Quick Verdict: Frontier Fiber vs CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber
Both providers offer excellent fiber internet where available, but the comparison depends on whether you are comparing Frontier Fiber to CenturyLink DSL or to Quantum Fiber (Lumen's new fiber brand). Against Quantum Fiber, the matchup is competitive with similar technology and pricing. Against CenturyLink DSL, Frontier Fiber wins overwhelmingly. In fiber-versus-fiber markets, Frontier's included equipment and lower entry pricing give it a slight edge. Call Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 to check availability and compare your options.
Frontier Fiber vs CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber: Complete 2026 Comparison
CenturyLink (now rebranding its consumer fiber service as Quantum Fiber under parent company Lumen Technologies) has been a long-standing broadband provider across much of the United States. The CenturyLink brand still covers DSL service in many areas, while Quantum Fiber represents their modern fiber-optic offering. Frontier Fiber competes directly with both versions of the service, and this comparison covers all scenarios. Pricing is current as of early 2026 and subject to change. Call Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 to verify availability and pricing in your area.
| Feature | Frontier Fiber | CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Plans/Tiers | 3 fiber tiers (500, 1 Gig, 2 Gig) | 2-4 tiers (200-8,000 Mbps fiber; 10-100 Mbps DSL) |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo (500 Mbps) | $30/mo (Quantum Fiber 200 Mbps); $50/mo (DSL) |
| Max Download Speed | 2,000 Mbps | 8,000 Mbps (Quantum Fiber, select areas) |
| Upload Speeds | Symmetrical on all plans | Symmetrical on fiber; 1-10 Mbps on DSL |
| Annual Contracts | None | None (Price for Life on qualifying fiber plans) |
| Data Caps | None | None on fiber; 1 TB on some DSL plans |
| Equipment Fee | Router included free | $15/mo router rental (fiber); varies for DSL |
| Technology | Fiber-optic (GPON/XGS-PON) | Fiber-optic + legacy DSL/VDSL |
| Customer Satisfaction | ACSI: 73/100 | ACSI: 68/100 |
When Frontier Fiber Wins
Frontier Fiber is the better choice in these scenarios:
- You are comparing against CenturyLink DSL. If only CenturyLink DSL is available at your address (not Quantum Fiber), Frontier Fiber wins in every category. CenturyLink DSL delivers 10-100 Mbps download with 1-10 Mbps upload over aging copper lines, while Frontier Fiber offers 500-2,000 Mbps symmetrical over fiber. The performance gap is enormous, and Frontier's fiber provides a fundamentally different internet experience. This is not a close comparison.
- You want included equipment at no extra cost. Frontier includes a Wi-Fi 6 router on all fiber plans at no additional monthly charge. Quantum Fiber charges approximately $15/month for their router rental. Over two years, this saves Frontier customers $360 in equipment costs. While you can use your own router with either provider, Frontier's included equipment is a tangible value advantage.
- You want higher customer satisfaction. Frontier's ACSI score of 73/100 exceeds CenturyLink/Lumen's 68/100. Frontier has invested significantly in customer experience improvements since its 2021 restructuring, and those investments are reflected in higher satisfaction ratings. CenturyLink has historically struggled with customer service perception, particularly for DSL customers dealing with older infrastructure.
- You want a proven fiber track record. Frontier has been aggressively deploying and promoting fiber for several years, and their fiber-specific customer experience is well-established. Quantum Fiber is a relatively new brand that is still building its identity and expanding its footprint. In markets where both are available, Frontier's fiber service tends to have a more established reputation. Call 1-855-981-6281 to learn about Frontier Fiber options.
- You want more consistent speed at the 500 Mbps tier. Frontier's entry-level 500/500 Mbps plan is a well-tested, reliable offering. Quantum Fiber's 200 Mbps entry tier, while cheaper, provides significantly less bandwidth. For households with moderate to heavy usage, Frontier's 500 Mbps floor ensures a better experience without needing to upgrade to a higher tier.
When CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber Wins
CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber takes the lead in these situations:
- You want the cheapest fiber entry point. Quantum Fiber's 200 Mbps plan starts at approximately $30/month, which is $20 less than Frontier's cheapest option. For households with light internet needs, this affordable fiber entry point provides excellent value. 200 Mbps is sufficient for streaming, browsing, and moderate multi-device usage.
- You want Price for Life guarantee. Quantum Fiber offers a "Price for Life" commitment on qualifying plans, meaning your monthly rate never increases as long as you maintain service. Frontier does not offer a comparable lifetime price guarantee. For customers who plan to stay at the same address long-term, this can provide significant protection against annual price increases.
- You need speeds above 2 Gbps. Quantum Fiber offers plans up to 8 Gbps in select markets, dramatically exceeding Frontier's 2 Gbps maximum. For power users, home labs, and businesses operating from residential addresses, Quantum Fiber's multi-gig tiers provide unmatched residential bandwidth. These ultra-high-speed plans are not widely available but represent the cutting edge of consumer broadband.
- Quantum Fiber is available but Frontier Fiber is not. In many Western and Midwestern markets where CenturyLink operates (Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and others), Quantum Fiber may be the only fiber-optic option. In these areas, Quantum Fiber is an excellent choice that delivers true fiber performance.
- You want the simplest possible plan structure. Quantum Fiber's streamlined approach with just a few speed tiers and transparent pricing makes the selection process simple. Combined with Price for Life, there is little complexity in understanding what you will pay long-term.
