Verizon 5G Home Internet and CenturyLink are two reputable options for those in need of reliable internet connectivity. CenturyLink has been in the internet market for a while, while Verizon launched its 5G Home Internet service recently. Both offer DSL and fiber-based services, with the latter providing faster speeds. CenturyLink operates in 20 states with the most coverage in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. In contrast, Verizon's 5G Home Internet is available in most metro areas, with plans starting at $60/month for speeds up to 100 Mbps. Verizon does not charge extra fees, equipment fees, or set data caps. Meanwhile, CenturyLink deals vary, with promotions ranging from gift cards, free installations, and free streaming service subscriptions. Ultimately, the choice between these service providers depends on the specific needs of the user, geographical location, and budget.
Introduction to CenturyLink and Verizon 5G Home Internet
CenturyLink and Verizon 5G Home Internet are two solid options for internet service. CenturyLink is a well-established player in the market, offering DSL and fiber internet services to customers in 20 states. On the other hand, Verizon 5G Home Internet is a newer service that operates on the latest fixed wireless technology via the 5G network. This network allows for fast data transmission at high frequencies using wireless radio waves and cellular towers, providing download speeds up to 1 Gbps. Both CenturyLink and Verizon 5G Home Internet offer competitive pricing with notable differences. CenturyLink's pricing is similar for both DSL and fiber service, while Verizon 5G Home Internet offers affordable plans with no data caps, contracts, or equipment fees. It's worth noting that CenturyLink's promotional deals change frequently, whereas Verizon's plans include a three-year price lock guarantee even without a contract. With varying customer service standards and availability depending on the area, it's important for customers to research and choose the best option for their needs.
Pros and Cons of CenturyLink
Pros of CenturyLink
1. No Annual Contracts: One major advantage of CenturyLink is that it does not require its customers to sign any annual contracts. Its service is available on a monthly basis and can be canceled at any time without any penalties or fees.
2. No Data Overage Charges: CenturyLink offers its customers an unlimited data plan, which means that they do not have to worry about any data overage charges. Customers can stream videos, download and upload files, and browse the web as much as they want without any additional cost.
3. DSL and Fiber Optic Services: CenturyLink offers both DSL and fiber optic services, depending on the location of the customer. With DSL speeds up to 100 Mbps and fiber optic speeds up to 940 Mbps, CenturyLink provides fast and reliable internet services to its customers.
4. Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds: CenturyLink offers equal upload and downloads internet speeds directly to a building, which means that businesses can simultaneously run their company website, backup their data, and deliver business applications without any lag.
5. No Price Hikes or Contracts: CenturyLink does not use promotional rates that expire, has no bundling, and has no data overage charges. Customers can choose from different plans based on their internet needs, and the rates remain the same for as long as the contract remains unchanged.
6. Good Customer Service: CenturyLink has a team of customer service reps that is available 24/7 to help its customers with any issues they may face. They are known for their fast response times and their ability to resolve issues quickly.
See More: CenturyLink Customer Service
7. Cloud-Based Applications: CenturyLink offers cloud-based applications for email, web hosting, and data backup. This enables businesses to access their data and information from anywhere, at any time.
8. Secure Network: CenturyLink's network is secure, thanks to its advanced technology and encryption methods. This ensures that customers' data and information remain safe and protected at all times.
Cons of CenturyLink
1. Slow DSL speeds: CenturyLink offers DSL internet, which is notorious for its slow speeds. Customers who are not eligible for fiber plans are often stuck with download speeds that are much slower than what they expected. This can be frustrating for anyone looking to stream video content or work remotely without any buffering or lagging issues.
2. Confusing download speed availability: CenturyLink has made headlines for confusing some customers with its download speed availability. Some customers were led to believe they could have faster download speeds based on the information they were given during the sign-up process, only to find out later that they were not eligible for the faster speed tiers.
3. Limited availability: CenturyLink is available in only 16 states across the US, making it a less attractive option for customers looking for internet service providers with nationwide coverage. For those who live outside of the coverage area, CenturyLink is not a viable option.
4. Lackluster customer service: CenturyLink has received criticism for its customer service, which is not always accessible or helpful. Many customers have had difficulty reaching customer service representatives and resolving issues they have encountered with their service.
5. Price increases after the introductory period: While CenturyLink does offer a price lock guarantee for its plans, this only applies to the introductory period. After this, prices can go up significantly, leaving some customers with unexpected costs that they cannot afford.
6. Lack of plan options: CenturyLink has only three packages available for its customers, making it less flexible than other internet service providers that offer multiple plan options. Customers may feel restricted in their choices when they don’t have as many options to choose from.
