Finding the right internet provider can be overwhelming in the fast-paced world of telecommunications, where internet service providers are constantly vying for the top spot. Customers often feel unsure about which service to select because competition for the best internet provider is fierce. With so many options available, it’s hard to distinguish what sets these companies apart.
However, we can unravel all the differences by focusing on some factors like connection speed, reliability, customer service, and pricing. So, let’s dive into the world of CenturyLink vs Sparklight and see which one comes out on top.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink, now known as Lumen Technologies, is a well-known telecommunications company that provides internet services to residential and business customers across the United States. The company has been around for 93 years, initially operating as a telephone company and then transitioning as one of the top internet providers through a series of acquisitions, mergers, and expansions. Despite rebranding as Lumen in 2020, the company still uses the CenturyLink name for delivering copper-based services in 16 states. Meanwhile, its fiber internet service is now marketed under a new brand called Quantum Fiber.
CenturyLink offers DSL internet service via a reliable telephone network, mainly serving rural communities, making it suitable for customers with diverse needs. Priced at $55, CenturyLink provides various internet speeds depending on your location and is considered one of the leading DSL internet providers in the market. The company’s extensive network infrastructure and commitment to delivering reliable services have established it as a top choice for customers residing in remote areas.
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Pros
- Consistent Price
- No data caps
- No contracts
- Wide availability in rural areas
Cons
- Below-average customer service
- Limited plans
Sparklight
Sparklight, formerly known as Cable One, is one of the leading internet service providers in the United States. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company has been active since 1986 but rebranded to Sparklight in 2019 to emphasize its focus more on its internet service than cable TV.
Specializing in cable internet, Sparklight provides high-speed internet to residential and business customers across 21 states. The company also serves limited addresses via a fiber network. With a basic plan starting at $39 (as of now), Starlight is slightly more affordable than other providers. It has also developed a strong reputation among many Americans due to its wide availability and emphasis on high-quality, reliable services and above-average customer service. Sparklight is a one-stop shop for all your entertainment and connectivity requirements, as it also offers various TV packages.
Pros
- Wider availability
- No contracts
- A range of internet plans
Cons
- Varying data caps based on the internet plans
- A price hike on the base plan after three months
- Speed throttling when you exceed the set data allowance
Key Features – CenturyLink vs Sparklight
| Features | CenturyLink | Sparklight |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Plans | 1 | 4 |
| Price Range | $55.00/mo. | $39.00/mo. – $115.00/mo. |
| Speed Range | Up to 100 Mbps | 200 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Internet Type | DSL | Cable, Fiber |
| Availability | 16 states | 21 states |
| Data Caps | Yes | Yes |
| Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Installation Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Contact Provider | Call Now | Call Now |
CenturyLink and Sparklight are two leading prospects in the highly competitive telecom market. CenturyLink is a DSL internet provider, while Sparklight delivers broadband through cable and fiber technologies. In short, aside from their overlapping presence in some locations, these providers are very different.
However, you don’t have to worry if you are unfamiliar with both, and they are available in your area. We will thoroughly analyze all the features, including connection speed, reliability, customer service, and pricing, to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and see how CenturyLink and Sparklight fare against each other.
Internet Plans & Pricing
We all understand that pricing is the most crucial factor to consider. Hence, comparing the costs of CenturyLink and Sparklight can help you find the best deal for your budget. While both providers have overlapping coverage in some locations, their pricing structure is quite different. Moreover, CenturyLink offers only a single plan, whereas Sparklight gives you more options. In this comparison, we will delve into their subscription charges to see which provider offers better value for your money.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink offers a single DSL plan to its customers. While this plan may feel overpriced at $55 per month, it is valuable since its price is not promotional. Hence, you don’t have to pay a higher bill just a few months after signing up for CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited Internet. The straightforward pricing model allows you to enjoy reliable internet performance at a reasonable price without being forced into signing up for bundles or contracts.
The main drawback is that its internet speed is not fixed and varies based on location, ranging from 20 to 100 Mbps. Still, CenturyLink is an excellent choice for rural customers who want affordable and flexible internet service with unlimited data.
| Plans | Price | Speed | Internet Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Unlimited Internet | $55/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | None |
Additional taxes, fees & surcharges apply.
Sparklight
In comparison, Sparklight presents a more comprehensive suite of options with a much lower starting price of $39 per month. However, the introductory rate for its base plan lasts only three months, after which the price increases to $70 per month.
