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

Quick Answer

CenturyLink offers both fiber (branded as Quantum Fiber in select areas) and DSL internet service in New York. 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 38% of New York addresses with DSL and 8% with fiber service. To check availability at your address and order service, call 1-855-228-8741.

CenturyLink Internet Plans Available in New York

CenturyLink offers several internet tiers in New York, 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 New York:

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 New York 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 New York: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and surrounding communities
Customer Service: 1-855-228-8741 (available 7 days a week)

CenturyLink Coverage and Availability in New York

CenturyLink's service footprint in New York spans 38% of addresses with at least DSL availability and 8% with Quantum Fiber. Coverage is concentrated in the state's population centers, with more limited availability in rural areas. The following New York cities have confirmed CenturyLink availability:

New York City - Fiber & DSL
Buffalo - Fiber & DSL
Rochester - DSL
Yonkers - DSL
Syracuse - Fiber & DSL
Albany - DSL
New Rochelle - DSL
Mount Vernon - DSL
Schenectady - DSL
Utica - DSL

New York is a massive but intensely competitive broadband market dominated by Verizon Fios, Spectrum, and Optimum. CenturyLink's residential footprint in New York is relatively limited, with coverage mainly in upstate cities like Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, plus scattered service in the New York City metro area. The state's financial services industry and media sector in Manhattan drive enormous enterprise demand. Upstate New York's smaller cities offer better competitive positioning for CenturyLink.

New York's upstate cities, particularly Syracuse and Rochester, offer CenturyLink a more favorable competitive environment than the NYC metro, with less fiber competition and strong demand from universities and healthcare systems.

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 New York 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 New York

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

Fiber Performance in New York

Quantum Fiber availability in New York is currently limited, covering only about 8% of CenturyLink's service area. Where it exists, primarily in parts of New York City, performance is strong with typical speeds reaching 90-95% of plan maximums.

DSL Reality Check

Most CenturyLink customers in New York rely on DSL connections. The Simply Unlimited plan advertises up to 100 Mbps, but real-world performance varies based on infrastructure age and distance from CenturyLink equipment. Many New York DSL customers report speeds between 30 and 80 Mbps, which is adequate for basic streaming and web browsing but may struggle with multiple simultaneous high-definition streams.

A practical tip for New York 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 New York

CenturyLink's pricing structure in New York 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 New York is straightforward and transparent. The price-for-life guarantee is particularly valuable in a market where Spectrum 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 New York. While 100 Mbps DSL may not match the raw speed of cable alternatives from Spectrum, 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, New York 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 New York address, call 1-855-228-8741.

Local Insights: CenturyLink in the New York Market

CenturyLink faces significant competitive pressure in New York from providers like Spectrum that offer faster cable or fiber speeds in many areas. However, CenturyLink's price-for-life guarantee and no-contract policy give it a distinct advantage for price-sensitive New York customers who prioritize long-term cost stability over maximum raw speed. For basic internet needs including streaming, email, and web browsing, CenturyLink's DSL service remains a viable and affordable option.

For New York 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 New York neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink in New York

Is CenturyLink available in New York?

Yes, CenturyLink provides internet service across portions of New York. DSL service covers approximately 38% of addresses statewide, while Quantum Fiber is available to roughly 8% of New York locations, primarily in New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse 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 New York?

For most New York 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 New York City, 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 New York?

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 New York, fiber is available in approximately 8% of the service area, primarily in New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse. DSL reaches a broader 38% 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 New York?

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 New York. There are no promotional periods that expire after 12 or 24 months, which is a significant differentiator from competitors like Spectrum that typically increase rates after an introductory period. The price-for-life guarantee is one of the most consumer-friendly pricing models in the New York broadband market.

How long does CenturyLink installation take in New York?

CenturyLink installation in New York 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 New York City and Buffalo, appointment slots may fill up more quickly. Schedule your installation by calling 1-855-228-8741 to get the earliest available date.

Will CenturyLink bring fiber to more areas of New York?

CenturyLink's fiber deployment in New York currently covers approximately 8% of the service area, primarily in New York City and Buffalo. While Lumen Technologies has not published a specific timeline for fiber expansion across all of New York, the company has indicated that investment decisions are driven by market demand, competitive dynamics, and return on infrastructure spending. Federal broadband subsidy programs such as BEAD may also influence future fiber deployment in underserved New York communities. Check current availability by calling 1-855-228-8741.

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

CenturyLink has shifted its focus primarily to internet service and no longer actively markets traditional TV bundles in most New York 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 New York 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 New York. 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 New York, contact our editorial team or call 1-855-228-8741 for direct provider assistance.