CenturyLink Internet in Iowa: Plans, Pricing & Coverage (2026)

Quick Answer

CenturyLink offers both fiber (branded as Quantum Fiber in select areas) and DSL internet service in Iowa. Fiber plans deliver speeds from 200 Mbps to 2 Gig with a price-for-life guarantee, while DSL is available in areas where fiber has not yet been deployed. CenturyLink covers approximately 62% of Iowa addresses with DSL and 15% with fiber service. To check availability at your address and order service, call 1-855-228-8741.

CenturyLink Internet Plans Available in Iowa

CenturyLink offers several internet tiers in Iowa, though not all plans are available at every address. Fiber plans are limited to areas where CenturyLink has deployed its Quantum Fiber network, while the Simply Unlimited DSL plan is more widely available. Here is a breakdown of current CenturyLink plans you may find in Iowa:

Plan	Technology	Download Speed	Upload Speed	Monthly Price	Contract
Simply Unlimited	DSL	100 Mbps	10 Mbps	$50/mo	None
Fiber 200	Fiber	200 Mbps	200 Mbps	$50/mo	None
Fiber 500	Fiber	500 Mbps	500 Mbps	$60/mo	None
Fiber 940	Fiber	940 Mbps	940 Mbps	$65/mo	None
Fiber 2 Gig	Fiber	2,000 Mbps	2,000 Mbps	$110/mo	None

To verify which plans are available at your specific Iowa address and to order service, call CenturyLink at 1-855-228-8741. A representative can confirm fiber or DSL availability and help you select the right plan for your household.

CenturyLink Provider Overview

Parent Company: Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN)
Fiber Brand: Quantum Fiber
Technologies: Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and DSL
Contract Required: No contracts on any residential plan
Price Lock: Price-for-life guarantee on qualifying plans
Equipment: Modem/router included (or bring your own)
Data Caps: No data caps on fiber plans; 1.25 TB on DSL
Service Area in Iowa: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, Ames, West Des Moines, and surrounding communities
Customer Service: 1-855-228-8741 (available 7 days a week)

CenturyLink Coverage and Availability in Iowa

CenturyLink's service footprint in Iowa spans 62% of addresses with at least DSL availability and 15% with Quantum Fiber. Coverage is concentrated in the state's population centers, with more limited availability in rural areas. The following Iowa cities have confirmed CenturyLink availability:

Des Moines - Fiber & DSL
Cedar Rapids - Fiber & DSL
Davenport - DSL
Sioux City - DSL
Iowa City - DSL
Waterloo - DSL
Ames - DSL
West Des Moines - DSL
Council Bluffs - DSL
Ankeny - DSL

Iowa is a significant CenturyLink market with strong coverage in the Des Moines metro area and Cedar Rapids. The state benefits from a legacy of relatively well-maintained telephone infrastructure. Iowa's position as a data center hub, particularly in the Des Moines metro where Microsoft, Facebook, and Google have built massive facilities, has driven infrastructure investment. Rural Iowa has benefited from state broadband grants that have helped extend coverage beyond urban cores.

Iowa's emergence as a premier data center location, with major facilities from Microsoft and Google in the Des Moines suburbs, has created a spillover effect that benefits residential broadband infrastructure throughout the metro.

Coverage can vary block by block, especially in areas where fiber deployment is still in progress. The best way to confirm whether CenturyLink serves your specific Iowa address is to call 1-855-228-8741 and have your full street address ready. A representative can tell you exactly which plans and speeds are available.

Speed Analysis: CenturyLink Performance in Iowa

Understanding real-world internet speeds versus advertised maximums is critical when choosing a plan. CenturyLink's speed performance in Iowa depends primarily on whether your address receives fiber or DSL service.

Fiber Performance in Iowa

CenturyLink's fiber footprint in Iowa is growing but still limited to select areas, primarily in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids. Where Quantum Fiber is available, speed performance is excellent, with most customers seeing 90-98% of their plan's advertised speed. The symmetrical upload speeds on fiber plans are a major advantage over cable competitors.

DSL Reality Check

The majority of CenturyLink customers in Iowa are on DSL connections, where performance depends heavily on the distance between your home and the nearest network node. In Iowa's denser urban areas, DSL speeds tend to be more consistent, while suburban and semi-rural locations may experience more variability.

A practical tip for Iowa customers: before committing to a CenturyLink plan, ask the sales representative at 1-855-228-8741 what the expected speed range is for your specific address. CenturyLink's system can estimate performance based on your location relative to their network infrastructure. If the estimated speed on DSL is below 50 Mbps, consider whether a competitor's cable or fixed wireless service might better meet your needs, or whether waiting for Quantum Fiber expansion to your area is worthwhile.

CenturyLink Pricing and Value in Iowa

CenturyLink's pricing structure in Iowa is built around simplicity and long-term value. All plans are available without contracts, and the price-for-life guarantee ensures your monthly rate stays the same as long as you maintain service.

CenturyLink's pricing in Iowa is straightforward and transparent. The price-for-life guarantee is particularly valuable in a market where Mediacom and other competitors are known for raising rates after 12-month promotional periods. Over a three-year period, CenturyLink's locked rate can result in savings of $300 to $600 compared to competitors whose prices increase annually.

