Sources
This comparison references data from FCC Broadband Map, CenturyLink, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Market Context
The broadband market concentration in areas served by both CenturyLink and Starry varies significantly. According to FCC broadband deployment data, median household income and population density are key factors in determining which provider offers better value. The BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program may expand options in underserved areas where neither provider currently has strong coverage.
Ready to choose? Check CenturyLink availability or check Starry availability at your address to view plans and pricing.
CenturyLink vs Starry: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CenturyLink | Starry Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DSL + Fiber (Quantum Fiber) | Fixed Wireless (mmWave 5G) |
| Max Download Speed | 940 Mbps (fiber) | 200 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $30/mo (fiber) / $50/mo (DSL) | $50/mo |
| Data Caps | None on fiber | None |
| Contracts | No contracts | No contracts |
| Coverage | 36 states | 6 metro areas (Boston, NYC, LA, Denver, Columbus, DC) |
| Upload Speeds | Up to 940 Mbps (fiber, symmetric) | Up to 100 Mbps |
| Equipment Fee | $15/mo router rental | Included (Starry router provided) |
Our Verdict: CenturyLink vs Starry
CenturyLink wins on speed ceiling and availability; Starry wins on simplicity. The right choice depends entirely on where you live and what you need:
- Speed and power users: CenturyLink fiber delivers up to 940 Mbps symmetric — nearly 5x Starry's 200 Mbps maximum. For households with multiple simultaneous 4K streams, large file transfers, or serious gaming, CenturyLink fiber is the clear winner.
- Availability: CenturyLink serves 36 states. Starry is limited to six metro areas, and even within those cities, coverage depends on building-level partnerships. Most Americans simply cannot get Starry.
- Simplicity and value: If you are in a Starry service area and 200 Mbps meets your needs, Starry's $50/mo flat rate with included equipment, no caps, and no contracts is exceptionally straightforward. CenturyLink's fiber starts lower at $30/mo but adds a $15/mo router rental unless you bring your own.
When Starry wins: Apartment dwellers in Starry's metro areas who want reliable internet without negotiating plans, renting equipment, or scheduling a fiber installation. Starry's building-wide deployments mean near-instant activation with no technician visit required in many cases.
CenturyLink Plans and Pricing (2026)
CenturyLink operates under two brands in 2026. In fiber-served markets, the service is branded as Quantum Fiber; DSL areas continue under the CenturyLink name. Brightspeed has assumed CenturyLink's copper infrastructure in portions of 20 states.
DSL plans cost $50/mo and deliver speeds between 20 Mbps and 100 Mbps depending on your distance from the central office. Performance degrades noticeably beyond one mile from CenturyLink infrastructure, so real-world speeds can fall well below the advertised range.
Fiber plans start at $30/mo for 200 Mbps and go up to $70/mo for 940 Mbps symmetric service. All fiber plans include unlimited data, no annual contracts, and a price-lock guarantee. Installation is typically free for new fiber subscribers. Router rental is $15/mo, though customers can use their own compatible equipment to eliminate this fee.
CenturyLink's fiber buildout continues through the Quantum Fiber brand, with active expansion in metro areas across Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The company projects adding several hundred thousand new fiber addresses annually through 2027.
Starry Internet Plans and Pricing (2026)
Starry Internet takes a radically different approach to broadband. Instead of running cables to your home, Starry uses millimeter-wave (mmWave) fixed wireless technology — essentially 5G-class radio signals transmitted from rooftop base stations to receivers on your building.
The pricing is simple: $50/mo for 200 Mbps download with no data caps, no contracts, and equipment included. There are no promotional rates that expire, no hidden fees, and no tiers to choose between. You get one plan at one price.
Starry's biggest limitation is availability. The service operates in six metro areas: Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, Columbus (Ohio), and Washington D.C. Even within those cities, Starry requires a partnership with your building's management, so coverage is building-by-building rather than citywide. The company emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring in 2023 and has slowed its expansion pace, so new-market launches are not guaranteed.
For eligible buildings, Starry offers a compelling package: professional installation is handled at the building level (often by the property manager), individual apartment setup is self-service, and the included Starry router handles Wi-Fi distribution without an extra rental fee. Latency on Starry's network typically ranges from 15–30ms, which is competitive with wired connections for gaming and video calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starry Internet fast enough for streaming and gaming?
Yes, for most households. Starry's 200 Mbps plan can support multiple simultaneous 4K streams, online gaming, and video conferencing. However, if you need speeds above 200 Mbps for large file transfers or have five or more heavy users, CenturyLink fiber's 940 Mbps will provide more headroom.
Is Starry Internet available at my address?
Starry serves select buildings in Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, Columbus (Ohio), and Washington D.C. Coverage is building-specific, so you need to check the Starry website with your exact address. If your building is not yet served, you can request service and Starry will evaluate adding your property.
Does Starry use 5G technology?
Starry uses millimeter-wave (mmWave) fixed wireless technology, which operates in similar spectrum bands as 5G. However, it is a proprietary fixed wireless system, not a mobile 5G network. The equipment is permanently installed on buildings, providing more consistent performance than mobile 5G home internet services.
Which is better for working from home?
CenturyLink fiber is the better remote-work choice if available, thanks to symmetric upload speeds up to 940 Mbps. Starry's 100 Mbps upload is adequate for video calls and cloud syncing, but large file uploads (video production, backups) will be noticeably slower. If your CenturyLink address only gets DSL, Starry's 200/100 Mbps may actually outperform CenturyLink's DSL for remote work.
Can I use my own router with CenturyLink or Starry?
With CenturyLink, yes — you can use your own router to avoid the $15/mo rental. With Starry, the company provides its own router as part of the service at no extra charge. You can put Starry's router in bridge mode and use your own if you prefer your own Wi-Fi hardware.
Sources and Methodology
Data sourced from FCC Broadband Data Collection (December 2024) and provider-published Broadband Consumer Labels. Pricing reflects standard (post-promotional) rates unless noted. Starry availability data based on the company's published service areas as of Q1 2026. Full methodology.
