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AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink

A Side-by-Side Comparison of AT&T Internet and CenturyLink Internet Service in 2021

Based on our research, AT&T and CenturyLink are among the top internet providers in the U.S. that offer DSL, IPBB, or fiber broadband coverage along with high speeds. Both offer phone and/or TV services in their bundles, which may be a more affordable deal for customers. AT&T ranks second as the largest DSL provider while CenturyLink ranks third. For those who fall out of range for their fiber internet services, they can opt for their DSL or IPBB internet which has more widespread availability. While AT&T and CenturyLink share a few similarities, we’ve noted some key differences below.

AT&T Internet Info

(855) 910-0548

$35-60/mo.

CenturyLink Info

(855) 913-4257

$49-65/mo.

AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink Comparison AT&T Internet CenturyLink
Provider AT&T Internet CenturyLink
Speed 5-1,000 Mbps 20-940 Mbps
Pricing $35-60/mo. $49-65/mo.
Service Type IPBB, Fiber, or Fixed Wireless DSL, Fiber, Copper, or Fixed Wireless
AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink Feature Comparison AT&T Internet CenturyLink
Provider AT&T Internet CenturyLink
High-Speed Plans Yes Yes
Unlimited Data Select Plans Select Plans
Contract-Free Plans Select Plans Yes
TV Service Yes No
Phone Service Yes Yes

AT&T Internet Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/7/2021
  • $35 for 100 Mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Get a $100 reward card with qualifying online orders.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $35 for 100 Mbps IPBB
    • 10 to 100 mbps depending on location w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $55.00.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $45 for 300 Mbps Fiber
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 300 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Get a $100 reward card with qualifying online orders.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $45 for 25 Mbps Fixed Wireless
    • Typical download speeds of 25 Mbps w/ a 500 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $69.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes professional installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $60 for 1,000 Mbps Fiber
    • Download speeds up to 940Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Get a $100 reward card with qualifying online orders.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
Show All Deals (8)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with AT&T Internet.

CenturyLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/16/2021
  • $49 for 20 Mbps DSL
    • 20 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Prepay and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (No charge for self-install, internet activation, and modem shipping and handling.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 40 Mbps DSL
    • 40 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • Prepay and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes standard tech installation and internet activation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $49 for 100 Mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
  • $65 for 940 Mbps Fiber
    • 940 Mbps ↓ and 940 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
    • Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with CenturyLink.

AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink Performance Overview

AT&T’s internet options are IPBB, fiber, or fixed wireless. Their IPBB internet is available to approximately 122.8 million people while their fiber internet is available to roughly 25.1 million people. While coverage for their fiber internet is limited, their IPBB internet is more widespread across available geographic areas. AT&T also offers bundles that include phone and/or TV services.

With four types of internet options—DSL, fiber, copper, or fixed wireless—CenturyLink offers a wide variety of internet plans and phone and TV services catered to suit residential and business needs. They supply DSL and fiber coverage in approximately 39 states. Their DSL internet is available to around 49.3 million people while their fiber internet is available to around 9.6 million people. However, CenturyLink’s copper and fixed wireless service provides coverage to a smaller number of people in the U.S.

AT&T Internet Installation

AT&T offers two types of installation options: self-installation and professional installation.

The fee for self-installation costs $35, whereas the professional installation fee costs $99. Some plans may require extra equipment fees, but most are offered a Wi-Fi Gateway—a combination of a router and a modem. Select bundles may waive the installation fee.

CenturyLink Installation

CenturyLink also offers both self-installation and professional installation.

The professional installation fee costs up to $125 while the self-installation is free of cost but may have a fee for shipping and handling of equipment. A CenturyLink modem is available to lease for $15/month or a one-time fee of $150. Customers also have the option to purchase their own router and/or modem. Depending on the bundles offered, the installation and modem fees may be waived.

AT&T Internet
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

AT&T’s contracts are typically a 12-month or 24-month commitment.

Bear in mind that the early termination fee costs can cost up to $180. For every billing cycle that’s late, the fee costs up to $10 per bill. Equipment fees are dependent on the plans or bundles offered, but most AT&T plans provide customers with a Wi-Fi Gateway. Equipment and installation fees might be eligible to waive depending on the bundles offered.

CenturyLink
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

CenturyLink offers contract-free plans, which allows customers to pay month-to-month with no cancellation penalties.

