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Compare · true fiber vs mixed DSL

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.

100% vs maybe

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.

Multi-gig vs 940 Mbps

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.

One brand

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.

Side by side

How Swell fiber stacks up against Lumen / Quantum Fiber (formerly CenturyLink).

Swell
fiber
CenturyLink
the 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
No surprise hikes
$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
Free professional install
$0 self-install / $99 pro
Support
Local team, direct access
National call center

Comparison reflects commonly advertised terms. Switching keeps your number and your sanity.

Why customers switch

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.

Questions

Swell vs CenturyLink, what you need to know.

What is the difference between CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber?
Quantum Fiber is the new brand for fiber service in select markets. If fiber is available at your address you may see Quantum Fiber; if not, you get CenturyLink DSL. Swell eliminates this confusion: every address we serve gets fiber-to-the-home.
Is Swell faster than CenturyLink?
Most CenturyLink addresses get DSL speeds, and even Quantum Fiber advertises a maximum around 940 Mbps. Swell offers symmetrical fiber and loads its exact current speed options after address qualification.
Does CenturyLink have data caps?
No, CenturyLink does not currently enforce data caps, and neither does Swell. Both offer unlimited data.
Can I switch from CenturyLink to Swell?
Yes. CenturyLink has no contracts on current plans, so there are no early termination fees. Swell provides free professional installation and a free Wi-Fi 7 router, and can install while your current service is still active.
Does CenturyLink have fiber in my area?
Quantum Fiber is available in limited parts of a handful of cities; most addresses still only qualify for DSL. Swell’s 2026 fiber build is reaching Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida, and every address we serve gets fiber.
Is CenturyLink going out of business?
No, but the company has undergone significant changes, rebranding its business segment to Lumen and its consumer fiber to Quantum Fiber. Swell is a stable, growing local fiber provider focused exclusively on residential and small business internet.
Where we’re building

Our 2026 fiber build is reaching these markets.

Indiana
IN
Illinois
IL
Michigan
MI
Wisconsin
WI
Florida
FL

Ready to upgrade from CenturyLink?

Check if Swell fiber is available at your address. Free installation, free Wi-Fi 7 router, and a price that never changes.

Swell vs CenturyLink: Internet Comparison (2026) | Swell