Can I Use My Own Router for CenturyLink Internet?

Let’s admit it, when you hear or see the word CenturyLink, you are automatically reminded of one of the topmost service providers in the U.S. Isn’t it? With a footprint of about 4.5 million subscribers and a network spanning 36 states, CenturyLink falls at number 4 for the largest internet service provider for both, Fiber and DSL connection types. People who have subscribed to CenturyLink’s services will tell you that it is quite a good service and with affordable rates making it one of the best options as an ISP.

While it is true that CenturyLink Internet has garnered a great amount of attention, especially thanks to their “Price for Life” deals, which are no more, CenturyLink still remains an ISP with stable pricing, for the most part. The other ISPs might have prices ranging regularly, but with CenturyLink not as much. This is part of the reason for its popularity as well. Other than that, there are various other reasons like the speed, connection type, service, etc. 

Moving on from the reason for CenturyLink’s popularity, let’s get to the point of this article. Oftentimes, you read online that if you want to save money with an ISP, you should consider getting your own modem and router. What this does is save money in the long run and it is also useful when you choose to switch ISPs. If the other ISP is compatible with the router, then you won’t have to rent a modem or router from them.

So, now, after clearing that out, keep scrolling, and let’s get right into the topic! 

CenturyLink Internet Plans

CenturyLink has designed its plans keeping different types of customers in mind. While some of you require extremely speedy internet to keep up with your gaming and streaming needs, others only need a minimum speed or average speed enough to stay connected. So, keeping all of these things in mind, CenturyLink brings forward different types of connections and speed ranges fit for anyone, whether student or elderly. Let’s look at some of the details of this plan and what they entail.

CenturyLink Internet 15 – 20 Mbps

This internet plan is only $50 a month. There are some requirements that need to be fulfilled to be able to pay that price. The connection type is a DSL type and you get an unlimited data allowance. Keeping all of these features in mind, this internet package is perfect for individuals and families who wish to stay connected to the internet. With this internet speed, you can casually work from home or even attend online classes.

CenturyLink Internet 40 – 100 Mbps

If you are looking for a bit more speed as compared to the former plan, then this plan offers more speed with unlimited data and also the same price, which is $50 per month! With this internet package, you can download large files, and enjoy video streaming without any issues. Video calls, online classes, work from home; all of this can be enjoyed – thanks to this package. 

CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit

The last plan that we will be discussing is a pure fiber plan that is $65 a month and also entails an unlimited data allowance. You get an extremely speedy internet connection with which you can enjoy whatever you want! Online gaming, streaming, working from home, online schooling, e-shopping, and much more is possible with this plan. An additional perk of this plan is also that your smart devices like Alexa, smart TV and more can stay connected to the internet all while you are enjoying your online activities, whatever they may be.

Check out the summary of all the plans’ details compiled in the table below.

Internet Plan Connection type Download Speed Data Allowance Price
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet DSL 15 – 20 Mbps

(Speed availability depends on location)

Unlimited $50/mo.
(Rate obliges paperless billing. Additional fees, taxes, and surcharges also apply)
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet DSL 40 – 100 Mbps

(Speed availability depends on location)

Unlimited $50/mo.
(Rate obliges paperless billing. Additional fees, taxes, and surcharges also apply)
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit Fiber Up to 940 Mbps
(Speed availability depends on location, maximum download/upload speeds accessible via a wired connection)
Unlimited $65/mo.
(Rate obliges paperless billing. Additional fees, taxes, and surcharges also apply)

 

CenturyLink Customer Service

Depending on your type of problem, whether technical, billing-related or anything else, you have different numbers provided for them, which you can check on the website. Some of these numbers are open 24/7 and you also have live chat which is available 24/7 as well. While the rating for CenturyLink customer service hasn’t been 5/5 stars, it is still on average as compared to other service providers. Then again, not many ISPs have excellent customer service, to begin with. 

CenturyLink Router

It’s time to talk about the routers now and which ones will be suitable to work with CenturyLink Internet. While we are not discouraging you from buying and using your own router with CenturyLink internet plans, we merely suggest that if you are confused regarding what you need to look for in a router, you should try renting one. Or you could read this article and find yourself one as suggested here. These are the few things you need to check when looking for a CenturyLink-compatible router.

DSL Technology

DSL technology is important to check as it determines the speed of your internet. It is possible that you have subscribed to a speedy internet package, but you have a router that doesn’t support that speed. In that case, you will only be able to use only as much speed as is supported by your router. Check the following list to determine which technology router to get according to your internet plan.

  • ADSL – Supports internet speed of up to 7 Mbps
  • ADSL2 – Supports internet speed of up to 20 Mbps
  • Bonded ADSL2+ – Supports internet speed of up to 25 Mbps
  • VDSL2 – Supports internet speed of up to 80 Mbps
  • Bonded VDSL2 – Supports internet speed of up to 100 Mbps
  • GPON – Supports internet speed of up to 1000 Mbps

Wireless Ability

The next important thing to check is the wireless feature of the router. Usually, routers come in two categories of wireless ability, 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency bands. Naturally, with the 5 GHz, you have access to the fastest internet speeds although the connection range will be quite short. The opposite can be said for 2.4 GHz where you get a wider connection range, but not nearly as fast internet speed as you might want. So, now, it is up to you to make the decision, depending on your priorities for router requirements. 

The Ending Note

With that, our article comes to an end! We have discussed the CenturyLink internet plans, their customer service, and the routers compatible with CenturyLink Internet. We hope you have gotten much to learn from all of this, should you choose to get your own router for your CenturyLink internet plan. 

If you are interested in subscribing to an internet plan from CenturyLink or learning more about them, go on to BuyTVInternetPhone and click on CenturyLink’s logo to be redirected to a new page. Did you know you can also compare internet plans from different service providers on that website? Well, now you know!