Swell vs CenturyLink, the honest version.
CenturyLink’s consumer brand is transitioning to Quantum Fiber in fiber-served areas, but the majority of addresses are still served by DSL with much lower speeds. The fiber/DSL split creates a confusing experience. Swell is one technology: fiber.
Guaranteed fiber
Quantum Fiber availability is limited; most addresses get DSL at lower speeds. Every Swell customer gets true fiber-to-the-home, with current options shown after an address check.
Much faster
Even where CenturyLink has fiber as Quantum Fiber, its advertised maximum is around 940 Mbps. Swell’s current multi-gig options are loaded from the live catalog.
Local, not confused
The rebrand to Lumen/Quantum Fiber created confusion about what service you’re getting. Swell is simple: one brand, one technology, one experience.
How Swell fiber stacks up against Lumen / Quantum Fiber (formerly CenturyLink).
| Feature | Swellfiber | CenturyLinkthe others |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 100% fiber optic (FTTH) | DSL (most areas) / fiber (select cities) |
| Download speed | Up to 5 Gbps | Up to 940 Mbps (fiber) / 140 Mbps (DSL) |
| Upload speed | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Up to 940 Mbps (fiber) / 20 Mbps (DSL) |
| Starting price | $75/mo | $30/mo intro |
| Price changes | Five-year price lock | $50/mo after promo |
| Contracts | None, ever | No contracts on current plans |
| Data caps | None | None |
| Router | Free Wi-Fi 7 included | $15/mo modem rental |
| Install | $0 professional install | $0 self-install / $99 pro |
| Support | Real people, direct access | National call center |
Comparison reflects commonly advertised terms. Check your address to confirm available plans and pricing.
Real reasons people move from CenturyLink to Swell.
One technology: fiber
Mixed infrastructure means you might sign up expecting fiber and end up with DSL, and the multi-brand naming makes it more confusing. Swell is fiber everywhere, for everyone we serve, no guessing.
Speeds that scale
Even the best fiber plan elsewhere can max around 940 Mbps. Swell offers current multi-gig options for growing household needs, with exact speeds shown after address qualification.
Clear, consistent branding
Is it CenturyLink, Lumen, or Quantum Fiber? The answer depends on where you live. Swell is Swell: one company, one experience, one team.
No equipment rental
A monthly modem rental adds up for a basic device. Swell includes a Wi-Fi 7 router, the latest technology, at no extra charge.
Reliable local support
National call centers route you far from home. Swell’s local technicians know your community and resolve issues quickly.
Purpose-built for your area
Legacy copper inherited across a sprawling footprint behaves differently than a new build. Swell builds new fiber networks specifically for the communities we serve.
Swell vs CenturyLink, what you need to know.
We answer by address, not by state.
Fiber arrives street by street, so a state map would be wrong for most of the people reading it. Check the exact address and we will tell you where it stands.
Ready to upgrade from CenturyLink?
Check if Swell fiber is available at your address. Free installation, a free Wi-Fi 7 router, and a price locked for five years.
