AT&T vs CenturyLink Internet

AT&T is a long-established U.S. telecommunications provider founded in 1885 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, offering home internet through a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and legacy copper connections that vary by location. Their fiber service is the strongest part of their lineup, delivering symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, multi-gig tiers, and equipment like the All-Fi Hub gateway and optional Wi-Fi extenders to support streaming, remote work, and households with many connected devices. For addresses without fiber, Internet Air provides a fixed wireless alternative powered by their 5G network, allowing customers to get online without extensive installation. They also offer bundling discounts for wireless customers and access to the Smart Home Manager app for easier network control. Customer feedback differs widely across markets, with fiber users generally reporting more consistent speeds than those on older networks. AT&T carries an A+ business rating from the Better Business Bureau, although they are not accredited. If you want a deeper look at their plans, pricing, features, and real-world performance, the full review breaks down what this provider offers and where their service may or may not fit your home’s specific needs.

CenturyLink, founded in 1930 and historically based in Monroe, Louisiana, is one of the long-standing internet providers in the United States and now operates under its parent company, Lumen Technologies. They deliver both DSL and fiber internet service, allowing them to reach a wide range of communities, including urban, suburban, and many rural areas. In locations where fiber is available, customers can experience symmetrical speeds up to around 940 Mbps, along with unlimited data, included WiFi equipment, and contract-free plans. In non-fiber areas, Simply Unlimited Internet plans can reach up to about 100 Mbps and also include unlimited data on a month-to-month basis. CenturyLink’s pricing is generally positioned as straightforward, with many plans avoiding aggressive promotional rates that later increase sharply. DSL plans typically cost around $55 per month, while fiber plans often average about $75 per month in eligible ZIP codes, sometimes with equipment or installation benefits included. Customer experience is where feedback becomes much more mixed. Many customers report ongoing concerns with billing accuracy, delayed refunds, long wait times for support, technician no-shows, and difficulty resolving issues. Because of this, the overall experience often depends heavily on whether fiber is available in your area and how consistent local service performance is.