Skip to main content
True Fiber vs Mixed DSL

Swell vs CenturyLink

CenturyLink's consumer brand is transitioning to Quantum Fiber in fiber-served areas. However, the vast majority of CenturyLink addresses are still served by DSL with speeds ranging from 10-140 Mbps. The fiber/DSL split creates a confusing customer experience.

100% vs maybe

Guaranteed Fiber

CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber availability is extremely limited. Most addresses get DSL at 10-140 Mbps. Every Swell customer gets true fiber-to-the-home with speeds up to 5 Gbps.

5 Gbps vs 940 Mbps

5x Faster

Even where CenturyLink has fiber (as Quantum Fiber), it maxes at 940 Mbps. Swell offers plans up to 5 Gbps -- more than 5 times faster for growing household needs.

4.9 vs 3.0

Local, Not Confused

CenturyLink's rebrand to Lumen/Quantum Fiber has created confusion among customers who don't know what service they're getting. Swell is simple: one brand, one technology, one great experience.

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Feature
Swell
CenturyLink
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 Gbps
Up to 940 Mbps (Fiber) / 20 Mbps (DSL)
Starting Price
$75/mo (1 Gbps, price for life)
$30/mo * DSL 20 Mbps price; Quantum Fiber from $30/mo for 200 Mbps
Regular Price
Same as starting price (price for life)
$50/mo/mo after promo
Contract
No contract required
No contracts on current plans. Price-for-life on Quantum Fiber plans.
Data Caps
None -- unlimited data
None
Router
Free Wi-Fi 7 router included
$15/mo modem/router rental or bring your own
Installation
Free professional installation
$0 self-install or $99 professional installation
Customer Satisfaction
4.9/5
3/5 (ACSI)
Support
Local team / Call / Text / Chat
National call center / Online chat

Why Customers Switch from CenturyLink to Swell

Real reasons people make the switch

One Technology: Fiber

CenturyLink's biggest problem is its mixed infrastructure. You might sign up expecting fiber and end up with DSL. The CenturyLink/Lumen/Quantum Fiber branding makes it even more confusing. Swell is fiber everywhere, for everyone we serve -- no guessing.

Speeds That Scale

Even Quantum Fiber's best plan maxes at 940 Mbps (just under 1 Gbps). Swell offers plans up to 5 Gbps, future-proofing your home as devices multiply and bandwidth demands grow. Our Essential plan starts at 1 Gbps -- already faster than CenturyLink's top tier.

Clear, Consistent Branding

Is it CenturyLink, Lumen, or Quantum Fiber? The answer depends on where you live and what service you have. This brand confusion extends to customer support, billing, and service quality. Swell is Swell -- one company, one experience, one team.

No Equipment Rental

CenturyLink charges $15/month for a modem/router rental. That's $180/year for a basic device. Swell includes a Wi-Fi 7 router -- the latest technology -- at no extra charge.

Reliable Local Support

CenturyLink's 3.0/5 ACSI rating reflects widespread frustration with support quality. Swell's 4.9/5 rating comes from having local technicians who know your community and resolve issues quickly.

Purpose-Built for Your Area

CenturyLink inherited decades-old copper infrastructure across a sprawling national footprint. Swell builds new fiber networks specifically for the communities we serve, using the latest technology and designed for decades of future capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Swell vs CenturyLink -- what you need to know

What is the difference between CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber?
Quantum Fiber is CenturyLink's new brand for fiber internet service in select markets. If fiber is available at your address, you may see it marketed as Quantum Fiber. If not, you get CenturyLink DSL. The parent company (Lumen Technologies) is the same. Swell eliminates this confusion -- every address we serve gets fiber-to-the-home, period.
Is Swell faster than CenturyLink?
Yes, significantly. Most CenturyLink addresses get DSL speeds of 10-140 Mbps. Even Quantum Fiber maxes at 940 Mbps. Swell's plans start at 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) and go up to 5 Gbps -- all symmetrical, meaning upload matches download.
Does CenturyLink have data caps?
No, CenturyLink does not currently enforce data caps, and neither does Swell. Both providers offer unlimited data usage.
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. We can install while your CenturyLink is still active for a seamless transition.
Does CenturyLink have fiber in my area?
Quantum Fiber (CenturyLink's fiber service) is available in limited parts of about 16 cities. Most CenturyLink addresses still only qualify for DSL. Swell is currently available in Oceanside CA, Kenosha WI, Farmington Hills MI, and Rockford IL -- and every address we serve gets fiber.
Is CenturyLink going out of business?
No, but the company has undergone significant changes. CenturyLink rebranded its business segment to Lumen Technologies and its consumer fiber service to Quantum Fiber. The consumer DSL service still operates under the CenturyLink name. Swell is a stable, growing local fiber provider focused exclusively on residential and small business internet.

Where Swell Is Available

Currently serving these communities with 100% fiber

Oceanside
CA
Kenosha
WI
Farmington Hills
MI
Rockford
IL

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.