CenturyLink vs Starry: Which Internet Provider Is Better in 2025?

Choosing the right internet provider is one of the most important household decisions you will make. A fast, reliable connection powers everything from remote work and online education to streaming entertainment and smart home devices. In this comprehensive comparison, we put CenturyLink (Lumen Technologies) and Starry Internet head to head across every factor that matters: speed, pricing, technology, coverage, customer satisfaction, and overall value.

This is a comparison of legacy telecom vs innovative fixed wireless startup. These two providers could not be more different in approach. CenturyLink is a century-old telecom giant transitioning from copper to fiber. Starry is a venture-backed startup offering fixed wireless to apartment buildings in select metros. Their service areas rarely overlap, but where they do, the choice is between established infrastructure and modern simplicity.

Company Overview

Speed Comparison

Neither provider reaches gigabit territory: CenturyLink offers up to 940 Mbps (Fiber), 100 Mbps (DSL) and Starry delivers up to 200 Mbps. Both can handle typical household needs, but large families or power users may find these speeds limiting.

Here is how each provider handles common internet activities:

Remember that advertised speeds are maximums. Real-world performance depends on network congestion, equipment quality, wiring in your home, distance from infrastructure, and how many devices are connected. We recommend running a speed test after installation to verify you are receiving the speeds you are paying for.

Pricing Comparison

Starry wins on entry-level pricing at $30-$50/mo compared to $50-$70/mo for CenturyLink. You would save $240 per year by choosing Starry at the starting tier.

When evaluating the true cost of internet service, look beyond the advertised monthly rate:

• Equipment fees: Modem and router rental typically adds $10-$15 per month. Buying your own compatible equipment saves $120-$180 annually.
• Installation charges: Professional installation ranges from free (on promotions) to $99. Self-install kits are often available at no cost.
• Promotional pricing: Most introductory rates last 12-24 months before increasing. Always calculate what you will pay after the promotion ends.
• Data overage fees: Providers with data caps may charge $10-$15 per additional 50 GB block if you exceed your monthly allowance.
• Early termination fees: If a contract is required, leaving early typically costs $10-$15 per remaining month.

To get the most accurate comparison, calculate total cost over 24 months including all fees, equipment, and post-promotional pricing increases.

Technology and Coverage

CenturyLink delivers service using DSL, Fiber technology across 36 states. CenturyLink offers DSL service across 36 states with fiber optic (Quantum Fiber) expanding in metro areas. DSL plans top out around 100 Mbps while fiber delivers symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps.

Starry relies on Fixed Wireless technology, serving customers in Select metro areas (Boston, NYC, LA, DC, Denver, Columbus). Starry uses proprietary fixed wireless technology with rooftop receivers to beam internet to apartment buildings and multi-dwelling units. It offers a wireless alternative to traditional cable.

Understanding internet technology types helps explain the performance differences you will experience:

• Fiber optic transmits data as light through glass strands, delivering the fastest speeds (up to 10 Gbps), lowest latency (under 5 ms), and most reliable connections. Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation.
• Cable (DOCSIS 3.1) uses existing coaxial television infrastructure to deliver strong download speeds with wide availability. Upload speeds are typically 10-20% of download speeds, and performance can dip during peak evening hours due to shared neighborhood bandwidth.
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) runs over telephone copper wires with speeds degrading based on distance from the provider's central office. Reliable but limited, with maximum speeds generally below 100 Mbps.
• Fixed wireless and 5G transmit data over radio frequencies from nearby towers. Performance varies significantly based on tower proximity, obstacles, and network load. Latency is higher than wired connections but lower than satellite.
• Satellite reaches virtually any location but introduces 600+ ms latency due to the signal traveling to space and back. Data caps and throttling are common. Best as a last resort when no terrestrial option exists.

Customer Satisfaction

Starry rates higher in customer satisfaction with an ACSI score of 70/100 versus CenturyLink's 65/100. These independent benchmarks reflect thousands of real customer experiences with each provider.

The J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study measures performance reliability, cost value, billing transparency, communication quality, and customer service interactions on a 5-point scale. Ratings above 3.5 indicate above-average satisfaction.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) polls thousands of verified customers annually on a 100-point scale. The ISP industry average sits around 65/100, so providers scoring above this threshold offer a better-than-average experience. Scores below 60 indicate notable customer frustration.

Keep in mind that satisfaction scores represent national averages. Your local market may have better or worse service than what these aggregate scores suggest, depending on infrastructure investment and regional support staffing.

Pros and Cons

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Our analysis gives Starry the overall edge when looking at speed, pricing, and satisfaction together. That said, CenturyLink wins if you need service at a house or in a suburban area where starry does not operate.

Choose CenturyLink If:

• You need service at a house or in a suburban area where Starry does not operate
• You are in CenturyLink's 36 states coverage area with access to their best technology
• No contracts required aligns with how you prefer to manage your internet service
• You are budget-conscious customers who want no-contract pricing

Choose Starry If:

• You live in a Starry-equipped apartment building and want the simplest, most affordable option
• You live within Starry's Select metro areas (Boston, NYC, LA, DC, Denver, Columbus) service territory
• No contracts works for your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay at your current address
• You are apartment dwellers in supported cities wanting affordable, no-hassle internet

No matter which provider you are leaning toward, always check availability at your exact address first. Coverage maps show general service areas, but actual plan options and speeds can vary street by street. Enter your ZIP code or full address on each provider's website to see exactly what is available before making a final decision.

Related Comparisons and Resources

• CenturyLink Full Review
• Starry Full Review
• How to Choose an Internet Provider
• Internet Speed Guide: How Much Speed Do You Need?
• Internet Jargon Glossary
• AT&T vs CenturyLink Comparison