7. Limited availability of fiber plans: CenturyLink’s gigabit fiber plan is only available in select areas, leaving many customers without access to this faster and more reliable internet option. This has resulted in a case of haves and have-nots, with customers in some areas having access to faster speeds while others are stuck with slower DSL options.
Pros and Cons of Verizon 5G Home Internet
Pros of Verizon 5G Home Internet
1. Gigabit Speeds
Verizon 5G Home Internet offers incredibly fast download speeds, with some plans capable of hitting near-gigabit download speeds. This makes Verizon 5G especially interesting if you live without high-speed cable or fiber internet access.
2. No Data Caps or Contracts
Verizon 5G Home Internet offers unlimited data with no contracts. This means that you'll never have to worry about exceeding your data limit or being locked into a long-term contract.
3. Straightforward Pricing
Unlike some of the best internet providers who bury additional fees and equipment charges in their contracts, Verizon has transparent and straightforward pricing with fees and taxes already included.
4. Free Equipment
No matter what plan you choose, you will receive a state-of-the-art WiFi 6 router and 5G Ultra Wideband receiver at no additional cost. This means that you won't have to worry about purchasing expensive equipment upfront.
5. Three-Year Service Price Guarantee
Despite being a no-contract provider, Verizon guarantees users that they will maintain service prices for up to three years depending on the plan. This means you won't have to worry about sudden price hikes for your internet services.
6. Wider Availability
Verizon 5G Home Internet is available in many places and is mostly centered around America's largest metro regions where the development of 5G infrastructure is furthest along. That puts it on a similar trajectory as fiber, with service primarily focused in America's largest cities, where the population density makes expansion more cost-effective.
7. Faster to Deploy Than Fiber
Deploying new cell towers and upgrading existing ones is generally faster than wiring entire regions for fiber neighborhood by neighborhood. So while availability is still somewhat limited, there's room for hope that 5G might be able to bring speedier home internet to underserved parts of the country faster than fiber cable or other more common modes of internet.
Cons of Verizon 5G Home Internet
1. Limited Availability: One of the biggest drawbacks of Verizon 5G Home Internet is its limited availability. Currently, the service is only available in select areas, which means many consumers are unable to take advantage of its high-speed internet services.
2. High-Speed Internet for a Price: While Verizon 5G Home Internet offers high-speed Internet, it can be pretty expensive. The starting price for the service is $50 a month, which may not be affordable for everyone. Additionally, the top speed of up to 1000 Mbps isn't available in all areas.
3. Service Speeds Vary: Although Verizon 5G Home Internet promises lightning-fast speeds, the actual service speeds are far from consistent. Tests have shown that speeds can vary wildly depending on your location and other factors. This means you may not get the advertised speed, which can be frustrating.
4. Installation Can be a Hassle: Installation of the 5G Home Internet service can be a hassle, as it often requires a Verizon technician to install a special antenna on your window. This process can take time and be inconvenient for some users.
5. Required Mobile Plan: To take advantage of the discounted rate offered to Verizon wireless customers, you must have a qualifying mobile plan, which can be a significant extra cost for some households. Those who don't have a qualifying mobile plan find themselves paying full price for the internet service, which can be a hit on the wallet.
6. No Guarantee of Future Bandwidth: While Verizon may offer high-speed internet through its 5G Home Internet service now, there is no guarantee that it will continue to offer the same bandwidth in the future. This means that users may be signing up for a service that could change in the coming months or years.
7. Equipment Rental Fees: While the 5G internet gateway is included as part of the service, users may still have to pay for additional equipment, such as routers, if they require more than what is provided. These extra costs can add up over time, making the service less affordable for some households.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In conclusion, both Verizon 5G Home Internet and CenturyLink offer reliable internet services with decent speeds and no data caps. However, there are some key differences between the two providers. Verizon's 5G Home Internet operates on the latest fixed wireless technology, offering download speeds up to 1 Gbps, while CenturyLink's DSL service may not provide the same level of speed. Additionally, Verizon offers a two- to three-year price lock even without a contract, while CenturyLink may have ongoing promotions that vary from time to time.
Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and needs. If one prioritizes high-speed internet and is willing to pay for it, then Verizon's 5G Home Internet may be the better option. However, if one is on a budget and does not need the fastest speeds, CenturyLink's DSL or fiber options may suffice.
In terms of recommendation, it is suggested that individuals compare and contrast the plans and pricing of both providers, taking into account their own household's internet usage and budget. It is also important to consider customer service and connection types, as these can greatly affect one's internet experience. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, one can make an informed decision on which provider to choose for their internet service needs.
Call on (855) 210-8883 to choose the best internet provider between Verizon 5G Home Internet vs CenturyLink.