CenturyLink Internet vs Frontier

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.

Frontier Internet is a United States-based internet service provider with roots in telecommunications that stretch back several decades. Today, they operate as a residential and business ISP with a growing focus on fiber internet, particularly in suburban and rural markets where high-speed options have traditionally been limited. Their network combines newer fiber infrastructure with legacy copper systems, reflecting a company in the midst of a long-term transition toward fiber-first service. Their internet offerings center on unlimited data, no annual contracts, and symmetrical upload and download speeds on fiber plans. Frontier also offers multiple speed tiers, including multi-gig options in select areas, along with business internet solutions designed for small companies outside major metro regions. Wi-Fi equipment, professional installation, and managed Whole Home Wi-Fi are available depending on plan and location. Customer feedback around Frontier varies by platform and region. Reviews often point to strong technician interactions and solid performance on fiber connections, while billing complexity, promotional pricing changes, and legacy network limitations remain recurring concerns. From an industry standpoint, Frontier holds a Better Business Bureau headquarters rating of A+ and is frequently referenced for their continued investment in fiber expansion.