However, other bundles that include phone and/or TV services may have their own contracts with early cancellation fees. There is a flat, late payment fee of up to $15 per month plus a percentage (around 5%) of the unpaid bill. Equipment fees cost up to $50 for shipping and handling; the CenturyLink modem costs $15 per month on lease or a one-time fee of $150.

AT&T Internet Data Caps

AT&T’s standard data cap is 1 TB, with an additional $10 for every 50 GB. They do offer some plans with unlimited data; or customers can opt to add unlimited data for $30/month.

CenturyLink Data Caps

CenturyLink also has a 1 TB data cap but no additional fees for data overage. Instead, customers may experience certain restrictions or suspensions if data is overused frequently and/or excessively. You also have the option to purchase an additional 50 GB for $10.

Fantastic team and great coverage

5.00 Stars

on September 28, 2019

AT&T Internet

Absolutely fantastic! Tech came out to help install and, due to the wiring in our apt, it took a while to find the correct outlets. But he was so patient and helpful and kind, really going above and beyond to make sure things got set up so I could have the level of coverage needed to qualify for work from home. Truly amazing guy, I honestly can't speak highly enough of him. He kept trying long after I suspect most would have given up. Huge THANK YOU to AT&T for the coverage at the right price (literally half the price of the competitor in this area), and more importantly for having such an amazing guy on your team. Thank you.

Featured Review IP Verified Kansas City, Missouri
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Excellent service

5.00 Stars

on August 17, 2020

AT&T Internet

I received my letter of approval for internet service thru the Access AT&T program. I called to set up service and spoke with a rep. She was so friendly and helpful. She was pleasant to speak with and very knowledgeable about my questions. She made sure I understood everything she said. She kept me informed on what she was doing in the process of setting up my account. She transferred me to another agent to set up my service and have a tech come out to install a phone jack. He was very efficient and professional and very friendly. He made sure all of my questions and concerns were answered. He was extremely polite and personable. I've had this service in the past and am extremely delighted that my area is covered to use their service again. My appointment and equipment is scheduled for Friday, just 5 days from my initial call. I am grateful AT&T offer this service, the same service as for those paying full price receive. It's a blessing to those of us on a fixed income can have the reliable and easy to use internet in today's times so we may stay connected and help with the stay at home request during virus epidemic. I felt like I was given the same respect as anyone else, even with receiving the discount rates. Thank you AT&T for making the effort to keep things simple and quick in setting up my account.

IP Not Verified Pompano Beach, Florida
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100 Mbps CenturyLink Internet

5.00 Stars

on September 19, 2019

CenturyLink

We switched to CenturyLink and could not be happier. It is so much faster, has never cut out and had the best installation customer service. The price is also great.

Featured Review IP Not Verified Hopkins, Minnesota
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GREAT TECH

4.00 Stars

on November 30, 2020

CenturyLink

I was extremely frustrated by the lack of communication from Wed. to Monday with no techs calling or showing up. However, finally, on Monday, Tech did call me, arrived when he said he would, and was absolutely wonderful. He was professional, respectful, and patient with all my questions. His customer service was excellent!

IP Verified Layton, Utah
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AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink Coverage Availability

AT&T Internet Coverage & Availability

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CenturyLink Coverage & Availability

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Frequently Asked Questions about AT&T Internet & CenturyLink Internet Services

  • Is AT&T cheaper than CenturyLink?

    AT&T’s lowest-priced internet-only plan is $50/month, which is slightly cheaper than CenturyLink’s starting at $45/month. However, CenturyLink’s highest-priced plan is $85/month whereas AT&T’s highest-priced plan is $100/month. Both come with bundles that may waive installation and equipment fees but do keep these fees in mind when considering internet-only plans.

  • Who has faster speeds? AT&T or CenturyLink?

    Both AT&T and CenturyLink have internet plans with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. These speeds vary greatly on geographical areas where the internet services are provided as well as the type of internet—DSL, IPBB, or fiber. CenturyLink may have more high-speed availability in certain states or zip codes than AT&T or vice versa.

  • Do AT&T and CenturyLink have unlimited data?

    Both AT&T and CenturyLink have data cap limits of 1 TB per month. An additional $10 is charged to every 50 GB used for AT&T internet plans, or an additional add-on fee of $30 for unlimited data. CenturyLink does not have any overage charges, but restrictions and/or suspensions may occur.

  • Do AT&T and CenturyLink require a contract?

    Most AT&T plans require either a 12-month or 24-month contract. CenturyLink offers contract-free plans, though some of their bundles that include phone and/or TV services may have a contract.

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Last updated on 1/16/2021.