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CenturyLink now focuses on two core offerings: Simply Unlimited Internet over copper (speed varies by address) and fiber service increasingly sold as Quantum Fiber. Nationally advertised base prices commonly run about $55/month for Simply Unlimited, $50/month for 500 Mbps fiber, and $70/month for ~gigabit, all with no annual contract and no data caps. The former “Price for Life” promotion is no longer offered to new customers.
Even more notable is CenturyLink’s and Quantum Fiber’s month‑to‑month approach and unlimited data across plans, with the exact price and any one‑time charges disclosed on the FCC Broadband Facts label at checkout. Note: The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program has wound down; eligible households should instead review the Lifeline program for ongoing assistance.
To put these offerings in context, we compared current CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber plans with major competitors. Fiber gigabit list prices cluster around $60–$90 per month nationally, and Quantum Fiber’s $70 gig and $50 500 Mbps tiers are among the more competitive options; your actual experience will depend on your connection type and location.
 View Plans | CenturyLink DSL and fiber (Quantum Fiber) connections No data caps No annual contract |
Pros
- ✓ Competitive fiber pricing (500 Mbps for $50; ~1 Gig for $70)
- ✓ No annual contracts and no data caps
- ✓ Transparent pricing via FCC Broadband Facts labels
Cons
- ✗ DSL speeds vary widely by address and trail cable/fiber performance
- ✗ “Price for Life” no longer offered to new customers
- ✗ Customer satisfaction remains below the ISP average for legacy CenturyLink service
CenturyLink Internet Plans and Prices
Simple, no‑annual‑contract plans with unlimited data; pricing is address‑specific and shown on the FCC Broadband Facts label.
| Plan | Price | Download/Upload Speeds | Connection Type | Best for |
| Simply Unlimited (up to 10 Mbps) | $55 | Speed varies by address | DSL | Email and basic browsing |
| Simply Unlimited (up to 40 Mbps) | $55 | Speed varies by address | DSL | Light streaming |
| Simply Unlimited (up to 60 Mbps) | $55 | Speed varies by address | DSL | HD streaming on a few devices |
| Simply Unlimited (up to 100 Mbps) | $55 | Up to 100 Mbps (address‑dependent) | DSL | Household multitasking |
| Quantum Fiber 500 Mbps | $50 | Up to 500/500 Mbps | Fiber | Most homes: 4K streaming, gaming, WFH |
| Quantum Fiber Gig | $70 | Up to ~940/940 Mbps | Fiber | Mega users |
Data current as of Nov 2025; verify at checkout via the FCC Broadband Facts label.
* Package availability depends on location and prices vary. For more details on these plans click here to learn more from our partner site, Allconnect.
Fiber Plans, Speed, and Data
In most fiber‑served areas, Lumen markets service as Quantum Fiber with two widely advertised tiers: 500 Mbps for $50/month and ~1 Gig for $70/month. Multi‑gig options (2–8 Gbps) are available in select areas at higher prices. Plans feature unlimited data, no annual contracts, and Wi‑Fi equipment typically included; exact pricing and any one‑time charges are confirmed at checkout on the Broadband Facts label.
As of late 2025, major U.S. fiber gigabit list prices cluster around $60–$90/month; there’s no broad industry announcement of near‑term base‑price hikes. Always verify the current rate for your address on the provider’s plan page and Broadband Facts label.
Even with regional price differences, the 500 Mbps and ~1 Gig fiber tiers are strong values for households that stream in 4K, game online, back up large files, and work from home across many devices.
DSL Plans, Speed, and Data
CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited Internet is a no‑annual‑contract plan over copper where available. Speeds vary significantly by address (often up to 100 Mbps), and performance depends on line conditions and distance. Plans are unlimited data, with exact monthly price, equipment, and installation details shown on the FCC Broadband Facts label at checkout.
Price for life
CenturyLink’s former “Price for Life” promotion is no longer offered to new customers. Some existing customers may be grandfathered under prior terms; confirm your account’s specifics and rely on the address‑specific Broadband Facts label for current pricing and conditions before ordering.
Who is each plan best for?
