Internet Service Providers
Top Companies in 2026
CenturyLink Internet vs Optimum
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- Month-to-month flexibility with unlimited data
- Simple, predictable pricing structure
- Service options for both fiber and non-fiber locations
- Competitive introductory pricing on fiber plans
- No contracts or data caps on residential plans
- Expanding fiber network with multi-gigabit speeds
- Inclusive Wi-Fi 6 gateway with no extra monthly fee
- Bundling discounts for internet, TV, and mobile
- Access to nationwide Optimum Wi-Fi hotspots
- Affordable Access Program for eligible households
- Poor customer service responsiveness
- Billing and refund issues that frustrate customers
- Significant post-promotional price increases
- Widespread customer service complaints
- Low customer satisfaction and BBB ratings
- Slow upload speeds on non-fiber (cable) plans
- Inconsistent service reliability in older network areas
- Limited fiber availability in many service regions
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.
Optimum, operating under their parent company Altice USA, are a major telecommunications provider headquartered in Long Island City, New York. Their core service area spans 21 states, with a strong concentration in the Northeast. The company provides internet, TV, and mobile services, with their most compelling offerings being their expanding fiber-optic network. Standout features include multi-gigabit speeds up to 8 Gbps, a "Price for Life" price lock guarantee on select fiber plans, and the inclusion of a Wi-Fi 6 gateway with no equipment fee. For value-seeking customers, Optimum promotes strong bundle discounts, often including a free unlimited mobile line for a year with certain internet plans, and an Affordable Access Program for eligible households. Despite these technical strengths, Optimum's reputation is severely impacted by consistent critical feedback. They hold an F rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a high volume of unresolved customer complaints. Common grievances center on significant price increases after the promotional period ends, considerable difficulties with customer service, including long wait times and unhelpful support, and unreliable service in areas still dependent on its older cable infrastructure. This creates a stark contrast between their capable network technology and a frequently frustrating customer experience.
- Customer Service : Poor
- Mobile Service : False
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : More than 30 states
- Customer Service : Good
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : 21 states across the US, concentrated in the Northeast; expanding elsewhere
- Reliability backed by a large national network
- Included fiber equipment and installation perks
- "Price for Life" guarantee on select fiber plans
- 60-day money-back guarantee for fiber customers
- Strong bundle value with a free unlimited mobile line for one year
- 5-year price lock on budget "Advantage Internet" plans
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- FAQs
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- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticket
- Desktop Application—Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Center
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
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- Ticket—Undisclosed
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet—Undisclosed
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet—Undisclosed
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- 4G
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- Android
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CenturyLink vs. Optimum
CenturyLink and Optimum are often compared because they serve many of the same regions and appeal to people who want strong speeds without complicated, long-term commitments. If you are choosing between them for your home or business, understanding what each one does well can make your decision much easier.
Speeds and availability
CenturyLink serves households across more than 30 states, offering a mix of fiber and DSL depending on location. Their Simply Unlimited DSL plans typically reach up to around 100 Mbps in qualified areas, while their fiber plans can deliver symmetrical speeds up to about 940 Mbps where available. They also stand out for offering unlimited data and keeping their availability relatively broad, including suburban and many rural locations. This makes them appealing in areas where other providers are limited.
Optimum concentrates more heavily in 21 states, with the strongest footprint in the Northeast and select markets such as Texas. Their network includes both cable and fiber, with fiber offering impressive symmetrical multi-gig speeds that can reach up to 8 Gbps in select areas. Cable areas generally offer fast downloads but much slower uploads. Like CenturyLink, Optimum also offers unlimited data. Where their fiber is live, they clearly lead on top-end speed potential, but availability still varies widely by ZIP code.
Reliability and performance
CenturyLink’s performance depends heavily on the connection type available in your neighborhood. Their fiber service is typically very reliable, with 99.9% network uptime claims, strong upload speeds, and better stability for remote work, streaming, and gaming. Their DSL service, on the other hand, can be less consistent and may feel dated in markets where newer technology has not yet rolled out.
Optimum’s fiber network delivers excellent performance, low latency, and smooth uploads when available, making it ideal for heavy internet households and creators. Their cable network can still handle streaming and gaming well, but users in these areas may face slower uploads and occasional peak-hour slowdowns. Customer feedback suggests that reliability can be inconsistent in regions still dependent on older infrastructure, even though fiber markets tend to perform more smoothly.
Pricing and value
CenturyLink position themselves as a straightforward, predictable provider. Their DSL plans usually cost around $55 per month, and fiber plans generally hover near $75 per month, with unlimited data, no annual contracts, and fewer sudden price jumps. In many fiber markets, they often include installation and Wi-Fi equipment, which helps reduce both startup and ongoing costs. For people who prioritize price stability and contract-free service, CenturyLink scores well.
Optimum takes a different route with aggressive promotional pricing, especially for fiber. Customers can see attractive introductory prices on plans ranging from budget tiers to multi-gig options, often bundled with perks like Wi-Fi 6 equipment, streaming promos, or mobile discounts. The challenge comes after the promotional period, when many plans increase significantly. They also offer “Price for Life” or multi-year price lock options on select fiber tiers, which can deliver strong long-term value, but their billing and post-promo pricing history make it important to read the fine print carefully.
Conclusion
CenturyLink and Optimum both offer appealing strengths, but they suit different priorities. CenturyLink is the safer choice if you want simple, predictable pricing, unlimited data, and the flexibility of no long-term contracts, especially in areas where their fiber service is available. Optimum is better for users chasing top-tier speed, especially multi-gig fiber, and those who like bundles and aggressive intro deals, as long as they are comfortable keeping an eye on price changes after promotions end. Your final decision comes down to what matters most: stability and straightforward value, or cutting-edge speeds with potentially bigger savings upfront. Checking which technology is available at your exact address will make the choice clearer.