Brightspeed Internet in Texas
Brightspeed is a telecommunications company that acquired CenturyLink's (now Lumen Technologies) consumer operations in 20 states across the Midwest and Southeast in October 2022. In Texas, Brightspeed provides both DSL and fiber internet service to residential and small business customers. The company inherited an extensive copper-wire DSL network. Has committed to an aggressive fiber-optic buildout program, investing over $2 billion to bring fiber internet to millions of households by 2026.
For Texas residents in Brightspeed's service territory, fiber plans deliver symmetrical download. Upload speeds up to 940 Mbps, making them competitive with major national providers. Where fiber has not yet been deployed, Brightspeed continues to maintain DSL service with speeds up to 100 Mbps, though many addresses currently receive 20 to 80 Mbps depending on distance from the nearest central office. The transition from legacy CenturyLink infrastructure to Brightspeed's modernized network is ongoing throughout Texas.
Brightspeed Plans & Pricing in Texas
Brightspeed offers a straightforward lineup of internet plans in Texas, differentiated primarily by the technology available at your address. Fiber plans deliver faster, more reliable service at competitive prices, while DSL plans provide affordable connectivity where fiber construction has not yet reached. No annual contracts are required on any Brightspeed plan, giving customers the flexibility to change or cancel without early termination fees.
| Plan | Technology | Monthly Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightspeed Internet | DSL | $50/mo | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps |
| Brightspeed Fiber 500 | Fiber | $50/mo | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
| Brightspeed Fiber 1 Gig | Fiber | $60/mo | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps |
| Brightspeed Fiber 2 Gig | Fiber | $70/mo | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps |
All Brightspeed plans include unlimited data with no usage caps or throttling. Equipment is available for lease at $10 per month, or customers can use their own compatible router. Brightspeed occasionally offers promotional pricing including the first month free or waived installation fees for new fiber customers in Texas. The fiber plans include a Wi-Fi 6 router that supports the latest wireless standards for better whole-home coverage.
Brightspeed Coverage in Texas
Brightspeed's coverage in Texas is concentrated in areas that were formerly served by CenturyLink's consumer broadband division. This includes both urban and suburban neighborhoods as well as many smaller towns and rural communities. The company's fiber expansion program is prioritizing markets in Texas where demand for high-speed internet is greatest. Where existing DSL infrastructure is most in need of replacement.
Approximately 15% of Texas's population lives in rural areas, and Brightspeed's ongoing fiber buildout aims to bring modern broadband to many of these underserved communities. However, fiber availability varies significantly by address. Residents in Texas's larger cities and suburbs within Brightspeed's territory are most likely to have fiber available today. While customers in more remote areas may still be limited to DSL service until the fiber expansion reaches their neighborhood. You can check your specific address for Brightspeed availability using the tools linked at the bottom of this page.
Installation & Equipment
Brightspeed offers both professional installation and self-installation options for Texas customers, depending on the service type. For new fiber connections, a professional technician visit is typically required to install the fiber-optic terminal (ONT) at your home and activate the service. This installation is often included free of charge for new customers during promotional periods and usually takes one to two hours.
For DSL service, many Texas customers can opt for a self-install kit that includes a modem, router, cables, and step-by-step instructions. The kit ships to your address and most customers can complete the setup in 30 minutes or less. Brightspeed's support team is available by phone to assist with any issues during the self-installation process.
The standard fiber equipment includes a Wi-Fi 6 gateway that combines the modem. Router into a single device, delivering strong wireless coverage for homes up to approximately 2,000 square feet. For larger homes, Brightspeed offers mesh Wi-Fi extenders as an add-on to eliminate dead zones. All equipment comes with a 12-month warranty and can be replaced at no additional charge if it malfunctions during the lease period.
Brightspeed vs. Other Internet Providers in Texas
In Texas, Brightspeed competes with several other internet service providers depending on the specific area. Cable providers like Spectrum, Xfinity. Cox often serve overlapping territories, typically offering download speeds of 200 to 1,200 Mbps at prices ranging from $50 to $100 per month. Brightspeed's fiber plans are highly competitive on price, often undercutting cable competitors while delivering symmetrical speeds that cable cannot match.
Compared to AT&T Fiber, which also serves portions of Texas, Brightspeed offers similar speeds at comparable price points. The key differentiator is availability: Brightspeed fiber. AT&T Fiber rarely overlap in the same neighborhoods, so most Texas residents will only have access to one fiber provider. For addresses still limited to Brightspeed DSL, the service faces stiffer competition from cable providers that can deliver significantly faster speeds over their existing coaxial networks.
