CenturyLink Internet in Wisconsin: Plans, Pricing & Coverage (2026)
Quick Answer
CenturyLink offers both fiber (branded as Quantum Fiber in select areas) and DSL internet service in Wisconsin. 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 60% of Wisconsin addresses with DSL and 16% with fiber service. To check availability at your address and order service, call 1-855-228-8741.
CenturyLink Internet Plans Available in Wisconsin
CenturyLink offers several internet tiers in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin:
| 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha, Oshkosh, and surrounding communities
- Customer Service: 1-855-228-8741 (available 7 days a week)
CenturyLink Coverage and Availability in Wisconsin
CenturyLink's service footprint in Wisconsin spans 60% of addresses with at least DSL availability and 16% with Quantum Fiber. Coverage is concentrated in the state's population centers, with more limited availability in rural areas. The following Wisconsin cities have confirmed CenturyLink availability:
- Milwaukee - Fiber & DSL
- Madison - Fiber & DSL
- Green Bay - Fiber & DSL
- Kenosha - DSL
- Racine - DSL
- Appleton - DSL
- Waukesha - DSL
- Oshkosh - DSL
- Eau Claire - DSL
- Janesville - DSL
Wisconsin is a moderate-sized CenturyLink market with presence in Milwaukee, Madison, and several mid-size cities. AT&T, Spectrum, and TDS Telecom are other major providers. Madison's position as both the state capital and a major university town drives strong broadband demand, particularly from the tech startup ecosystem that has grown around the University of Wisconsin. Milwaukee's manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting smart factory technologies requiring robust connectivity.
Wisconsin's dairy and agricultural sector is at the forefront of precision farming adoption, with GPS-guided equipment and IoT sensors creating rural broadband demand that extends CenturyLink's relevance beyond urban and suburban service areas.
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Understanding real-world internet speeds versus advertised maximums is critical when choosing a plan. CenturyLink's speed performance in Wisconsin depends primarily on whether your address receives fiber or DSL service.
Fiber Performance in Wisconsin
CenturyLink's fiber footprint in Wisconsin is growing but still limited to select areas, primarily in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay. 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 Wisconsin are on DSL connections, where performance depends heavily on the distance between your home and the nearest network node. In Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
CenturyLink's pricing structure in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin address, call 1-855-228-8741.
Local Insights: CenturyLink in the Wisconsin Market
CenturyLink occupies a mid-tier position in Wisconsin's broadband market. Where Quantum Fiber is available, the company competes effectively against Spectrum 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 Wisconsin appears focused on retaining existing customers through competitive pricing while gradually expanding fiber to justify continued investment.
For Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About CenturyLink in Wisconsin
Is CenturyLink available in Wisconsin?
Yes, CenturyLink provides internet service across portions of Wisconsin. DSL service covers approximately 60% of addresses statewide, while Quantum Fiber is available to roughly 16% of Wisconsin locations, primarily in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay 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 Wisconsin?
For most Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee, 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin, fiber is available in approximately 16% of the service area, primarily in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay. DSL reaches a broader 60% 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin broadband market.
How long does CenturyLink installation take in Wisconsin?
CenturyLink installation in Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee and Madison, 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 Wisconsin?
CenturyLink, through its Quantum Fiber brand, has been gradually expanding its fiber-to-the-home network in Wisconsin. Currently, fiber reaches approximately 16% of the company's Wisconsin service area, concentrated in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay. Lumen Technologies has indicated that fiber expansion will continue in markets where demand and infrastructure economics justify the investment. New housing developments in growing Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
CenturyLink has shifted its focus primarily to internet service and no longer actively markets traditional TV bundles in most Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin address.
Related Resources
- CenturyLink Provider Overview
- All Internet Providers in Wisconsin
- CenturyLink Internet in Minnesota
- CenturyLink Internet in Iowa
- CenturyLink Internet in Illinois
- 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 Wisconsin. 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.