CenturyLink Internet in North Carolina: Plans, Pricing & Coverage (2026)
Quick Answer
CenturyLink offers both fiber (branded as Quantum Fiber in select areas) and DSL internet service in North Carolina. 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 50% of North Carolina addresses with DSL and 14% with fiber service. To check availability at your address and order service, call 1-855-228-8741.
CenturyLink Internet Plans Available in North Carolina
CenturyLink offers several internet tiers in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina:
| 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, and surrounding communities
- Customer Service: 1-855-228-8741 (available 7 days a week)
CenturyLink Coverage and Availability in North Carolina
CenturyLink's service footprint in North Carolina spans 50% of addresses with at least DSL availability and 14% with Quantum Fiber. Coverage is concentrated in the state's population centers, with more limited availability in rural areas. The following North Carolina cities have confirmed CenturyLink availability:
- Charlotte - Fiber & DSL
- Raleigh - Fiber & DSL
- Greensboro - DSL
- Durham - Fiber & DSL
- Winston-Salem - DSL
- Fayetteville - DSL
- Cary - DSL
- Wilmington - DSL
- High Point - DSL
- Asheville - DSL
North Carolina's fast-growing Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and Charlotte metro create strong broadband demand. CenturyLink competes with AT&T, Spectrum, and Google Fiber in the state. The Research Triangle's concentration of tech companies, universities, and healthcare systems drives premium connectivity needs. Charlotte's financial sector, as the nation's second-largest banking center, also fuels enterprise demand.
North Carolina's Research Triangle has become one of the most fiber-competitive markets in the Southeast, with Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and CenturyLink all vying for tech-savvy customers who expect gigabit speeds as a baseline.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Understanding real-world internet speeds versus advertised maximums is critical when choosing a plan. CenturyLink's speed performance in North Carolina depends primarily on whether your address receives fiber or DSL service.
Fiber Performance in North Carolina
CenturyLink's fiber footprint in North Carolina is growing but still limited to select areas, primarily in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham. 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 North Carolina are on DSL connections, where performance depends heavily on the distance between your home and the nearest network node. In North Carolina'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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina
CenturyLink's pricing structure in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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, North Carolina 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 North Carolina address, call 1-855-228-8741.
Local Insights: CenturyLink in the North Carolina Market
CenturyLink faces significant competitive pressure in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink in North Carolina
Is CenturyLink available in North Carolina?
Yes, CenturyLink provides internet service across portions of North Carolina. DSL service covers approximately 50% of addresses statewide, while Quantum Fiber is available to roughly 14% of North Carolina locations, primarily in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham 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 North Carolina?
For most North Carolina 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 Charlotte, 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina, fiber is available in approximately 14% of the service area, primarily in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham. DSL reaches a broader 50% 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina broadband market.
How long does CenturyLink installation take in North Carolina?
CenturyLink installation in North Carolina 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 Charlotte and Raleigh, 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 North Carolina?
CenturyLink, through its Quantum Fiber brand, has been gradually expanding its fiber-to-the-home network in North Carolina. Currently, fiber reaches approximately 14% of the company's North Carolina service area, concentrated in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham. Lumen Technologies has indicated that fiber expansion will continue in markets where demand and infrastructure economics justify the investment. New housing developments in growing North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
CenturyLink has shifted its focus primarily to internet service and no longer actively markets traditional TV bundles in most North Carolina 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 North Carolina address.
Related Resources
- CenturyLink Provider Overview
- All Internet Providers in North Carolina
- CenturyLink Internet in Virginia
- CenturyLink Internet in Tennessee
- CenturyLink Internet in Georgia
- 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 North Carolina. 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.