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Quantum Fiber vs. CenturyLink Internet Providers Compared

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Quantum Fiber Vs CenturyLink

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Nov. 10, 2023 / Updated Feb. 2, 2026

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Quantum Fiber Vs CenturyLink

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Plans starting at: $45

Popular Package: Up to 8Gbps

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Plans starting at: $50

Popular Package: CenturyLink internet - Up to 940Mbps.

Download speeds up to: 940 Mbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Staff rating

4.3

Quantum Fiber brings superior internet speeds and reliability at an appealing price.

Quantum Fiber is a fiber-optic network under the parent company Lumen Technologies, which also operates CenturyLink’s DSL-based service. According to the latest data from June 2025, the Federal Communications Commission states that Quantum Fiber is available to just over 2.3% of U.S. households, making it one of the largest fiber-optic networks in the United States [1]. The service operates in 18 states, as well as a number of cities, with the strongest coverage in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Washington [2]. In May 2025, AT&T announced plans to acquire Quantum Fiber's parent company for nearly $6 billion; the transaction is expected to close in 2026 [3]. AT&T has indicated that no immediate changes are planned and will continue to "prioritize putting customers first" following the acquisition. The sale ultimately resulted in Lumen reporting $915 million in losses for Q2 2025, with Lumen attributing losses to the accounting changes, and "not from money actually spent" [4]. Quantum Fiber delivers symmetrical fiber-optic speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 8000 Mbps in select markets, with no data caps or contract requirements. The service stands out for its "Price for Life" guarantee, which locks in your monthly rate permanently—a significant advantage in an industry where 63% of customers reported price increases in the past year [5].

PROS

Symmetrical fiber speeds No data caps or contracts "Price for Life" guarantee Competitive cost-per-megabit value

Cons

Limited availability Some connections may be only FTTC Multi-gig plans not available in all service areas
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Staff rating

3.3

CenturyLink’s DSL internet has wide coverage but slower speeds

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. 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 price 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 sold half of its DSL network to Brightspeed in 2022. CenturyLink now has a very unusual coverage footprint: think of it as the Western half of the United States, minus California, 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
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Pricing

4.5

Great prices and a Price-for-Life Guarantee.

Quantum Fiber offers straightforward pricing that includes an autopay discount. Monthly costs are approximately $5 higher if you don't enroll in automatic payments. In most markets, the two primary plans available are the 500 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig) tiers. Multi-gigabit options—up to 2 Gig, up to 3 Gig, and up to 8 Gig plans—are available in select areas. All plans include free equipment rental during an initial period, unlimited data, and no contracts [7].

Value Analysis

When evaluating internet plans, the cost per megabit provides insight into true value. Quantum Fiber's entry-level 500 Mbps plan at $50 per month equates to 10 cents per Mbps—a competitive rate for fiber service. This pricing structure positions Quantum Fiber favorably against cable providers that may advertise lower introductory rates but dramatically increase rates after promotional periods end.

Fees and the Price-for-Life Guarantee

Quantum Fiber’s "Price for Life" guarantee locks in your plan rate permanently, making it a great deal. Unlike most cable internet providers that raise prices after the promotional period of one or two years, Quantum Fiber maintains your original rate indefinitely. If you sign up for the 200 Mbps plan at $30 per month, that rate remains locked in, even if the same plan later costs new customers $20 more. This guarantee applies specifically to your base service rate. Three potential cost increases are still possible:
  1. Equipment rental fees: Quantum Fiber provides free equipment during an "initial period." After this period ends, rental fees may apply. You can drop these fees altogether by using your own compatible router.
  2. Installation costs: Professional installation is currently free, though Quantum Fiber states this "could change in the future," and additional products or services might incur extra installation costs.
  3. Taxes and miscellaneous fees: Local and state taxes and regulatory fees may increase over time, beyond Quantum Fiber's control.

