In a Nutshell
pros
- Wireless modem and router in one
- No annual contracts
- Built-in privacy and parental controls
cons
- Fiber internet not available in all locations
- DSL options aren’t that cheap
- $99 for professional installation
CenturyLink - ACTIVE at a Glance
Starting Price
Maximum Speed
Coverage Area
Data Caps
Customer Support
CenturyLink at a Glance
Best for: Families
Starting Price: $50/month for 3-100 Mbps, $65/month for 940 Mbps
Connection Type: DSL, fiber
Download Speeds: 3-940 Mbps
Coverage: 16 states
Money-Back Guarantee: No
What Services and Features Does CenturyLink Offer?
CenturyLink features include:
- Mobile app. Lets you manage your WiFi network name and password, see a list of connected devices and their signal strength, and run speed tests.
- Parental controls. Gives you control of your children’s access to the internet, lets you pause internet access to any device at any time, and guards against inappropriate web content.
- Secure WiFi. Built-in security from McAfee keeps all your connected devices free from cyber threats.
- Device protection. Downloadable security for PC/Mac/Android/iOS devices for extended protection and when you use these devices through public WiFi connections.
Prices, Plans, and Value for Money
CenturyLink’s pricing structure is fairly straightforward. DSL ranges from 3-100 Mbps, depending on where you live, and costs $50/month plus taxes, which is higher than the market average. Fiber internet gives you 940 Mbps when available and costs $65/month plus taxes, which is lower than the market average.
The good thing about CenturyLink is that there are no contracts and you can cancel any time. On the other hand, there are a bunch of additional fees built into the service. These include:
- Modem lease - $15/month or $200 flat fee
- Standard installation - $15 flat fee
- Professional installation - $99 flat fee
- New internet service line installation (if you don’t already have one) - $150 to $300 one-off fee
- Non-return fee (if you don’t return leased equipment within 30 days of cancellation) - $200 one-off fee
CenturyLink does not offer a money-back guarantee.
Ease of Use, Hardware, and Setup
The upside of the obligatory installation fee (whether you choose the standard or the professional installation option) is that a technician will come to your home to ensure that your internet connection is good-to-go. Depending on where you live, a technician should be available within one to two weeks of completing your order.
CenturyLink Security
In most cases, customers must use CenturyLink’s modem and router in one, which comes with WiFi 6 advanced technology for enhanced connectivity and data capacity.
The device includes:
- Support for multiple WiFi devices
- Built-in security from McAfee
- Downloadable McAfee security for PC/Mac/Android/iOS devices
- Automatic software updates
CenturyLink Customer Service
CenturyLink offers technical support from 7 am – 9 pm ET, Monday to Friday, at 866-642-0444. For answers to frequently asked questions, check out the Internet Support page on the CenturyLink website.
FAQs
What type of internet connection does CenturyLink offer?
CenturyLink offers two types of connections: DSL (ranges from 3-100 Mbps) and fiber (ranges from 100-940 Mbps).
Where is CenturyLink currently available?
CenturyLink is available in parts of 16 states.
Who owns CenturyLink?
CenturyLink is owned by Lumen Technologies, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana that specializes in communications, network services, and voice services.