CenturyLink Fiber and DSL use completely different technologies to deliver internet to your home:

• Fiber: Uses fiber optic cables that transmit data via pulses of light, offering symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps or higher.
• DSL: Uses existing telephone lines to deliver internet, with speeds typically ranging from 15-100 Mbps depending on your distance from the provider's facilities.

Fiber is significantly faster (especially for upload speeds), more reliable, and less susceptible to interference or weather-related outages. However, DSL has greater availability, especially in rural areas where fiber infrastructure hasn't been built yet.

CenturyLink Fiber is currently available in select areas across 16 states, primarily in urban and suburban areas. The best way to check availability is to:

1. Use our availability checker tool at the top of this page by entering your address or ZIP code
2. Call 1-866-735-1751 to speak with a representative who can check your specific address

CenturyLink is continually expanding its fiber network, so even if fiber isn't currently available at your address, you may be able to sign up for notifications when it becomes available in your area.

CenturyLink currently offers the following fiber internet speed tiers:

• Fiber Internet 500: Up to 500 Mbps download and upload speeds
• Fiber Internet Gigabit: Up to 940 Mbps download and upload speeds
• Multi-Gig Fiber: Up to 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) download and upload speeds (limited availability)

All plans feature symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speeds match your download speeds. This is a significant advantage for activities like video conferencing, uploading large files, cloud backups, and live streaming.

No, CenturyLink Fiber does not impose data caps or usage limits. You can use as much data as you need without worrying about overage charges or throttling.

This unlimited data policy is particularly valuable for households with multiple users who stream video, download large games, work from home, or use cloud backup services.

CenturyLink Fiber requires the following equipment:

1. Optical Network Terminal (ONT): This device converts the fiber-optic signal into a format usable by your home network. It's installed professionally by CenturyLink technicians and included with your service.
2. Modem/Router: You have three options:
   • Rent a modem/router from CenturyLink ($15/month, though included with some plans)
   • Purchase a CenturyLink-approved modem/router (one-time cost of $200-300)
   • Use your own compatible router (check our compatibility list earlier in this guide)

For optimal performance, especially with the gigabit plans, we recommend using a router with WiFi 6 capability and gigabit Ethernet ports.

No, CenturyLink Fiber requires professional installation due to the specialized equipment and expertise needed to properly connect fiber optic cables to your home.

The installation process typically includes:

• Running fiber cable from the street to your home
• Installing and configuring the Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
• Setting up your modem/router
• Testing the connection to ensure proper speeds

Standard installation typically costs $99, but this fee is often waived during promotions or for customers who order online.

Price for Life is CenturyLink's guarantee that your base monthly rate won't increase for as long as you keep the same internet plan at the same address and maintain your account in good standing.

Currently, the Price for Life guarantee is available on some CenturyLink plans, but not all fiber plans. The Multi-Gig fiber plan typically comes with a 12-month promotional rate that increases afterward.

When ordering, ask your representative specifically about Price for Life availability for your chosen plan and location, as offerings may vary by region.

Quantum Fiber is essentially a rebranding of CenturyLink's fiber internet service. Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink's parent company) is gradually transitioning their fiber internet services to the Quantum Fiber brand.

Key things to know:

• The technology and infrastructure are the same
• Quantum Fiber focuses exclusively on fiber connections (not DSL)
• Some areas still use the CenturyLink branding while others have transitioned to Quantum Fiber
• The transition is happening gradually, market by market

If you see Quantum Fiber offered in your area, it's the same service as what's described here for CenturyLink Fiber, just under a different name.

One of CenturyLink Fiber's key advantages is that most plans do not require a long-term contract. You can cancel your service at any time without early termination fees.

However, be aware that:

• Some promotional offers might require a minimum service period to receive benefits like rewards cards or equipment discounts
• If you take advantage of equipment payment plans, you may need to pay off the remaining balance if you cancel service early

This no-contract approach gives you flexibility and peace of mind compared to providers that require 1-2 year commitments.

CenturyLink Fiber is significantly more reliable than both cable and DSL internet for several reasons:

• Higher Uptime: Fiber networks typically achieve 99.9% uptime compared to 98-99% for cable and DSL.
• Weather Resistance: Fiber optic cables are less susceptible to weather-related outages than copper-based connections.
• Consistent Speeds: Unlike cable internet, fiber doesn't slow down during peak usage times when many neighbors are online.
• Distance Stability: DSL speeds degrade with distance from the provider's facilities, but fiber maintains consistent performance regardless of distance.
• Interference Immunity: Fiber signals are immune to electromagnetic interference that can affect copper-based connections.

These reliability advantages are particularly valuable for those who work from home, rely on video conferencing, or need consistent connectivity for other critical applications.

If you move to a new address, you'll need to set up new service at that location. Here's what you should know:

• Your current Price for Life guarantee (if applicable) doesn't transfer to the new address.
• You'll need to check if CenturyLink Fiber is available at your new location.
• If fiber isn't available, CenturyLink may offer DSL service instead.
• You can usually take your rented equipment with you to the new address.
• If you purchased your equipment, it should work at the new location if the same service is available.
• Professional installation will be required at the new address for fiber service.

It's best to contact CenturyLink at least 2-3 weeks before your move to check availability and schedule installation at your new address to minimize service interruption.

CenturyLink provides several resources for troubleshooting and resolving service issues:

• 24/7 Technical Support: Available via phone, chat, or social media.
• Online Account Management: Check for known outages in your area and report issues.
• Mobile App: Monitor your service status and troubleshoot basic problems.
• Service Appointment: For issues that can't be resolved remotely, a technician visit can be scheduled.

CenturyLink typically doesn't offer automatic credits for outages unless they're extended (usually more than 24 hours) or widespread. However, you can contact customer service to request credits for significant disruptions to your service.

Yes, you can use your own router with CenturyLink Fiber, which can save you the monthly rental fee. Here's what you need to know:

1. The router must be compatible with CenturyLink Fiber service. Look for routers that support:
   • Gigabit Ethernet ports
   • PPPoE and VLAN tagging (for some areas)
   • IPv6
2. You'll still need the CenturyLink-provided ONT (Optical Network Terminal), which converts the fiber signal.
3. Some compatible router brands include ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link, and others listed in our equipment section above.
4. When setting up your own router, you may need specific configuration details from CenturyLink.

Using your own high-quality router can potentially improve Wi-Fi coverage and performance compared to the standard rented equipment.

CenturyLink provides several support channels to assist customers:

• Phone Support: Available 24/7 for technical issues and during business hours for billing and account questions.
• Live Chat: Available on the CenturyLink website for troubleshooting and account assistance.
• Online Help Center: Includes tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs.
• Social Media Support: Available via Twitter and Facebook messaging.
• My CenturyLink App: Manage your account, pay bills, and access basic troubleshooting.
• In-Person Support: Some areas have physical CenturyLink stores for face-to-face assistance.

For fastest resolution of technical issues, have your account information ready and try basic troubleshooting steps (like rebooting your equipment) before calling.