For rural Texas residents outside both Brightspeed's. Cable providers' service areas, satellite internet from Starlink (50-220 Mbps, $120/mo) or fixed wireless from T-Mobile 5G Home Internet (33-245 Mbps, $50/mo) may be available alternatives. While these wireless options cannot match fiber's reliability. Symmetrical speeds, they can provide a meaningful upgrade over Brightspeed DSL in areas where fiber deployment has not yet arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brightspeed available in Texas?
Yes, Brightspeed provides internet service in portions of Texas that were formerly part of CenturyLink's consumer broadband territory. Availability varies by address: some locations can get fiber internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps, while others are currently limited to DSL service. Check your specific address using the availability tools linked below to see which plans are offered at your location.
How fast is Brightspeed internet in Texas?
Brightspeed fiber delivers download and upload speeds up to 940 Mbps (1 Gig plan) or 2,000 Mbps (2 Gig plan) in Texas. DSL service provides download speeds up to 100 Mbps, though actual speeds depend on your distance from the nearest central office. Most DSL customers experience speeds between 20 and 80 Mbps. Fiber speeds are symmetrical, meaning upload speeds match download speeds.
Does Brightspeed require a contract?
No, Brightspeed does not require annual contracts on any of its internet plans in Texas. All plans are month-to-month, and you can cancel at any time without paying an early termination fee. This applies to both fiber and DSL service. Equipment lease fees stop when you return the hardware.
Is Brightspeed the same as CenturyLink?
Brightspeed acquired CenturyLink's consumer internet operations in 20 states, including Texas, in October 2022. While the network infrastructure is largely the same, Brightspeed is a separate company with its own branding, customer service, and fiber expansion plans. Existing CenturyLink customers in Texas were automatically transitioned to Brightspeed billing and support.
Cities Served by Brightspeed in Texas
Brightspeed serves residents across 50+ communities in Texas. The following are among the largest cities in the state where Brightspeed coverage is available:
- Houston, TX (pop. 2.3M)
- San Antonio, TX (pop. 1.4M)
- Dallas, TX (pop. 1.3M)
- Austin, TX (pop. 974K)
- Fort Worth, TX (pop. 919K)
- El Paso, TX (pop. 679K)
- Arlington, TX (pop. 388K)
- Corpus Christi, TX (pop. 318K)
- Plano, TX (pop. 284K)
- Lubbock, TX (pop. 257K)
- Irving, TX (pop. 257K)
- Laredo, TX (pop. 256K)
Coverage availability varies by address within each city. Use our availability checker to confirm Brightspeed service at your specific location in Texas.
Brightspeed Coverage Details in Texas
Texas has the second-largest broadband market in the U.S. with massive geographic diversity. Here is how Brightspeed's network technology and coverage break down across the state.
Technology breakdown in Texas:
Brightspeed continues expanding its fiber network across Texas as part of its multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment program launched after acquiring CenturyLink's consumer operations in 2022.
How Brightspeed Compares in Texas
In Texas, Brightspeed's primary competition comes from HughesNet (Satellite) and Starlink. Where Brightspeed fiber is available, it competes directly on speed and price with cable and fiber alternatives. In DSL-only areas, customers may find faster speeds from cable or fixed wireless competitors, though Brightspeed's no-contract policy and fiber expansion roadmap remain differentiators.
| Provider | Technology | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | Satellite | Up to 100% in served areas |
| Starlink | Satellite | Up to 100% in served areas |
| Viasat | Satellite | Up to 100% in served areas |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | Up to 76% in served areas |
Provider availability and coverage vary by address. Compare plans for your location using our availability checker.
The Texas Broadband Landscape
Texas's broadband market includes approximately 16 major providers competing across the state's metro and rural areas. With a combined urban population of 14.2M across tracked cities, Texas represents a significant market where Brightspeed's fiber expansion investment directly addresses growing demand for high-speed symmetrical internet. The transition from legacy CenturyLink DSL to Brightspeed fiber is reshaping the competitive landscape in communities across Texas.
For a complete overview of all internet options in Texas, including current pricing and availability by city, visit our Texas Internet Providers guide.