No Data Caps or Contracts

All Quantum Fiber plans include unlimited data, allowing unrestricted internet use within the acceptable use policy without overage fees or speed throttling. The absence of contracts means you can cancel or modify service at any time without incurring early termination fees.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Pricing

3.5

CenturyLink DSL charges high prices for widely varying speeds

DSL is not one of the faster 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. 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 around $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 for the speeds, at least you won’t have unexpected data overage charges.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Reliability and Performance

4.5

Symmetrical upload and download speeds and superior reliability during peak usage times.

Quantum Fiber utilizes fiber-optic technology, which provides two key advantages over cable and DSL: symmetrical upload and download speeds, and superior reliability during peak usage times. Symmetrical speeds mean your upload capacity matches your download speed. On the 8000 Mbps plan, for instance, you receive 8000 Mbps in both directions. This is valuable for video conferencing, uploading large files, livestreaming, and cloud backups.

Fiber-to-the-Home vs. Fiber-to-the-Curb

In most installations, Quantum Fiber deploys Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), where fiber-optic cable runs directly to your residence. This provides the fastest possible speeds with full symmetrical performance. However, in some cases, Quantum Fiber may install Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC), where the final connection to your home uses coaxial cable. Even a short coaxial cable segment will reduce upload speeds compared to pure fiber. If you receive an FTTC connection, your download speeds may remain at the advertised levels, but your upload speeds will be slower than the symmetrical speeds typical of FTTH. Before installation, confirm which connection type your location will receive.

Performance Capacity

A gigabit fiber plan from Quantum Fiber supports about 10 devices simultaneously, enabling high-bandwidth activities (such as 4K streaming and online gaming) while maintaining smooth performance. The combination of low latency, high bandwidth, and consistent speeds makes fiber particularly well-suited for households with multiple heavy internet users.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Reliability and Performance

3.0

“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. About 47% of CenturyLink customers achieve speeds up to 30 Mbps. On the flip side, a lucky 27% are able to achieve 80 Mbps or more, delivering a much better experience [5]. 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. However, if you are considering ordering CenturyLink DSL, be sure to research your other options. You can test your actual speed here to see what kind of performance your current internet connection is giving you.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

Get free use of a  360 Wi-Fi mesh router or use your own router

Quantum Fiber provides its 360 Wi-Fi equipment at no additional cost during an initial period. This system includes a SmartNID ONT device and up to four mesh Wi-Fi pods. The number of Wi-Fi pods will be determined by your installation technician based on your home's size. Most equipment has Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, but Wi-Fi 7 is available in select areas. The mesh network architecture offers better coverage than traditional single-router setups. This is beneficial for larger homes or properties with thick walls that impede wireless signals. The 360 Wi-Fi system creates whole-home connectivity by placing pods throughout your space, eliminating dead zones and ensuring seamless handoff as you move between areas. This setup supports the high device counts and bandwidth demands typical of modern households.

Professional Installation

Quantum Fiber currently provides free professional installation. The internet provider has noted this "could change in the future," and customers requiring additional products or services may incur extra installation costs. Professional installation ensures proper fiber-optic connection, optimal equipment placement for your home's layout, and immediate resolution of any technical issues. The installation process:
  • Running fiber-optic cable to your home (FTTH) or to the curb (FTTC)
  • Installing the SmartNID ONT
  • Positioning mesh Wi-Fi pods throughout the home
  • Testing connection speeds and performance
  • Explaining system features and troubleshooting resources
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

3.5

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.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Experience & Support

