Centurylink vs. IdeaTek
Whether you’re researching Centurylink vs. IdeaTek internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.
| Centurylink |
|---|
![]() |
| Price: $50.00 - $75.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (163) |
| IdeaTek |
|---|
![]() |
| Price: Unavailable, please see site for details |
| Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fiber, fixed wireless, and DSL |
Rating (Reviews): (4) |
Centurylink and IdeaTek compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Centurylink covering 40,883,758 people nationwide and IdeaTek serving 447,955. Centurylink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; IdeaTek specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Centurylink and IdeaTek’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Pros & Cons

Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Up-front month-to-month pricing
- No contracts required
- Fiber service available
Cons:
- Limited plan variety
- Limited fiber availability
- Installation fees apply

Pros:
- Multi-gig speeds available
- Highly rated by customers
- Extensive fiber network
- Multiple payment options available
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- May require credit check for service activation
- Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Availability
Centurylink and IdeaTek have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.
Both Providers Available | Centurylink Available | IdeaTek Available | No Coverage
Centurylink currently offers internet service in 5,322 cities and 572 counties across 20 states, reaching approximately 40,883,758 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Phoenix, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; and Denver, CO. By comparison, IdeaTek serves 447,955 residents in 219 cities and 36 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Wichita, KS; Hutchinson, KS; and Dodge City, KS.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Centurylink and IdeaTek at your location, use our address search tool:
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Speeds & Technology
Centurylink and IdeaTek utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
Across their service areas, Centurylink primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 93.9% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 18.5% of their coverage area. IdeaTek relies on fiber technology, which comprises 68.0% of their network, with DSL available in less than 1% of their service locations.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, IdeaTek offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 2,357 Mbps compared to Centurylink’s average speed of 238 Mbps.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Centurylink’s premium Fiber service reaches 18.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, IdeaTek’s top-tier Fiber is available to 68.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Centurylink and IdeaTek, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.
Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.
Centurylink Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited Internet | $55.00 | 100 Mbps | Not listed | DSL |
| Fiber Internet | $75.00 | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | Fiber |
Sourced from pricing published on Centurylink's official website. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
IdeaTek Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fiber 100 | $39.95 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Fiber |
| Plus Fiber 250 | $59.95 | 250 Mbps | 250 Mbps | Fiber |
| Gig Fiber | $65.95 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Super Gig Fiber | $109.95 | 2500 Mbps | 2500 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5 Gig Fiber | $119.95 | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 8 Gig Fiber | $189.95 | 8000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps | Fiber |
Sourced directly from IdeaTek's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.
Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Centurylink and IdeaTek based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Fees & Details
Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.
Centurylink Service
Fee
Not Provided by Centurylink
IdeaTek Service
Fee
Installation
$100
Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.
When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.
Centurylink vs. IdeaTek | Top Cities
Centurylink serves 5,322 cities while IdeaTek is available in 219 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Centurylink Cities
- Availability: 92.50%
- Avg. Download Speed: 218 Mbps
- Availability: 79.41%
- Avg. Download Speed: 329 Mbps
- Availability: 95.57%
- Avg. Download Speed: 420 Mbps
- Availability: 62.48%
- Avg. Download Speed: 429 Mbps
- Availability: 93.41%
- Avg. Download Speed: 299 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
Centurylink and IdeaTek don't compete in any cities.
We still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.
IdeaTek Cities
- Availability: 31.19%
- Avg. Download Speed: 3,174 Mbps
- Availability: 97.21%
- Avg. Download Speed: 2,226 Mbps
- Availability: 93.89%
- Avg. Download Speed: 2,186 Mbps
- Availability: 84.45%
- Avg. Download Speed: 2,031 Mbps
- Availability: 93.09%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,780 Mbps
(163)
(4)

