AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink
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 IPBB 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
CenturyLink Info
| AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink Comparison |
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| Provider | AT&T Internet | CenturyLink |
| Speed | 25-940 Mbps | 100-940 Mbps |
| Pricing | $35-69.99/mo. | $50-65/mo. |
| Service Type | IPBB, Fiber or Fixed Wireless | DSL, Fiber, Copper or Fixed Wireless |
| AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | AT&T Internet | CenturyLink |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Select Plans | Yes |
| Contract-Free Plans | Select Plans | Yes |
| TV Service | Yes | No |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
AT&T Internet Internet Deals †
Last updated on 7/9/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with AT&T Internet.
CenturyLink Internet Deals †
Last updated on 7/13/2021†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
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.
Best coverage
I travel often and I definitely travel around upstate New York and everywhere I go AT&T is faster and even seems to have more coverage than the others, so I am not sure who is doing the tests, but everywhere I have been, AT&T seems to outperform (also I don’t like AT&T as a company, so trust my honest review here).
100 Mbps CenturyLink Internet
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.
Love Centurylink
We have had Centurylink landline for literally decades. It was a no-brainer for us to use them for internet and landline when we moved into our new home. Our home was built in an area with their new fiber internet. They installed it on the day scheduled, at the scheduled time. The technician was great. Had it up and running quickly. Have not had any problems. Both the internet and landline are cheaper than we were paying Cox for just the internet. Had a very bad experience with our previous ISP. Kept dropping calls. Hope to have Centurylink for decades to come.
AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink Coverage Availability
AT&T Internet Coverage & Availability
CenturyLink Coverage & Availability
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