Plan-by-Plan Matchup
Entry Level: Frontier 500 vs Quantum Fiber 200
Frontier at $49.99/month for 500/500 Mbps versus Quantum Fiber at approximately $30/month for 200/200 Mbps. Quantum Fiber is $20 cheaper but provides less than half the speed. Both include symmetrical uploads. The right choice depends on whether your household needs the extra bandwidth or prefers the cost savings. For families with 4+ connected devices, the 500 Mbps tier provides more comfortable headroom.
Mid Tier: Frontier 1 Gig vs Quantum Fiber 940
Frontier at $74.99/month for 1,000/1,000 Mbps versus Quantum Fiber at approximately $60-70/month for 940/940 Mbps. Pricing is competitive, with Quantum Fiber slightly cheaper. Performance is essentially identical at this tier since both use similar GPON technology. Equipment costs tip the value toward Frontier (free router vs $15/month rental), but Quantum Fiber's Price for Life guarantee and lower base rate are compelling counterpoints.
Top Tier: Frontier 2 Gig vs Quantum Fiber 8 Gig
Frontier maxes out at 2 Gbps for approximately $149.99/month. Quantum Fiber offers plans up to 8 Gbps in select markets, though at premium pricing. For users who need the absolute maximum residential bandwidth available, Quantum Fiber's multi-gig options are unmatched by Frontier or most other providers.
Key Differences That Matter Most
Brand Transition: CenturyLink to Quantum Fiber
CenturyLink is in the process of rebranding its fiber service as Quantum Fiber. This means you might see both names depending on your market and how far along the transition is. The underlying service is the same fiber-optic technology from Lumen Technologies. DSL service continues under the CenturyLink brand. Understanding this distinction is important: if you see "CenturyLink" in your area, verify whether fiber or DSL is available at your specific address, as the experience is vastly different.
Equipment and Installation
Frontier's included Wi-Fi 6 router adds tangible value, saving approximately $15/month versus Quantum Fiber's router rental. Both providers offer professional installation, with fiber installs typically requiring a 2-4 hour technician visit. Quantum Fiber has been rolling out enhanced Wi-Fi 6E gateway hardware in newer markets, which may provide slightly better wireless coverage in large homes.
Geographic Footprints
Frontier Fiber is concentrated in the Eastern US and specific Western markets (Texas, California, Florida, Connecticut, New York, etc.). CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber has stronger coverage in Western and Midwestern states (Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah, Oregon, Washington, etc.). There is relatively little overlap between the two, making this comparison most relevant for consumers in transition markets or researching which provider might expand to their area.
Coverage Comparison
CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber serves customers in 36 states, though fiber (Quantum Fiber) availability is concentrated in major metro areas within those states. Many CenturyLink addresses can only access DSL service. Frontier Fiber serves parts of 25 states with active fiber expansion. The providers overlap in some Midwestern and Western markets. To determine what is actually available at your specific address, call Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 to check fiber availability.
Check Frontier Fiber AvailabilityThe Bottom Line
Against CenturyLink DSL, Frontier Fiber wins overwhelmingly. Against Quantum Fiber, the comparison is much closer, with both delivering excellent fiber-optic internet. Frontier's advantages are included equipment and higher customer satisfaction scores. Quantum Fiber's strengths are lower entry pricing, Price for Life guarantee, and faster maximum speed tiers. Both are strong choices; your decision may come down to which is available at your address and whether you value monthly savings or included equipment more.
Check Frontier Fiber AvailabilityFrequently Asked Questions
Is CenturyLink the same as Quantum Fiber?
Quantum Fiber is CenturyLink's fiber-optic internet brand, both owned by Lumen Technologies. CenturyLink still provides DSL service in many areas, while Quantum Fiber is the name for their modern fiber-optic offering. If you see "CenturyLink" at your address, check whether you are getting DSL or fiber, as the performance difference is dramatic.
Does Quantum Fiber have data caps?
No. Quantum Fiber plans have no data caps. CenturyLink DSL plans may have a 1 TB data cap in some markets. Frontier Fiber also has no data caps on any plan, so both fiber options offer truly unlimited data.
What is Price for Life?
Quantum Fiber's Price for Life is a commitment that your monthly rate will not increase as long as you maintain the same service plan at the same address. This protects against annual price hikes that are common in the broadband industry. Frontier does not offer an equivalent guarantee, though their pricing has remained relatively stable.
Is Frontier Fiber faster than CenturyLink?
Against CenturyLink DSL, yes, dramatically so. Frontier Fiber offers 500-2,000 Mbps versus DSL's 10-100 Mbps. Against Quantum Fiber, the comparison is closer: Frontier offers up to 2 Gbps while Quantum Fiber offers up to 8 Gbps in select areas. At the standard gigabit tier, both deliver essentially identical performance.
Which has better customer service?
Frontier has higher ACSI customer satisfaction scores (73/100 vs 68/100). Frontier's focus on fiber-only service and recent customer experience investments have improved their reputation. CenturyLink's lower score is partly driven by DSL customers dealing with older infrastructure and service limitations.
Can I use my own router with Quantum Fiber or Frontier Fiber?
Yes, both providers allow you to use your own compatible router. Frontier includes a Wi-Fi 6 router at no charge, so there is little incentive to buy your own. Quantum Fiber charges $15/month for their gateway, so using your own router can save money. Ensure any purchased router supports the ONT configuration required by your fiber provider.
Learn more about Frontier at our Frontier Fiber provider hub or explore Frontier Fiber plan details and pricing.
Disclosure: Some of the links and phone numbers on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you click or call. This does not influence our editorial assessments or recommendations. Comparisons are based on publicly available plan data, independent surveys, and our editorial team's research. Pricing is current as of early 2026 and subject to change. Always verify pricing, speeds, and availability directly with the provider.