Moreover, except for the Gigabit Internet plan, all Sparklight plans come with data caps that range from 700 GB to 1500 GB, so you must carefully watch your usage to prevent overage charges. On the bright side, every Sparklight plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee and is entirely contract-free, giving you the flexibility to switch to a different plan or provider without any early termination fees.
| Plans | Starting Price | Speed | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | $39.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | 700 GB |
| Internet 400 | $85.00/mo. | 400 Mbps | 1200 GB |
| Internet 600 | $95.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | 1500 GB |
| Internet Gig | $115.00/mo. | 940 Mbps | None |
**Quoted price does not include equipment, taxes, surcharges & other fees.
***$10 charge for each additional 100GB data
Price after the Promotional Period
It’s no secret that internet providers love to lure new customers in with attractive promotional rates, but it’s essential to remember that these discounts are temporary. Once the promotional period is over, the price of your internet plan may go up, leaving you with a hefty bill to pay.
But don’t let that scare you away! It is important to understand what you’re signing up for when you choose an internet plan. Read the fine print, ask questions, and do your research. Additionally, keep an eye on your bill to ensure that your provider is not overcharging you. Let’s explore how CenturyLink vs Sparklight compare in this regard.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink is one of the few internet service providers that doesn’t rely on promotional rates to attract new customers. It means that you won’t have to worry about significant price hikes after a year of service. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that CenturyLink’s prices will remain the same forever.
Like most things in life, prices can change over time. Therefore, it’s a good practice to check CenturyLink’s website periodically to keep up with the potential change, so you can avoid getting caught off guard by unforeseen price hikes. However, you can currently relax knowing that the amount you pay is the actual cost with CenturyLink, and there won’t be any unpleasant surprises down the line.
Sparklight
In contrast, while Sparklight offers most plans at regular rates, its base plan is initially priced at $39 per month for the first three months. However, after the promotional period, the cost of this plan increases by $31, taking the monthly fee of Internet 300 to $70 per month. Unfortunately, the price hike for Sparklight’s base plan is quite steep, making it one of the most expensive options in the market.
| Plans | Regular Price |
|---|---|
| Internet 300 | $70.00/mo. |
| Internet 400 | $85.00/mo. |
| Internet 600 | $95.00/mo. |
| Internet 1 Gig | $115.00/mo. |
Additional Charges – CenturyLink vs Sparklight
Most customers often overlook one factor while choosing an internet provider: additional charges. While the advertised prices may seem like a great deal, it’s essential to consider any extra costs that may come with the service.
Knowing about these extra charges can help you in the long run. You can budget accordingly and avoid any unpleasant surprises on your bill. You can also take certain steps to minimize these costs, such as opting for self-installation or purchasing your own equipment. So, don’t forget to consider these extra costs when choosing between CenturyLink and Sparklight.
Installation Charges
CenturyLink and Sparklight each have their own installation charges. CenturyLink offers two installation options, each with a specific fee. Its standard installation costs $15, which requires you to install the equipment yourself after a technician completes the work outside your home. On the other hand, CenturyLink’s professional installation can cost up to $149, where a technician also handles the equipment installation. Keep in mind that the installation fee may vary based on your location, and some qualifying addresses may even enjoy free installation.
In contrast, Sparklight charges $90 for professional installation but also offers free self-installation in select areas. However, be aware that there may be a service activation fee. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your specific needs and preferences. Therefore, you should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option before deciding between Sparklight and CenturyLink.
| Providers | Installation Fee |
| CenturyLink | DSL Internet: Up to $149.00 |
| Professional Installation: Up to $149.00 | |
| Sparklight | Self-Installation: Free |
| Professional Installation: $90 |
Equipment Charges
You can lease CenturyLink’s modem for $15 per month or outright purchase it for $200. In contrast, Sparklight offers a short-term deal on its equipment. When you add a leased modem to your cable internet plan, you only need to pay half the rental price for the first 12 months, after which the standard rental fee is $12.50.
Both providers charge monthly equipment rental fees, but they also give you the option to purchase your own equipment and save money in the long run. Just make sure that any device you purchase is compatible with your service.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $15.00/mo. or $200 upfront fee |
| Sparklight | $12.50/mo. |
Data Overage Charges
One of the biggest concerns for heavy internet users is overage charges. You won’t have to worry about this issue with CenturyLink, as it offers unlimited data on its plans. It is a perfect option for those who stream a lot of video content or work from home.
