Mediacom vs CenturyLink | Which One is Best for You?

If you're trying to pick between Mediacom and CenturyLink, the most critical factor in your decision-making process is what's available at your address. CenturyLink Fiber plans are one of the best high-speed, budget-friendly options you can find. Albeit availability is rather limited at this point, CenturyLink is in the process of rapid expansion. CenturyLink High-speed Internet uses a Copper network with Fiber to the Loop, which promises enhanced DSL speeds, yet it is much slower than Fiber and does not yield nearly as good a value for your money. Meanwhile, with Xtream powered by Mediacom, quite regardless of where you live, you'll connect via an advanced Cable network that is powered by Fiber.

What exactly does that mean, and what more do you need to know? Keep reading for the details on what each provider has in store for you.

Mediacom Internet vs CenturyLink: A Quick Head-to-Head Comparison

Mediacom vs. CenturyLink: Availability

Xtream Internet vs CenturyLink: Plans & Pricing

Xtream Internet Service

If there's any similarity between both providers, it is that neither offers a particularly wide variety of plans.

Xtream powered by Mediacom offers internet plans in unique speed & data tiers—download speeds range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gig, and data allowance from 200 GB to 6000 GB—giving you the freedom to choose as per your needs and preferences. All plans are competitively priced, and come with a generous monthly data allowance that is in line with how fast the download speed is. The good thing is, nearly all speed tiers are readily accessible across the Xtream service footprint, so you’re most likely to get the entire range to pick from.

With Xtream, you'll connect to the Internet via a cable connection, which is powered by Fiber and able to deliver download speeds as high as 1 Gbps. But cable internet isn't completely perfect. Upload speeds, for instance, are slower than what Fiber delivers. As for Xtream Internet, upload speeds max out at 50 Mbps. That is higher than what Cable competitors offers, and good for most home usage, but you can experience issues if you are into content creation or live streaming.

Moreover, a cable connection is vulnerable to network crowding, especially during peak internet usage hours. Xtream vows for 99.99% reliability, yet it cannot be as brilliant as a Fiber-to-the-Home connection from CenturyLink Fiber. It is however a cut above CenturyLink high-speed Internet. The biggest downside, if any, is the price goes up on all Mediacom plans after the first year of promotion is over - but then that is an industry norm, and part and parcel of promotional offers. 

Xtream Internet Packages

Take a look at Xtream Internet plans - and if you wish to find out about offers at your specific address, speak to a sales representative of Mediacom Customer Service at 1-855-349-9315.

*for 1 yr. Plus installation, activation, modem rental, taxes & fees. Price includes $10/mo. discount for autopay & paperless billing.

CenturyLink Internet Service

CenturyLink offers multiple speed options via its high-speed DSL Internet at one price. Speeds max out at 100 Mbps, and in select locations go as high as 140 Mbps, but you're more likely to get the 15 Mbps – 100 Mbps range to pick from. That's not bad, especially if your only alternative is wireless internet. But if Xtream is also available, it'll be the better choice.

On the other hand, CenturyLink Fiber customers can select from 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps or 1 Gigabit speed tiers. Each of these plans is competitively priced. The fiber connection you get with CenturyLink has the potential to deliver equal upload and download speeds, so you'll benefit from faster upload speeds for video calls, uploading files, content creation, and online gaming.

Another plus is CenturyLink doesn't use promo pricing. So, you won't find any temporary discounts advertised to convince you to subscribe to the service - and you won’t have to worry about the price hike after 12 months. Instead, you enjoy one straightforward month-to-month plan with no annual contracts.

CenturyLink Internet Packages

Unlike Xtream, speed offerings from CenturyLink vary from one location to another depending on the network capability and capacity in any given vicinity. It’s advisable to run a serviceability check to find out which type of CenturyLink broadband is available at your address. Reach out to the sales desk at CenturyLink Customer Service at 1-855-349-9310 and get exact details about offers in your neighborhood.

Mediacom Internet vs CenturyLink: Installation & Equipment Fee

Installation Fees

When it comes to Mediacom vs CenturyLink, and we look at the additional costs, there is a one-time professional installation fee of $109.99 and $149, respectively.

With CenturyLink, you can opt for standard installation - for a minimal fee of $15 only. So if you can handle the installation of the modem and setting up of devices once the CenturyLink technician completes the outside work, there is a way to save a good sum. CenturyLink allows self installation only at eligible addresses - and if you are in a Fiber coverage area, you can save yourself the expense by ordering online.

As for Mediacom, you can skip the charge by requesting a self-installation kit, although you will need to pay a $10 activation fee. Depending on what is available in the area, you may be able to land an online offer that waives off the installation charge.

Equipment fees

Xtream powered by Mediacom charges a monthly equipment fee of $13, whereas CenturyLink’s equipment will add $15 to your bill each month. If you have your own compatible device, you can easily skip the equipment fee—unless you are connecting via CenturyLink Fiber,  

Is Mediacom Better Or CenturyLink?

If CenturyLink Fiber plans are available at your address, the winner is CenturyLink. This is because CenturyLink’s Gigabit plan is one of the best deals on fiber internet. It puts at your disposal symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gig for $70 per month without any data cap, annual contract, or price increase after 12 months. In terms of worth, this plan results in 7 cents per megabit of download speed—something that’s hard to beat for competitors. If you find the Gigabit plan in your area, sign up for it without thinking twice.

That said, if your address is only eligible for CenturyLink's DSL service and Mediacom is your alternative, we’d recommend going with Xtream Internet.

Fiber-powered cable internet from Xtream has its own caveats—data caps, low upload speeds, and network congestion at peak usage times. But compared to CenturyLink DSL, Xtream is the stronger alternative, even with the data cap that you must contend with - as it delivers download speeds way faster than DSL, and gets you great value for your money.

Mediacom Internet vs CenturyLink: Things to Consider

Mediacom	CenturyLink
? All speed tiers are widely available ? Capped data can be a problem with the starting speed tier ? Prices go up after the promo period	? Reasonably priced Fiber plans ? No annual contracts ? Unlimited data ? Not all speeds are available everywhere

There You Are!

When comparing Xtream powered by Mediacom and CenturyLink, the better option for your home will typically depend on the CenturyLink connection type available at your address. If you are eligible for CenturyLink fiber, know that it will be a better value. On the other hand, if CenturyLink DSL is your only option and speeds are a bare minimum, Xtream will be a better choice.

That said, never make such important decisions in a hurry. Take plenty of time to gather information and analyze several alternatives to make a choice you won’t regret later. And if you need advice or assistance, call at 1-855-349-9328 and get support from experts to decide which provider is a better fit for your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I switch from CenturyLink to Xtream Internet?

Well, it depends on the network technology available in your area. If you're currently subscribed to CenturyLink DSL service, don’t hesitate to switch to Xtream. On the other hand, stick to CenturyLink if you have access to the provider’s fiber internet service. To determine providers and service types available at your address call at 1-855-349-9328.

Do Mediacom and CenturyLink have unlimited data?

All CenturyLink Internet plans come without any data limits. Meanwhile, Xtream Internet plans have a data cap across the board. The data allowance varies in line with the speed each plan offers. To check available offers from either provider call at 1-855-349-9328.

How do I get in touch with CenturyLink customer service?

You can speak to a CenturyLink customer service representative at 1-855-349-9310.

How do I get in touch with Mediacom customer service?

You can speak to a Mediacom customer service representative at 1-855-349-9315.