CenturyLink vs Suddenlink: Side by Side Comparison
CenturyLink and Suddenlink Communications are some of the top providers in the U.S. Where CenturyLink provides DSL and fiber service to its customers, Suddenlink Communications offers cable. Their prices and speeds are similar in range and they both offer bundle options. However, while there are several similarities between these two internet service providers, it’s important to consider the differences when making a decision.
Below, we cover the key differences in their plans, contracts, data caps, and more.
CenturyLink Info
Suddenlink Info
| CenturyLink vs. Suddenlink Comparison |
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| Provider | CenturyLink | Suddenlink |
| Speed | 20-940 Mbps | 200-940 Mbps |
| Pricing | $49-65/mo. | $35-75/mo. |
| Service Type | DSL, Fiber, Copper or Fixed Wireless | Cable or Fiber |
| CenturyLink vs. Suddenlink FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | CenturyLink | Suddenlink |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Select Plans | Select Plans |
| Contract-Free Plans | Yes | No |
| TV Service | No | Yes |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
CenturyLink Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/14/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with CenturyLink.
Suddenlink Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/14/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Suddenlink.
CenturyLink vs. Suddenlink Performance Overview
CenturyLink is the third-largest residential DSL provider in the U.S., providing DSL service to approximately 49.3 million people. Although they offer service to all 50 states, their greatest coverage is in Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. Its fiber service is available to 9.6 million people. They offer internet-only plans as well as bundled options with TV and phone services.
As the seventh-largest cable provider in the country, Suddenlink Communications offers coverage to an estimated 6.8 million people in 19 states, with the greatest coverage in Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana. Suddenlink Communications’ customers can choose from cable services as well as TV and phone bundle options, depending on where they live.
CenturyLink 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 Installation
Suddenlink Communications offers free installation for two of its internet plans: Internet 400 Unlimited Data Plan ($55/month) and Internet 1 Gig Unlimited Data Plan ($75/month). If you order online, you may be eligible for free installation as well. Suddenlink’s Internet 100 plan ($35/month), however, does require an installation fee. 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.
CenturyLink Contracts, 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 Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
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.
CenturyLink 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.
Suddenlink Communications 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.
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.
Reliability - 4
Great speed and reliability.
Just got service
Mr. Harrison did a great job hooking up our service.
Reliable service
I've had internet service for a few years from Suddenlink. Never had an outage, They have a good package deal right now for unlimited data and cable TV. Superfast internet. Yesterday I called and the service tech was able to get me a great deal.
CenturyLink vs. Suddenlink Coverage Availability
CenturyLink Coverage & Availability
Suddenlink Coverage & Availability
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