CenturyLink Internet in Idaho:

Overview

As of 2025, CenturyLink (now part of Lumen Technologies) continues as a major Idaho internet service provider (ISP) with its legacy DSL/copper network, but its fiber-optic service is being repositioned under the new Quantum Fiber brand. Quantum Fiber is a separate Lumen fiber internet product (not merely a rename of CenturyLink). In Idaho, Quantum Fiber is available in Boise and many other cities (such as Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and more) and offers gigabit-class speeds (up to 940 Mbps in most areas, with multi-gigabit tiers in select locations). Its plans start at about $50 per month with a “price for life” guarantee, include unlimited data, no annual contract, and prepaid billing.

In practice, Lumen still sells CenturyLink-branded fiber in some markets (for example, a 940 Mbps plan at $75 in Boise), but new fiber builds and upgrades are being marketed as Quantum Fiber instead. Thus today, Lumen’s Idaho fiber network is largely presented under the Quantum Fiber name, while the CenturyLink brand endures for its remaining DSL and fixed wireless services. This shift to Quantum Fiber may improve service perception, as earlier surveys had Idaho’s CenturyLink service ranked near the bottom on customer satisfaction; Quantum Fiber’s high speeds and modern platform aim to change that even as pricing remains competitive.

Internet Technologies: DSL vs Fiber

CenturyLink’s Idaho network spans old copper lines (DSL) and newer fiber-optic lines. DSL service runs over legacy phone lines and offers “Simply Unlimited” plans. Speeds vary by line quality and distance from the central office – up to about 100–140 Mbps in ideal conditions. DSL is available to most areas covered by the former Qwest/US West network. Fiber service (CenturyLink Fiber) uses optical cable and delivers much higher speeds (up to 940 Mbps) with symmetrical upload/download. Fiber availability in Idaho is largest around cities like Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Lewiston. Where fiber is available, it is generally recommended: experts note CenturyLink fiber is “extremely fast and reliable,” whereas the slower DSL plans are “not a great value.” In many towns you may only get DSL (or fixed wireless), but if your address is in a fibered area, CenturyLink Fiber is far superior. (CenturyLink’s fiber is mostly to home, though some “fiber-to-the-curb” G.Fast variants may exist, delivering up to 940 Mbps over short lines.)

CenturyLink Plans in Idaho

Idaho residents can order the following main residential plans (promotional pricing, unlimited data, no annual contract):

• Simply Unlimited (DSL) – Starting around $55/mo, up to ~100–140 Mbps (actual speed based on line). For example, in Boise/Twin Falls/Pocatello the base plan is $55 for “up to 100 Mbps.” (DSL speeds vary; CenturyLink also sells slower DSL tiers where fiber isn’t available.)

• Fiber Internet – $75/mo, up to 940 Mbps (fiber gigabit). Includes free professional installation and a complimentary modem/router. Gigabit speeds support multiple HD streams, gaming, etc. Fiber plans typically have a 12-month promo, then rise to a higher rate, but no term contract.

• Internet + Home Phone Bundle – In Idaho, fiber internet bundled with unlimited home phone is about $95/mo (up to 940 Mbps). This bundle adds nationwide calling on top of the fiber or DSL service.

These align with CenturyLink’s advertised pricing nationwide. CenturyLink also markets a mid-tier fiber plan (up to 500 Mbps for ~$50) in some areas, though local pages often only show the base gig plan. Speeds and pricing can vary by zip code and promotions. (A simple overview: DSL “up to 140” for ~$55, Fiber 500 Mbps for ~$50, Fiber 940 Mbps for ~$75.)

Table: Typical CenturyLink residential internet plans in Idaho (promotional rates). All plans include unlimited data and no annual contract. Actual speeds depend on location and equipment.

Pricing Details & Fees

CenturyLink’s advertised prices are typically promotional rates (often for 12 months) and require paperless billing. After the promo period, rates generally increase (CenturyLink terms note that “monthly service rate…is subject to change” and promotional offers are “limited time only”). Taxes and a small “Facility Relocation Charge”  Installation is free for fiber (CenturyLink covers up to $129), while DSL installers charge: self-install kits cost ~$25, and technician install can be up to $149. CenturyLink also may charge construction fees ($500–$1,000) for new service to your home. There are no data caps or overage fees on any plan.

Availability by City/Region

CenturyLink’s Idaho presence is strongest in cities. In the Treasure Valley (Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell), both DSL and fiber are available in many neighborhoods. Eastern Idaho cities like Idaho Falls and Pocatello also have fiber networks alongside DSL. Twin Falls and nearby areas have both DSL and fiber. North Idaho towns (e.g. Lewiston) are served by DSL and, in Lewiston’s case, limited fiber. Rural and smaller towns (Blackfoot, Burley, Rexburg, Hailey, etc.) typically only get DSL or fixed-wireless (CenturyLink’s antenna-based service). In summary: If you live in Boise/Meridian/Nampa, Idaho Falls/Pocatello, Twin Falls, or Lewiston, CenturyLink fiber may be available; otherwise expect DSL. Even in fiber towns, not every address is connected yet. Availability can change as CenturyLink is always expanding its fiber network.

Checking Availability

To see if CenturyLink serves your address:

1. Use CenturyLink’s online tool. Go to the CenturyLink website and enter your zip code or full address in the “Check Availability” form. This will show which services (DSL, fiber, phone, etc.) are offered at your location. You can also browse by city on the Idaho local page.

