What Questions Should I Ask CenturyLink When Shopping for an Internet Provider?

If you are comparison shopping for an internet service provider, you may be considering Centurylink as one of your options. In order to get enough information to make an informed purchase decision, you should know what questions to ask the company. These questions include availability, speed in your area, security options, and whether or not you can use your own modem, which might reduce your price.

If you're in the market for an internet service provider, you may be looking at Centurylink as one of your options. Before you make your comparison shopping call, you should know what questions you should ask so that you can get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Plans Are Available in My Area?

Centurylink offers two service plans, and neither one has full coverage across the country, so the first thing you need to do is to find out if Centurylink is even an option for you. If you are looking for a simple DSL connection, you may be in luck, because that's available in 36 states. If you want a fiber-optic connection, you may be out of luck. It is available in only 19 cities across the country.

What Speed Can I Expect in My Area?

Centurylink's DSL plan promises speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Its fiber-optic plan promises speeds of up to 940 bps. In other words, the figures it advertises are maximums, not necessarily what you can expect to get yourself. The infrastructure in the area you live in will have a lot to do with the speed you actually experience. Ask the Centurylink representative what speed other people in your area have experienced.

What Security Options Do You Provide?

The company offers a Secure Wi-Fi service that is supposed to help secure all of the devices on your network against hackers, malware, and other online threats. You should ask for details about the protections provided so that you know exactly what you would be getting.

Can I Use My Own Modem?

If you want the DSL plan, you may have to either rent a modem from the company or buy it upfront. The rental price is $15 per month and the purchase price is $200. However, if you have your own modem, you may be able to use it instead of renting or buying one. Ask the Centurylink representative if your modem is on the approved modem list. You may be able to save some money that way. You should have your modem on hand when you call, so you can answer any questions you are asked about it.

Contacting Centurylink

To ask these questions, along with any others you have, contact a Centurylink customer service representative .

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Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.

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