4.0

Quantum Fiber ratings often skewed by CenturyLink

According to the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report comparing internet providers, Quantum Fiber scored 71 out of 100 points—a 7% decline from the previous year. This places Quantum Fiber four points below the fiber industry average of 75 [3]. The 2025 ACSI data also indicated that overall fiber provider scores decreased by 1% year-over-year across the industry [8]. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study did not differentiate between Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink DSL, instead reporting combined results for Lumen Technologies. In the West, where Quantum Fiber has its strongest presence, Lumen Technologies ranked last with a score of 511 out of 1,000. This combined scoring methodology means CenturyLink's lower-performing DSL service likely impacted the overall rating. If you compare fiber and DSL services within the Lumen portfolio, the ACSI shows Quantum Fiber's fiber service scores 16 points higher than CenturyLink's DSL offerings. This gap showcases that fiber customers report better experiences than DSL subscribers. The 7% satisfaction decline and below-average ACSI score suggest Quantum Fiber has customer experience downfalls regardless of its technical advantages. Issues affecting its customer experience ratings likely include installation delays, equipment problems, billing discrepancies, and customer service responsiveness. Reddit backs this up, with some users frustrated with Quantum Fiber's reliability: "The speed is great, consistent 550mbps up and down, but it is so unreliable" [9]. Other subscribers report a more positive experience, but do note that they are utilizing their own equipment instead of the Quantum Fiber-supplied equipment: "Love [Quantum Fiber], just get your own wifi equipment" [10]. Despite the below-average satisfaction scores, Quantum Fiber remains a strong technical choice where available. The combination of fast symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, no contracts, competitive pricing, and the price-for-life guarantee creates genuine value.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Experience & Support

3.0

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. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, CenturyLink's DSL service scored 62 out of 100 in 2025, which was the same score they received the previous year. 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.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber FAQ's

Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink both belong to Lumen Technologies and offer essentially identical services. Quantum Fiber specializes in fiber-optic internet, while CenturyLink provides DSL. Both deliver the same speeds and costs for fiber plans, though any Price for Life guarantee might be affected if your plan's branding changes.
Quantum Fiber is available in 16 states across the U.S., including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. To find out if Quantum Fiber is available at your address, enter your zip code here or call 1-833-440-3174.
Yes, both CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber allow 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.
Yes, Quantum Fiber 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.
Quantum Fiber's benefits include matching upload and download speeds up to multi-gigabit levels, no data caps, and month-to-month service with no long-term commitments required. Additionally, setup and modem costs are included in your plan at no additional fee.
Yes, Quantum Fiber is excellent for gaming. Its symmetrical speeds and fiber-optic connection deliver low latency and stability for competitive online play. The unlimited data means you won't hit caps during gaming sessions or large game updates.
Plans start at $[prov-lopr nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] for [prov-loprsp nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] Mbps and go all the way up to $[prov-hipr nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] for speeds of [prov-hiprsp nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] Mbps.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BuyCenturyLink.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Accolades

Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Quantum Fiber Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Up To 8GbpsFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $165
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 3GbpsFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 1Gbps Fiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $45
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 500MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 200MbpsFiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Free Installation! WiFi equipment provided.
CenturyLink Internet - Up To 940Mbps.Fiber InternetUp to 940 Mbps Only $75
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
CenturyLink Internet - Up To 500Mbps.Fiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
CenturyLink Internet - Up To 100Mbps.DSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $55
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858