2. Call CenturyLink sales. Idaho toll-free: (855) 768-9075 The rep can check your address.

3. Local CenturyLink dealers. Some electronics retailers or local ISP resellers can run an address check too.

If fiber isn’t showing but is in your neighborhood, ask about upcoming expansion. CenturyLink fiber is rolling out, so new blocks may be activated. For rural homes, ask if Fixed Wireless Internet is an option.

Installation Process

For fiber Internet, CenturyLink includes free professional installation (a $129 value). A technician will run fiber to your home and set up the modem/router. Given fiber’s complexity, the free pro install is recommended.

For DSL Internet, CenturyLink typically offers two options: a self-install kit or a paid technician visit. The self-install kit costs about $25. You plug in the DSL modem yourself following instructions. If the self-install kit is used, there is no extra technician fee. If you want CenturyLink to send a tech, the one-time installation charge can be up to $149. (If you already have existing phone service, installation may be simpler.) In general, DSL customers on a budget should try self-install to save money, whereas fiber customers automatically get free tech install.

After install, you’ll have a CenturyLink-provided router (or use your own compatible modem). CenturyLink does not limit what router you use, but using their equipment ensures full support. Set up is standard: connect the Ethernet or DSL cable to the modem, power it up, and link your devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. CenturyLink’s customer portal and an included user guide offer help if needed.

Customer Service & Support

CenturyLink (Lumen) provides multiple support channels in Idaho. Customers can chat online 7 days a week with specialists (for sales, billing, or tech help). Phone support is region-specific: Idaho residents can dial (855) 768-9075 for account and tech support (available Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm local time). A 24×7 repair line is also offered (855) 768-9075 for outages and emergencies. Both English and Spanish support are available. Online self-service (account portal, outage checker, speed tests) is accessible at any time. CenturyLink’s Idaho customer support hours are generally business hours on weekdays, but the repair hotline and web tools are round-the-clock.

Reputation: Customer feedback in Idaho is mixed. A statewide survey found CenturyLink sits mostly in the bottom half of providers on reliability and customer satisfaction, though its price gets good marks. BroadbandNow reports an average nationwide rating of about 3.1/5 from user reviews. Many Idaho customers praise CenturyLink fiber’s speed but complain about DSL lag or service issues. Common comments include reliable gigabit fiber when available, but slow DSL speeds and spotty support in other areas. As one expert notes: “CenturyLink offers excellent fiber internet… If you can’t get fiber, you may be able to get DSL, but you’ll pay nearly as much.”

Pros and Cons

• Pros: CenturyLink plans come with unlimited data, no data caps, and no annual contracts. Fiber plans offer true gigabit speeds at a competitive price (the 940 Mbps plan is very strong value). Installation is free for fiber, and equipment (modem/router) is included. CenturyLink often runs promotions (e.g. reduced-price first year, sign-up gift cards). Nationwide calling via the home phone bundle is a plus for some. Because CenturyLink is a large telco, DSL service is available widely (especially in rural areas where cable isn’t), and fixed-wireless can reach remote homes.

• Cons: CenturyLink’s customer service ranks below average in Idaho, and users often report long hold times or unresolved issues. Its DSL speeds are significantly slower than modern cable/fiber (often only 15–100 Mbps). In many Idaho locations, CenturyLink is the only option aside from satellite or wireless. Equipment rental fees (~$15/mo) and installation charges can add up if not waived. Promotional prices revert to higher rates after a year, and CenturyLink’s fee structure (taxes, lease fees) makes the real cost higher than the sticker price. Fiber availability is still limited – outside major cities you likely only get DSL. Finally, some customers have noted intermittent reliability, especially during peak times.

Idaho Customer Experiences

Local Idaho customers have a range of experiences. Where fiber is available, many report excellent speed and stability. For example, Boise and Twin Falls residents with CenturyLink fiber describe it as “fast and reliable, perfect for streaming and gaming.” In contrast, rural DSL customers often lament slow throughput and occasional outages. A Yelp reviewer in Idaho Falls called their CenturyLink DSL “simply horrible… slower than anything imaginable” (multiple customers have raised similar complaints online). On consumer forums, Idaho users compare CenturyLink unfavorably to cable: “CenturyLink DSL is overpriced for the speed you get; I wouldn’t choose it if cable is an option.” Nevertheless, others note that even basic CenturyLink DSL is preferable to no wired broadband, giving small towns a connection where no one else will.

Tips for Idaho Residents

• Check for Fiber First: If you live in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Lewiston (or other listed CenturyLink cities), use the online availability tool to see if fiber is at your address. If fiber is offered, choose it – it vastly outperforms DSL.

• Use Self-Install on DSL: If you only have DSL, opt for the $25 self-install kit instead of paying $100+ for a technician. Follow CenturyLink’s step-by-step guide to set up the modem yourself. This saves money and is straightforward if your wiring is good.

• Ask About Promotions: CenturyLink frequently runs special deals (bill credits, gift cards, price discounts). Call sales and inquire about current offers before signing up. Sometimes enrolling online or taking a 12-month term can unlock lower prices.

• Try Voice Bundle if Needed: If you want landline voice, bundling with fiber saves ~$20 versus adding phone later. The combined Internet + Home Phone bundle is about $95/mo for gigabit speeds.

• Optimize Equipment: Use a quality Wi-Fi router (CenturyLink’s gateway or your own) centrally located. For maximum speed, connect bandwidth-hungry devices by Ethernet cable (especially important on DSL, which can be marginal over Wi-Fi).

• Monitor Speeds: Run periodic speed tests to confirm you’re getting close to your plan’s rate. If speeds are persistently low, contact support – they may detect a line issue.