CenturyLink vs Ziply Fiber: 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 Ziply Fiber head to head across every factor that matters: speed, pricing, technology, coverage, customer satisfaction, and overall value.

This is a comparison of two fiber-transitioning telcos in overlapping Pacific NW territory. Ziply Fiber was born from Frontier's former Northwest operations and is aggressively deploying fiber in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, areas where CenturyLink also operates. In the Pacific Northwest, this is one of the most direct competitions between two fiber-focused providers.

Company Overview

Speed Comparison

Ziply Fiber leads on maximum speed with up to 5 Gbps (Fiber) versus CenturyLink at up to 940 Mbps (Fiber), 100 Mbps (DSL). If your household has heavy bandwidth demands, Ziply Fiber is the stronger choice.

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

Ziply Fiber wins on entry-level pricing at $20-$300/mo compared to $50-$70/mo for CenturyLink. You would save $360 per year by choosing Ziply Fiber 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.

Ziply Fiber relies on Fiber, DSL technology, serving customers in 4 states (WA, OR, ID, MT). Ziply Fiber (formerly Frontier Northwest operations) is aggressively deploying fiber across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Fiber plans offer symmetrical speeds from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps.

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

CenturyLink holds a slight edge in customer satisfaction with an ACSI score of 65/100 compared to Ziply Fiber's 64/100. 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 Ziply Fiber the overall edge when looking at speed, pricing, and satisfaction together. That said, CenturyLink wins if centurylink quantum fiber is live at your address with price-for-life pricing you find attractive.

Choose CenturyLink If:

• CenturyLink Quantum Fiber is live at your address with price-for-life pricing you find attractive
• 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 Ziply Fiber If:

• Ziply Fiber offers faster maximum speeds (up to 5 Gbps) at your address at lower entry-level pricing
• You live within Ziply Fiber's 4 states (WA, OR, ID, MT) service territory
• No contracts works for your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay at your current address
• You are Pacific Northwest residents wanting ultra-fast fiber with no contracts

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
• Ziply Fiber 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