Both CenturyLink and TDS Telecom provide internet to significant swathes of the U.S. CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber home internet services, while TDS focuses on DSL, cable, and fiber internet connections. CenturyLink and TDS are particularly well-suited for rural communities, since their DSL networks allow them to deliver internet service through existing telephone lines. While TDS provides TV and phone services as part of its bundling packages, CenturyLink only offers phone service as an add-on.
CenturyLink vs TDS Internet
Compare CenturyLink and TDS internet service in 2024
3 Plans Available
price range
$50 - $75/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 940 Mbps
- DSL, Fiber
- $15 a month equipment fees
- Unlimited Data
12 Plans Available
price range
$29.95 - $39.95/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps
- DSL, Fiber, Cable
- $12 a month equipment fees
- Unlimited Data
Learn more about CenturyLink and TDS:
CenturyLink has 3 plans:
TDS has 12 plans:
Learn more about CenturyLink and TDS
CenturyLink vs TDS: Best Deals
Internet Deals
CenturyLink Features Fewer Fees Than TDS
Both Providers Offer Self-Install Options
CenturyLink customers can choose between professional installation and self-installation. Professional installation usually comes with a $99 setup fee, but some higher tier plans will waive it. There are no additional fees for the activation. On the other hand, customers who opt to self-install don’t have to pay any fees as long as they have all the necessary equipment. Self-installation usually applies to homes with an existing fiber or DSL wiring.
TDS Telecom also offers professional installation and self-installation. Self-installing TDS Telecom DSL or fiber internet is straightforward, particularly for homes that were connected to a TDS Telecom service before. First-time customers are encouraged to go through professional installation. There’s a nominal fee involved depending on the type of internet being installed, but qualifying customers are often allowed to waive the fees.
CenturyLink Doesn’t Require Annual Contracts
While CenturyLink used to require contracts, today, CenturyLink offers contract-free DSL and fiber internet plans. That said, CenturyLink does charge $15 per month to use its modem, though you can also purchase your modem for $200 outright.
On the other hand, TDS Telecom plans, whether DSL or fiber, require a 24-month contract. This contract binds customers to use the company’s service for said duration. Customers essentially have to buy themselves out by paying the remaining monthly fees if they want to duck out of the contract.
CenturyLink Outshines TDS in Data Caps
CenturyLink offers unlimited data on all its plans, regardless of connection type. In comparison, TDS offers unlimited data only on its fiber and cable internet plans. If you have a TDS DSL plan, you’ll have to keep your data usage under 250 GB.
CenturyLink vs. TDS Internet Review
We asked BroadbandNow users to review CenturyLink based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.
BroadbandNow readers submitted 4479 for CenturyLink. CenturyLink earned an average score of 3.13 out of 5.
As of December 2024, BroadBandNow’s editorial team has not been able to survey enough TDS customers to provide a comprehensive understanding of how this service is meeting customers’ needs or expectations.