EarthLink vs. CenturyLink Internet

EarthLink provides both DSL and fiber internet options. Currently, EarthLink has coverage in over 43 states with the greatest coverage being reported in New York, California, and Texas. EarthLink offers a variety of internet plans but do not supply phone and television services.

CenturyLink holds the spot for the 13th largest internet provider in the United States while being ranked as the 3rd largest DSL provider, with EarthLink currently holding the number one DSL provider spot. Different internet technologies supplied by CenturyLink include DSL, fiber, copper, and fixed wireless internet access. CenturyLink offers a variety of double play and triple play plans, but their most noteworthy option may be their Price for Life plan that allows you to keep the same price with no contract.

EarthLink vs CenturyLink: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

EarthLink’s installation fees range from $19.95-69.95.

Their professional installation is a one-time fee of $69.95, which is required with all their HyperLink plans. EarthLink’s team of professional technicians will ensure that all equipment is up and running properly. They also offer a self-installation option for $19.95 that includes shipping of the modem equipment and a self-install kit.

CenturyLink customers are offered two installation options.

There is an option for professional installation that can cost up to $125 or free self-installation. With several modem options including a list of compatible modems that can be purchased from other sources, fees vary depending on the type of modem equipment you select.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

EarthLink requires a minimum contract of 12 months for all their internet plans.

There are no credit checks for EarthLink services. If the contract is terminated prematurely, there will be an early termination fee that’s dependent on the remainder of your agreement. Any plan that is cancelled within the first 30 days has no termination fee. Plans cancelled after the first 30 days will need to pay a fee of $200. Regarding equipment, there is a monthly fee of $6.95/month for modem rental.

CenturyLink offers both contract and contract-free options.

There are no early termination fees for contract-free plans. However, if you end a contracted plan early, be prepared to pay an early termination fees for the remaining months of your agreement.

Modems purchased from CenturyLink will cost a one-time fee of $125, or a leasing option for $10/month. The self-install option is available for all CenturyLink-compatible modems.

Data Caps

There are no data caps on any of EarthLink’s internet plans.

There is a 1 TB data cap on most CenturyLink internet plans with a few exceptions: Business, Fiber GB, and Prism TV plans. CenturyLink does not charge overage fees if the data limit is exceeded but has the option to reduce usage or subscribe customers to a higher plan.