However, Sparklight is another story! Most of its plans have data caps, and once you exceed the set limit, it charges $10 for every additional 100 GB of data. There is also a limit for this extra amount of data. The provider only allows 400 GB of extra data per month. In short, heavy internet users may want to consider a different provider or plan to avoid these charges.
| Provider | Overage Fee |
|---|---|
| CenturyLink | None |
| Sparklight | $10 per 100GB of extra data |
Data Caps
You don’t have to worry about data limits with CenturyLink. The provider understands the importance of unrestricted internet usage. Therefore, it offers unlimited data in its plan. Meanwhile, Sparklight imposes data caps on most of its options, with the amount of data depending on your chosen plan. Moreover, the provider charges $10 for every additional 100 GB of data used beyond the limit. While Sparklight does offer unlimited data on its gigabit plan, it throttles your speed after reaching 5 TB of data usage.
Contract
CenturyLink and Sparklight share a similarity that many customers appreciate – both providers offer contract-free internet plans. It means that you are not locked in a long-term agreement, which gives you the flexibility to change or cancel your service without any early termination fees.
No-contract internet providers are especially ideal for people who value the freedom to switch providers if they find a better deal or those looking for short-term internet solutions, such as college students or renters.
Special Features – CenturyLink vs Sparklight
In the competitive world of internet service providers, CenturyLink and Sparklight understand the importance of offering unique features to stand out from others. They promote these benefits in a way that adds value for customers and enhances the online experience for their customers.
CenturyLink’s Internet service includes the following special features
- 24/7 customer support to help with internet issues at any time
- No price hikes, offering customers stable, predictable bills
- No annual contracts
- Uncomplicated and straightforward price
- Unlimited internet usage
Meanwhile, Sparklight offers:
- WiFi One, included with its monthly modem lease, offers faster and more reliable WiFi throughout the home
- Unlimited data with Internet 300, 400, and 600 for an additional $30, ensuring heavy internet users can enjoy the internet without worrying about hitting data caps.
Availability – Sparklight vs CenturyLink
CenturyLink and Sparklight have unique coverage areas that vary across the United States. CenturyLink provides DSL internet service to rural and suburban areas in 16 states, providing high-speed internet and unlimited data to its customers.
| CenturyLink’s Coverage by States | |
| Arizona | Colorado |
| Florida | Idaho |
| Iowa | Minnesota |
| Montana | Nebraska |
| Nevada | New Mexico |
| North Dakota | Oregon |
| South Dakota | Utah |
| Washington | Wyoming |
In contrast, Sparklight is available in specific locations throughout the following 21 states.
| Sparklight’s Coverage by States | ||
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas |
| Idaho | Illinois | Indiana |
| Iowa | Kansas | Louisiana |
| Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Nebraska | New Mexico | North Dakota |
| Oklahoma | Oregon | South Dakota |
| Tennessee | Texas | Washington |
Customer Service – Sparklight vs CenturyLink
Sparklight has better customer satisfaction than CenturyLink despite mixed reviews. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) has recently included Sparklight in its Non-Fiber Internet Service Providers category with a score of 71. This score is three points above the overall industry average and five points above the category average, making Sparlight the third-best ISP in this category.
However, Sparklight showed mixed results in the J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study for 2022. The study analyzed the provider in two regions, and while Sparklight’s ranking improved in the South with a score of 716, it dropped from 730 to 700 in the West.
In contrast, CenturyLink is one of the lowest-rated non-fiber ISPs, ranking third from the bottom with a score of 62. The provider also ranked below the industry average in the 2022 J.D. Power Study, with scores of 717 in the North Central region, 691 in the West, and 665 in the South on a 1000-point scale.
In conclusion, Sparklight has better customer service ratings than CenturyLink. However, it is worth noting that customer experiences can differ significantly based on individual circumstances. Therefore, if you are interested in their customer service, it is advisable to conduct your research and read reviews from other customers in your area before making a decision.
| ACSI Rankings | CenturyLink | Sparklight | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 62 | 71 | 68 |
| 2022 | 60 | N/A | 64 |
Final Verdict – CenturyLink or Sparklight?
So, CenturyLink vs Sparklight? Which provider offers the best value? CenturyLink and Sparklight are both reputable internet service providers that offer unique features. While Sparklight is available in specific locations throughout 21 states, CenturyLink provides service in 16 states and offers fiber internet in 50% of its footprint.
However, CenturyLink has an advantage over Sparklight. With an affordable internet service and no price hikes, CenturyLink has built a strong reputation for providing reliable service without any data restriction to millions of people.
