August 2023
Only had them for a month so far its good.
David M from Gray, LA
August 2023
Customers Review
Love my internet
David Felts F from Bastian, VA
August 2023
Service so far has been great
Tami Shrewsbury S from Carlos, MN
August 2023
nnnn
E n from Labelle, FL
August 2023
None
Keri J from Des Moines, IA
August 2023
Service is sometimes slow.
Terry Conyers C from Shippensburg, PA
July 2023
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