The Simply Unlimited DSL plan at $50 per month is the most widely available CenturyLink option in Iowa. While 100 Mbps DSL may not match the raw speed of cable alternatives from Mediacom, the guaranteed price and no-contract terms offer genuine value for budget-conscious households.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

While CenturyLink's base pricing is transparent, Iowa customers should be aware of potential additional costs. Equipment rental for the modem/router is typically included in the monthly price, but premium Wi-Fi mesh extenders may carry an additional fee. Installation can be free during promotional periods or up to $99 for standard professional installation. CenturyLink does not charge early termination fees since there are no contracts, which is a significant advantage if you move or decide to switch providers. For a complete price breakdown for your Iowa address, call 1-855-228-8741.

Local Insights: CenturyLink in the Iowa Market

CenturyLink occupies a mid-tier position in Iowa's broadband market. Where Quantum Fiber is available, the company competes effectively against Mediacom and other providers. In DSL-only areas, CenturyLink faces a tougher competitive challenge, as cable providers can often deliver faster speeds. The company's strategy in Iowa appears focused on retaining existing customers through competitive pricing while gradually expanding fiber to justify continued investment.

For Iowa residents considering CenturyLink, the decision often comes down to whether fiber or DSL is available at your address. Fiber customers generally report high satisfaction with speed, reliability, and pricing. DSL customers tend to be satisfied with the price-for-life guarantee but occasionally express frustration with speeds that fall short of the 100 Mbps maximum. Checking your specific address availability by calling 1-855-228-8741 is the essential first step before comparing CenturyLink against alternatives in your Iowa neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink in Iowa

Is CenturyLink available in Iowa?

Yes, CenturyLink provides internet service across portions of Iowa. DSL service covers approximately 62% of addresses statewide, while Quantum Fiber is available to roughly 15% of Iowa locations, primarily in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. Coverage varies significantly by address, so the most reliable way to check is to call 1-855-228-8741 and provide your specific street address and ZIP code.

What is the best CenturyLink plan in Iowa?

For most Iowa households, the Simply Unlimited DSL plan at $50 per month provides adequate speed for streaming, browsing, and basic video calls. If you are fortunate enough to be in a Quantum Fiber zone such as parts of Des Moines, the Fiber 200 plan at $50 per month delivers significantly better performance at the same price point. For households with four or more people who stream on multiple devices simultaneously, consider the Fiber 940 plan at $65 per month if available. Call 1-855-228-8741 to discuss which plan fits your usage patterns.

What is the difference between CenturyLink Fiber and DSL in Iowa?

CenturyLink Fiber (marketed as Quantum Fiber) delivers internet through fiber-optic cables directly to your home, offering symmetrical speeds up to 2 Gbps with no data caps. DSL uses existing copper telephone lines and tops out at 100 Mbps with a 1.25 TB monthly data allowance. In Iowa, fiber is available in approximately 15% of the service area, primarily in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids. DSL reaches a broader 62% of addresses. If both are available at your location, fiber is the clearly superior choice for speed, reliability, and long-term value.

Does CenturyLink really offer a price-for-life guarantee in Iowa?

Yes, CenturyLink's price-for-life guarantee means that the monthly rate you are quoted when you sign up is the rate you will continue to pay for as long as you maintain that same plan and service at the same address. This applies to both fiber and DSL plans in Iowa. There are no promotional periods that expire after 12 or 24 months, which is a significant differentiator from competitors like Mediacom that typically increase rates after an introductory period. The price-for-life guarantee is one of the most consumer-friendly pricing models in the Iowa broadband market.

How long does CenturyLink installation take in Iowa?

CenturyLink installation in Iowa typically takes between three and seven business days from the time you place your order, depending on technician availability in your area. For fiber installations, a technician will need to visit your home to connect the fiber-optic line, which usually takes two to four hours. DSL installations may be self-installable if your home already has an active phone line. In high-demand areas like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, appointment slots may fill up more quickly. Schedule your installation by calling 1-855-228-8741 to get the earliest available date.

Is CenturyLink expanding fiber in Iowa?

CenturyLink, through its Quantum Fiber brand, has been gradually expanding its fiber-to-the-home network in Iowa. Currently, fiber reaches approximately 15% of the company's Iowa service area, concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids. Lumen Technologies has indicated that fiber expansion will continue in markets where demand and infrastructure economics justify the investment. New housing developments in growing Iowa communities may also see fiber deployed as part of initial construction. For the latest on fiber availability at your address, call 1-855-228-8741.

Can I bundle CenturyLink internet with TV or phone service in Iowa?

CenturyLink has shifted its focus primarily to internet service and no longer actively markets traditional TV bundles in most Iowa markets. However, you can add a home phone line to your internet plan for an additional monthly fee. For television, CenturyLink often partners with DirecTV Stream or other streaming services, offering promotional deals when you sign up for internet. Contact CenturyLink at 1-855-228-8741 to ask about current bundle offers or promotions available at your Iowa address.

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Disclosure

InternetProviders.ai may earn compensation through affiliate links and phone referrals displayed on this page. This does not influence our editorial content or provider rankings. Pricing, plans, and availability are current as of February 2026 and may vary by address within Iowa. CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber, and Lumen are trademarks of Lumen Technologies, Inc. We recommend verifying plan details directly with CenturyLink by calling 1-855-228-8741 before making a purchase decision. Speed performance may vary based on factors including network congestion, equipment capability, and distance from the nearest node.

About the Author

Pablo Mendoza is the founder and lead analyst at InternetProviders.ai, where he has covered the broadband industry since 2023. Pablo specializes in analyzing ISP coverage data, pricing trends, and service quality metrics to help consumers make informed internet purchasing decisions. His work has been cited by consumer advocacy organizations and state broadband offices. For questions about CenturyLink service in Iowa, contact our editorial team or call 1-855-228-8741 for direct provider assistance.