CenturyLink Internet Review

The result of merging three mid-sized telecoms, CenturyLink is now the 3rd largest DSL provider in the U.S. by number of subscribers (over 5 million Internet customers). Back in 2009, CenturyTel and Embarq completed their merger and assumed the CenturyLink name. Recently, in early 2011, the company completed it's merger with Qwest.

CenturyLink Internet is a mix of ADSL2+, VDSL2, fiber to the node (FTTN), and fiber to the premises (FTTP) due to the many mergers. Download speeds will vary from region to region, but the main CenturyLink DSL plans range from 768 Kbps up to 10 Mbps.

As part of the approval process with the FCC, CenturyLink Internet is required to expand their broadband service to more areas "with actual download speeds of at least 4 Megabits per second (Mbps) to at least 4 million more homes and businesses". The FCC also wants CenturyLink to "more than double the number of homes and businesses that can get 12 Mbps broadband, and more than triple the number that can get 40 Mbps broadband." So look for faster speeds in the future from CenturyLink.

Call 1-877-476-0648 For CenturyLink's Bundled Internet Offers

• Four DSL Plans - Get just the speed you need with DSL plans up to 12 Mbps.
• Fiber Optics - Some areas can get fiber Internet with speeds up to 40 Mbps.
• Triple Savings Bundle - High speed Internet, unlimited calling, and digital TV.
• PC Security Suite - Premium add-on available for stopping computer viruses.

The company offers all the services you've come to expect from a telco - unlimited voice, high speed DSL or fiber Internet, and 100% digital television with multiple HD channels. They also offer wireless home security monitoring which you can bundle in with your other services. CenturyLink Internet is also available to small and large businesses in the form of dedicated Internet connections, faster speeds, and managed services.

What Lies Ahead For CenturyLink Internet?

In the short term, the merger with Qwest will create some confusion for CenturyLink customers in the 37 states where the company provides services. However, in the long term, things are looking up. The new company now has a modern fiber-optic network that contains nearly 200,000 miles of fiber optic cable. This network, and the FCC's mandate for greater broadband speeds in CenturyLink's market area, means improved service for CenturyLink customers in the months and years ahead.

In the past, CenturyLink has partnered with the DISH Network for digital television, but in 2010 they switched to partner with DIRECTV. They have launched their own service called CenturyLink Prism which is an IPTV (Internet-based) system very similar to U-Verse from AT&T. Prism is available in only a few select cities, but they are looking for other metropolitan areas where they can expand the service. For now, most customers will get DIRECTV when they sign up for one of CenturyLink's bundles.

CenturyLink High Speed Internet

Cable Internet connections share bandwidth with many users. The more people that have cable service in a particular area, the more pressure is applied to the bandwidth in the area. If several users are "heavy users" everyone in a neighborhood can be affected. With CenturyLink, your Internet connection is private and you are the only one that will ever be using it. This means that you never have to worry about your network getting too crowded, or slowing down at peak hours due to network overcrowding.

• Up to 768 Kbps – The intro package is good for light to moderate users. Downloading music and sharing photos with friends becomes fast and easy.
• Up to 1.5 Mbps – Streaming video is lightning fast and YouTube fans will love this package.
• Up to 3.0 Mbps – Online gamers will want this package, and their opponents will feel the difference. Large downloads complete in a flash and video chat will look and sound clear.
• Up to 10 Mbps – Heavy users will enjoy blazing speeds as they stream movies with ease and set up multiple network connections. The whole house can enjoy the Internet at the same time with amazing speeds.

Along with CeturyLink's amazing service, customers can also take advantage of many extras. The Digital Music Store lets customers listen to their music at home or on the go wherever they wish or even sync their music players. PC backups were never easier and personal and business files can be saved remotely to make sure those important documents are safe in the event of a computer outage. Your computer can be protected by the CenturyLink PC Protection Plan which will safeguard your system from breakdowns.

The signature CenturyLink RescueIT service will help users with many computer issues that include:

• Tune Ups
• Hardware Installation
• Software Installation
• Security Support
• Troubleshooting
• Home Networking
• New Computer Set-Up
• And More

CenturyLink Prism Digital Television

Prism TV puts the user in total control of their viewing experience. Star a movie in the living room and finish it in the bedroom. Pause, rewind, record or delete a show from any room using CenturyLink's Whole Room DVR. Search for your favorite shows quickly and easily by title, actor, or even category. This service even lets users access music and photos through their television. Watch what you want anywhere you want to watch it.

Prism uses fiber optics to bring a new level of control and enjoyment to TV. The Prism service includes:

• Auto Updates
• Video On Demand
• Interactive TV
• More than 170 All Digital Channels
• Find–it-Fast Navigation
• Whole Home DVR
• 100% Digital Picture
• Professional Installation
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

CenturyLink offers high quality TV, Internet, and phone service with service bundles that will offer customers big savings. Don't pay a premium for three separate services when CenturyLink will put together a package that will serve your needs at a competitive price you can afford. Don't wait to visit us today.

Previous CenturyTel, Embarq and Qwest customers rate the company 2.5 out of 5 stars. CenturyLink's average speeds are 6.29 Mbps down and 1.47 Mbps up.*

* Speed test data taken from NetIndex.com as of Apr 23rd, 2011.

You can check for High Speed Internet service from multiple ISPs, including CenturyLink Internet, using the form located on our home page.