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Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband

Whether you’re researching Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband 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: $55.00 - $75.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (177)

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Netwave Broadband
Price: $65.00 - $129.00 / mo.
Speed: 125 - 500 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Centurylink and Netwave Broadband compete directly in approximately 0.45% of their service areas, with Centurylink covering 40,620,854 people nationwide and Netwave Broadband serving 371,075. Centurylink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Netwave Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Centurylink and Netwave Broadband’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband | Pros & Cons

Centurylink Logo

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

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Netwave Broadband Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Fiber service available
  • Connects multiple devices simultaneously
  • Multiple payment options available

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Higher speeds require premium pricing

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Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband | Availability

Centurylink and Netwave Broadband 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 | Netwave Broadband Available | No Coverage

Centurylink currently offers internet service in 5,326 cities and 574 counties across 20 states, reaching approximately 40,620,854 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Phoenix, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; and Denver, CO. By comparison, Netwave Broadband serves 371,075 residents in 70 cities and 9 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Minneapolis, MN; Shakopee, MN; and Lakeville, MN.

Centurylink has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 13 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Netwave Broadband is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 21, Netwave Broadband focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Centurylink and Netwave Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:

Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband | Speeds & Technology

Centurylink and Netwave Broadband 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 0.0% of their customers. They also offer fiber to less than 1% of their coverage area. Netwave Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with fixed wireless available in less than 1% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Centurylink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 237 Mbps compared to Netwave Broadband’s average speed of 181 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Centurylink delivers faster speeds in 30.23% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 69.77%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Centurylink’s premium Fiber service reaches 18.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Netwave Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 14.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Centurylink and Netwave Broadband, 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

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Simply Unlimited Internet$55.00100 MbpsNot listedDSL
Fiber Internet$75.00940 Mbps940 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Centurylink's official website, 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.

Centurylink Plans

Netwave Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fixed Wireless$65.00125 Mbps35 MbpsFixed Wireless
Custom Fiber Service$129.001000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Netwave Broadband's official website, 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.

Netwave Broadband Plans

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. Netwave Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Centurylink and Netwave Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

Centurylink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.81 of 5 stars

(62)

DSL

DSL: 2.92 of 5 stars

(118)

Centurylink has an overall rating of 3.23 out of 5, with a total of 180 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Centurylink’s ratings, their DSL service (66% of reviews) averages 2.92 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Centurylink Internet Reviews page.

Centurylink vs. Netwave Broadband | 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

Netwave Broadband Service

Fee

Not Provided by Netwave Broadband

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. Netwave Broadband | Top Cities

Centurylink serves 5,326 cities while Netwave Broadband is available in 70 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Centurylink Cities

Phoenix, AZ
  • Availability: 92.09%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 237 Mbps
Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 78.67%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 327 Mbps
Denver, CO
  • Availability: 94.76%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 412 Mbps
Seattle, WA
  • Availability: 61.61%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 414 Mbps
Las Vegas, NV
  • Availability: 92.21%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 306 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Minneapolis, MN
  • Centurylink Avg. Speed: 327 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 167 Mbps
Shakopee, MN
  • Centurylink Avg. Speed: 251 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 230 Mbps
Chaska, MN
  • Centurylink Avg. Speed: 183 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 144 Mbps
Eden Prairie, MN
  • Centurylink Avg. Speed: 136 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 125 Mbps
Bloomington, MN
  • Centurylink Avg. Speed: 183 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 125 Mbps

Netwave Broadband Cities

Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 9.17%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 182 Mbps
Shakopee, MN
  • Availability: 98.11%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 230 Mbps
Lakeville, MN
  • Availability: 73.44%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 131 Mbps
Prior Lake, MN
  • Availability: 97.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 301 Mbps
Savage, MN
  • Availability: 79.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 196 Mbps