Quantum Fiber Customers Review

4.5
Pricing
4.5
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.3
Overall Rating
4.3
Haru Lindsey
1.3
from Las Vegas, NV on February 2026
I went from Cox to Quantum Fiber. I work from home, and kept having intermittent internet. so I upgraded, which made it worse. Tech support was no help so they sent a tech to my home 5 days later! The tech arrived agitated, he verbally assaulted me for not answering my door fast enough (within 2 minutes of his ringing my doorbell). I reported the incident and requested another tech. That was a week ago. They keep postponing my appointment. I have no clue if or when someone will be here but my entire office is shut down because no one can log into my server remotely. With all of the down time, it is costing my company and employees a lot of money. Very bad for business!
Vic
1.3
from Sanibel, FL on January 2026
House was renovated and the Inet line was cut. In my 1st calls to QF, they said they could not repair it because I was on pause, and they could not take me off of pause; I had to do it over their internet -- which of course was not possible since their line was cut. They also said they could not update my phone for the same reason. After a day of calls, I reached someone who could make these changes and schedule a repair for the next day. The repair person came out and said they could not fix a 2nd floor connection unless I provided a ladder, but that if I rented a ladder, they would be back the next day (Saturday). They did not return Saturday, and their phone line said the order was written but not entered. He promised Monday. Same story Monday, and they promised Tuesday, but they sent me an email with a schedule for that Friday. I told them that if they could not fix it by Tuesday AM, I was switching providers. I called Tuesday and canceled. They gave me an argument, but finally said I could cancel as of the end of the month -- no refund. I fought them back to a partial month but got no credit for the time they could not make it work.
Eileen T
1.5
from Portland, OR on December 2025
If I could give them a zero rating I would. I was forced over to them from Century Link where I never had issues. Now it's nothing but issues. They keep directing me to use the app to do what I need to do and it never works so innevitably have to call support or chat and then they try to get me to solve myself using the app that I already told them doesn't work. Its been a horrible transition. Use someone else if you can.
Leeann H
1.0
from Apple Valley, UT on November 2025
I called to schedule an installation. The customer service was awful, AWFUL. I talked to two reps because the first phone call kept disconnecting. She called back twice, but eventually we couldn't hear each other, so I called in again and got a different rep. The first one was difficult to understand, and apparently, she had difficulty understanding me. She asked me three times if I was a current customer. Each time I said, no, but then a minute later she would ask me again. She got my email wrong three times. She asked me a question, but I didn't realize it was a question, so I didn't say anything but waited for her to continue. After a minute of no one talking, I asked, "Are you still there?" She replied, "Yes, ma'am, are you a current customer with us?" The second rep was easier to understand. But it still took over two hours. And when the whole ordeal was finally over, the rep transferred me to someone who then tried to sell me a home security system. I eventually had to hang up on that rep because he wouldn't take no for an answer, even after hearing it six times! I called an hour later and cancelled the installation. I then found another company with much faster speeds, less expensive, and I was able to sign up in five minutes on the website. I told my husband that I would rather have a tooth pulled than go through that whole Quantum Fiber sign-up mess again!
Cam B
1.0
from Portland, OR on November 2025
HORRIBLE reliability and jitter. Worst of any internet provider I've ever seen. If you need to present over Zoom or Team, AVOID THIS PROVIDER AT ALL COSTS. It will hurt your career!
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

CenturyLink Customers Review

3.5
Pricing
3.5
3.0
Reliability & Performance
3.0
3.5
Equipment, Installation & Features
3.5
3.0
Customer Experience & Support
3.0
3.3
Overall Rating
3.3
Warren Pake
5.0
from Tucson, AZ on February 2026
Century Link has been our internet provider for over 15 years. They have been consistently reliable and adequate for our needs.
James Graham
2.3
from Steamboat Springs, CO on January 2026
Customer service was terrible tech service terrible on my phone all day yesterday trying to schedule a service request that never happened so I disconnected last night.
Dan A
2.5
from Rochester, MN on January 2026
While service has been moderately stable, it requires periodic resets of the router and dropouts in service at random times. It is 140MB service on DSL delivered over the two POTS lines coming into my home; therefore, it cannot be increased beyond 140. The price has only increased from $40 (for 70MBJ to $65 for 140MB, and it is about to be raised to $70/mo now in 2026. There has been no improvement in service or support to warrant such an increase.
Elizabeth Wunsch
2.0
from Glendale, AZ on October 2025
They are canceling all broadband dsl internet in my neighborhood, no more landline or internet. There are no other fiber, dsl or broadband opportunities in my neighborhood.
Craig B
2.0
from Arcadia, FL on September 2025
We've had CenturyLink Internet and Phone at our school for 11 years now, with a max download speed of 20mbps (10mbps x2, dual-band....). We have two land-lines; one for our main business number and a dedicated line for fire monitoring. We have no other cabling/wiring in our area; cellular is ok for the most part and satellite is nearly cost prohibitive for our non-profit. However, we're now faced with making some tough choices for our Internet, phones and fire monitoring. CenturyLink has not paid much attention to their phone and DSL lines (in this part of SW Florida, at least), pretty much since their acquisition by Lumen years ago. We routinely get error messages on our fire monitoring line and our Internet is ok at best. Fortunately, we do not require a lot of download speed or bandwidth at our preschool, but the lack of line maintenance and the delays in getting tech support to come and fix the lines is getting ridiculous.
Call today & find the best CenturyLink internet deals
1-833-943-6858