CenturyLink Internet in Maryland: Plans, Pricing & Coverage (2026)
Quick Answer
CenturyLink offers both fiber (branded as Quantum Fiber in select areas) and DSL internet service in Maryland. 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 40% of Maryland 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 Maryland
CenturyLink offers several internet tiers in Maryland, 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 Maryland:
| 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 Maryland 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 Maryland: Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Hagerstown, Annapolis, College Park, and surrounding communities
- Customer Service: 1-855-228-8741 (available 7 days a week)
CenturyLink Coverage and Availability in Maryland
CenturyLink's service footprint in Maryland spans 40% 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 Maryland cities have confirmed CenturyLink availability:
- Baltimore - Fiber & DSL
- Frederick - DSL
- Rockville - DSL
- Gaithersburg - DSL
- Bowie - DSL
- Hagerstown - DSL
- Annapolis - DSL
- College Park - DSL
- Salisbury - DSL
- Laurel - DSL
Maryland's broadband market is dominated by Comcast/Xfinity and Verizon Fios, with CenturyLink holding a smaller but established position. CenturyLink's service areas in Maryland include portions of the Baltimore metro and some suburban Washington D.C. communities. The state's high concentration of federal employees, military installations (Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground), and defense contractors drives premium broadband demand.
Maryland's role as home to the NSA, Cyber Command at Fort Meade, and the Aberdeen Proving Ground creates a corridor of cybersecurity and defense technology firms that rely on enterprise-grade connectivity from providers like CenturyLink's Lumen division.
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 Maryland 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 Maryland
Understanding real-world internet speeds versus advertised maximums is critical when choosing a plan. CenturyLink's speed performance in Maryland depends primarily on whether your address receives fiber or DSL service.
Fiber Performance in Maryland
Quantum Fiber availability in Maryland is currently limited, covering only about 8% of CenturyLink's service area. Where it exists, primarily in parts of Baltimore, performance is strong with typical speeds reaching 90-95% of plan maximums.
DSL Reality Check
Most CenturyLink customers in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland
CenturyLink's pricing structure in Maryland 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 Maryland is straightforward and transparent. The price-for-life guarantee is particularly valuable in a market where Comcast/Xfinity 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 Maryland. While 100 Mbps DSL may not match the raw speed of cable alternatives from Comcast/Xfinity, 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, Maryland 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 Maryland address, call 1-855-228-8741.
Local Insights: CenturyLink in the Maryland Market
CenturyLink faces significant competitive pressure in Maryland from providers like Comcast/Xfinity 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink in Maryland
Is CenturyLink available in Maryland?
Yes, CenturyLink provides internet service across portions of Maryland. DSL service covers approximately 40% of addresses statewide, while Quantum Fiber is available to roughly 8% of Maryland locations, primarily in Baltimore 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 Maryland?
For most Maryland 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 Baltimore, 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland, fiber is available in approximately 8% of the service area, primarily in Baltimore. DSL reaches a broader 40% 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland. There are no promotional periods that expire after 12 or 24 months, which is a significant differentiator from competitors like Comcast/Xfinity that typically increase rates after an introductory period. The price-for-life guarantee is one of the most consumer-friendly pricing models in the Maryland broadband market.
How long does CenturyLink installation take in Maryland?
CenturyLink installation in Maryland 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 Baltimore and Frederick, 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 Maryland?
CenturyLink's fiber deployment in Maryland currently covers approximately 8% of the service area, primarily in Baltimore. While Lumen Technologies has not published a specific timeline for fiber expansion across all of Maryland, 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 Maryland communities. Check current availability by calling 1-855-228-8741.
Can I bundle CenturyLink internet with TV or phone service in Maryland?
CenturyLink has shifted its focus primarily to internet service and no longer actively markets traditional TV bundles in most Maryland 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 Maryland address.
Related Resources
- CenturyLink Provider Overview
- All Internet Providers in Maryland
- CenturyLink Internet in Pennsylvania
- CenturyLink Internet in Delaware
- CenturyLink Internet in West Virginia
- CenturyLink vs. AT&T Comparison
- Fiber vs. DSL: Which Is Better?
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 Maryland. 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.