Brightspeed Fiber Buildout Progress in Texas
Since acquiring CenturyLink's consumer operations in October 2022, Brightspeed has committed over $2 billion to building a modern fiber-optic network across its 20-state footprint. Texas is part of this ambitious buildout program that aims to bring gigabit-capable fiber internet to millions of households by 2026.
Texas's vast geography makes statewide fiber deployment a long-term effort. Brightspeed is focusing on mid-size metro areas and suburban communities in East and Central Texas where it inherited CenturyLink subscribers. The state's deregulated utility market provides flexibility in construction approaches.
To check whether Brightspeed fiber has reached your Texas address, enter your location on the Brightspeed availability page. Even if fiber is not yet available, Brightspeed's DSL service continues to operate, and fiber construction may be scheduled for your area in upcoming deployment phases.
Installation & Equipment in Texas
Brightspeed offers both professional installation and self-installation options for Texas customers, depending on the service type and your address.
- Fiber installation — New fiber connections in Texas require professional installation to run the fiber-optic line to your home and install the Optical Network Terminal (ONT). Installation is typically scheduled within 5-10 business days of ordering and takes 2-4 hours. There is no installation fee for standard fiber setups.
- DSL self-install — For DSL service, Brightspeed ships a self-install kit to your Texas address. The kit includes a modem/router, Ethernet cable, and phone-line filters. Most customers complete setup in under 30 minutes following the included instructions or Brightspeed app guidance.
- Equipment options — Brightspeed charges $10 per month to lease their WiFi router. Texas customers can also use their own compatible router to avoid the monthly fee. Fiber customers need the Brightspeed-provided ONT regardless of router choice.
Brightspeed's Texas customer support is available by phone and online chat for installation assistance and ongoing technical troubleshooting.
Brightspeed in Texas: Additional FAQs
When will Brightspeed fiber be available in my Texas neighborhood?
Brightspeed is rolling out fiber across Texas as part of its $2+ billion infrastructure investment. Fiber buildout priorities are based on population density, existing infrastructure condition, and permitting timelines. Check your address on Brightspeed's website for the latest availability. Cities like Houston and San Antonio are among the priority deployment areas.
Can I keep my CenturyLink email after switching to Brightspeed in Texas?
Yes. When CenturyLink's Texas consumer operations transitioned to Brightspeed, existing email addresses were preserved. Brightspeed continues to support CenturyLink email accounts for customers in Texas. You can access your email through Brightspeed's customer portal.
What is the cheapest Brightspeed plan in Texas?
Brightspeed's most affordable plan in Texas starts at $50 per month for DSL internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps. The Fiber 500 plan is also priced at $50 per month and offers 500 Mbps symmetrical speeds where fiber is available, making it the best value for Texas customers in fiber-served areas.
Does Brightspeed offer bundle deals in Texas?
Brightspeed focuses exclusively on internet service in Texas and does not currently offer TV or phone bundles. However, this means no forced bundle pricing — you pay only for internet. Brightspeed occasionally runs promotions including the first month free for new Texas customers.
Related Internet Resources
Tips for Choosing Brightspeed in Texas
Selecting the right internet plan takes more than comparing prices. Here are practical tips for Texas residents considering Brightspeed:
- Verify address-level availability. Brightspeed fiber coverage in Texas can vary block by block. Even if your neighborhood is listed as covered, enter your exact address on Brightspeed's website to confirm service before canceling another provider.
- Choose the right speed tier. Fiber plans often range from 300 Mbps to multi-gigabit speeds. A household with 1-3 people streaming in HD typically needs 300-500 Mbps, while remote workers with large file transfers or households with 5+ devices benefit from gigabit service.
- Ask about installation timelines. Fiber installation in Texas may require running new lines to your home, which can take several weeks depending on your area. Schedule early and ask whether any construction or permit work is needed for your address.
- Lock in promotional pricing. Many Brightspeed fiber plans in Texas include introductory rates. Note when the promotion ends and what the standard rate will be, so you can budget accordingly or negotiate when the time comes.
Sources & Methodology
Coverage data, plan details, and pricing are compiled from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings, provider-published broadband nutrition labels, and U.S. Census Bureau demographic data including population and median household income figures from the American Community Survey. Pricing, speeds, and availability are verified against provider broadband nutrition labels and may vary by location. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.
Data Sources
- FCC Broadband Data Collection
- U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
- USAC Universal Service Fund
- NTIA Internet Use Survey
Last verified: March 2026. InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links — this does not affect our editorial recommendations. See our methodology for details.


