CenturyLink vs Suddenlink Communications: Extra Fees and Contracts
Installation
CenturyLink offers both self installation as well as professional installation. Depending on the plan selected, professional installation can range from $99-$125. The technician will install your modem and up to five computers or devices. CenturyLink’s self-install option is only available in some areas. If your installation needs copper bury, an additional fee of $300 will be charged. If you need aerial delivery, this will cost $150. These are both one-time fees, and you will be informed if these are required before they are installed.
Suddenlink Communications charges up to $99 for installation, depending on the plan. If you order online, you may be eligible for free installation as well. Customers can choose between standard installation for $59 or premium installation for $99. If you choose to pay the higher fee for premium installation, you’ll receive WiFi configuration for up to six devices, hardwiring for one device, and assistance in creating your Suddenlink ID.
Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Most of CenturyLink’s plans require contracts that are 24 to 36 months long. If you break these contracts early, you will be required to pay an early termination fee. If your contract is for 24 months, you may be responsible for ETFs up to $200 and if your contract is 36 months, you will have to pay $300. You can opt for a month-to-month plan option with CenturyLink. However, if you cancel before the end of your billing cycle, your monthly fees will still need to be paid in full.
CenturyLink’s speeds are up to 940 Mbps, and you can opt to lease or purchase the modem. If you choose to lease the modem, you can expect to pay $15 per month. On the other hand, if you buy the modem you will pay a one-time $200 fee.
Suddenlink Communications’ does not require contracts for any of its internet plans, with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. No contracts mean there are no early termination fees. If you decide to switch over to Suddenlink Communications before your contract with your previous provider is up, Suddenlink offers contract buyouts.
Customers can choose to either lease or buy the modem from Suddenlink Communications. The Docsis 3.0 Modem and the wireless modem and router combo costs $10/month to lease, or you can purchase the Docsis 3.0 Modem for a one-time fee of $80.
Data Caps
Most of CenturyLink’s plans have high data caps of 1024 GB, which most people will not hit in one month. If you exceed this limit, you will need to pay $10 for every 50 GB you go over. If you feel that you may exceed this limit, you can select CenturyLink’s Fiber Gigabit plan, which has no data caps.
Depending on which plan you choose, Suddenlink Communications’ data caps range from 250 GB to unlimited. Unfortunately, there are no options to add unlimited data to a plan with data caps. Exceeding your monthly limit means you’ll be expected to pay an additional $15 for every 50 GB you go over.