- Simply Unlimited (up to 10 Mbps) – Best for a single user with 1–2 devices
- Simply Unlimited (up to 40 Mbps) – Best for a single user with 3–4 devices
- Simply Unlimited (up to 60 Mbps) – Best for two users with up to 5 devices
- Simply Unlimited (up to 100 Mbps) – Best for three to four users with up to 8 devices
- Quantum Fiber 500 Mbps – Best for 4+ users with many devices and 4K streaming
- Quantum Fiber Gig – Best for 5+ users, heavy gaming, and large uploads/backups
How Fast is CenturyLink Internet?
The FCC’s Measuring Broadband America program finds major ISPs generally deliver at least 100% of advertised download speeds during peak hours, with low packet loss and stable latency. Performance still varies by access technology: DSL over copper is highly distance‑sensitive, while fiber tends to deliver more consistent speeds and lower latency.
Independent 2025 testing shows U.S. median fixed broadband downloads in the mid‑200 Mbps range, uploads in the mid‑20s to mid‑30s Mbps, and median last‑mile latency in the mid‑teens milliseconds, with fiber providers leading on speed and consistency relative to DSL. See recent reporting from Ookla and Cloudflare Radar for current snapshots.
Internet Availability
Widely available legacy DSL in many markets, with fiber availability expanding but still address‑specific.
With availability across many states, CenturyLink provides consumer internet in multiple U.S. regions. Exact plan types and speeds vary by neighborhood and address.
Although many customers will still see a copper/DSL option, Lumen is expanding fiber as Quantum Fiber, and some former CenturyLink territories are now being upgraded by Brightspeed. Fiber availability remains concentrated in select areas and MDUs; check CenturyLink’s fiber page (select areas), Quantum Fiber’s address checker, and the FCC National Broadband Map. Use our zip tool to check if your address is serviceable.
Other Factors to Consider
Simple Equipment
Simple equipment, with the ability to opt out to avoid the monthly fee.
The type of modem/gateway and any equipment charges depend on your plan and address. On DSL, a compatible modem/router is required and can typically be leased or purchased. On Quantum Fiber, Wi‑Fi equipment is typically included at no monthly rental charge. Installation options and any one‑time fees vary by market and are disclosed on the Broadband Facts label.
To avoid recurring equipment fees on DSL, consider purchasing a compatible modem upfront or using your own, while using the included gateway on fiber. Upfront costs can pay for themselves over time compared with monthly rentals.
Should you choose to opt out of CenturyLink’s equipment entirely, make sure your router is compatible. If you only have a fiber-dedicated connection available, your old DSL modem may not be able to deliver the speeds you’re paying for.
Notable Fees
- Equipment lease fee (DSL): Varies by location (see FCC Broadband Facts label)
- Professional installation fee: Varies by location (disclosed at checkout)
- Self installation fee: Shipping/handling may apply (varies by location)
*Often disclosed at checkout and sometimes waived for online orders
No TV Bundles
CenturyLink is extremely limited in its bundling options, offering only one: internet and unlimited nationwide home phone. There are no native TV or mobile bundles; this contrasts with some competitors that offer integrated TV or mobile discounts.
However, it’s not all bad news. With an internet connection and a compatible streaming device, CenturyLink users can look into one of the many TV streaming services that are often cheaper than traditional TV packages.
Mediocre customer service ratings
Customers of any telecom provider know the industry’s customer service could use some work — including CenturyLink. It continues to receive mixed feedback, with stronger perceptions where fiber is available and weaker ratings where service is primarily DSL.
ACSI’s 2025 results and the 2025 J.D. Power study both place CenturyLink below the ISP industry average on customer satisfaction, while Lumen’s Quantum Fiber tends to fare better in reader surveys such as PCMag’s 2025 Readers’ Choice. If you value customer service above all else, consider fiber‑first competitors where available.
CenturyLink vs. Other Providers
| Starting Price | Availability | Download Speeds | Connection | Contract | |
| CenturyLink | $55 | Many states (address‑dependent) | Up to 100 Mbps (DSL) or ~940 Mbps (fiber) | DSL, Fiber | None |
| Verizon | $50 | Regional (Northeast/Mid‑Atlantic) | 300 Mbps – 1 Gig | Fiber | None |
| Frontier | $69.99 | Multiple states (address‑dependent) | 500 Mbps – 5 Gbps | Fiber | None |
| AT&T | $55 | Selected states | 300 Mbps – 5 Gbps | Fiber | None |
*Prices for stand-alone internet service, current at time of publication. Prices may vary by location. Contract length may vary. Confirm the exact price and fees for your address on the provider’s FCC Broadband Facts label.
Further Reading
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