Websites using Centurylink

Okay, let s break down CenturyLink (now Lumen Technologies), covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Overview of CenturyLink/Lumen Technologies

• Name Change: CenturyLink officially rebranded to Lumen Technologies in September 2020. While many people still refer to it as CenturyLink, especially for residential services, the company s official name is now Lumen.
• Focus: The rebranding reflects a shift in focus. While CenturyLink was primarily known as a telecommunications company providing phone and internet services, Lumen Technologies aims to be a technology platform company enabling advanced applications and services.
• Services:
  • Lumen (Enterprise Focus): Cloud services, cybersecurity, networking, edge computing, unified communications, and IT solutions for businesses.
  • CenturyLink (Residential Focus): Primarily broadband internet and home phone services (decreasingly relevant). In some areas, they may also offer Prism TV (IPTV).
• Network Infrastructure: Lumen boasts a large, global fiber optic network. This is a key asset for delivering high-bandwidth services.
• Target Customers:
  • Lumen: Large enterprises, government organizations, and other businesses requiring advanced technology solutions.
  • CenturyLink: Residential customers (although this is a smaller and less emphasized part of their business now).
• Presence: Lumen Technologies provides services in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Revenue

• As a publicly traded company (NYSE: LUMN), Lumen Technologies reports its financials quarterly and annually.
• To get the most up-to-date revenue figures, you should consult Lumen Technologies Investor Relations website or financial news sources like Yahoo Finance, Google Finance, or Bloomberg.

Alternatives to CenturyLink/Lumen

The best alternative depends on whether you re looking for a residential or business solution.

• Residential Internet Alternatives:
  • Cable Internet Providers: Xfinity (Comcast), Spectrum (Charter), Cox Communications. Often offer faster speeds than CenturyLink s DSL, but availability varies by location.
  • Fiber Optic Providers: Verizon Fios, Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber. Offer very fast speeds, but availability is limited to specific areas.
  • Fixed Wireless Internet: Starry, Rise Broadband. Can be a good option in rural areas where cable and fiber aren t available.
  • Satellite Internet: HughesNet, Viasat. Available almost everywhere, but typically has higher latency and data caps. Best as a last resort.
  • Mobile Hotspots/5G Home Internet: T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home Internet, AT&T Wireless Internet. Growing in availability and can be a good option if you have strong cellular coverage.
• Business/Enterprise Alternatives:
  • Other Major Telecoms: AT&T, Verizon, Comcast Business.
  • Cloud Providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP). For cloud-based services and infrastructure.
  • Managed Service Providers (MSPs): A wide range of companies that offer IT support, networking, cybersecurity, and other services.
  • Regional Fiber Providers: Many smaller, regional companies offer fiber optic internet and other services to businesses.
  • SD-WAN Providers: Companies specializing in Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solutions.

Pricing

• Residential:
  • CenturyLink (residential) pricing varies greatly depending on location, speed, and availability. They often have promotional pricing for new customers.
  • Generally, DSL plans are less expensive but slower than fiber plans.
  • Expect to pay a monthly fee plus potentially taxes and fees. Equipment rental fees may also apply.
  • It s essential to check the CenturyLink website or call them directly to get pricing for your specific address. Be sure to inquire about any data caps or contract requirements.
• Business/Enterprise (Lumen):
  • Lumen s pricing is highly customized based on the specific services and solutions required by the business.
  • They typically work with businesses to develop tailored packages.
  • You ll need to contact Lumen s sales team to get a quote. Factors influencing price: bandwidth, service level agreements (SLAs), number of users, and contract length.

Customer Care Details

• Residential (CenturyLink):
  • Website: centurylink.com (look for support or help sections).
  • Phone: 1-800-244-1111 (general support). Specific support numbers may vary by region.
  • Online Chat: Often available on the website.
  • Social Media: They have a presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, but response times may vary.
• Business/Enterprise (Lumen):
  • Website: lumen.com (look for support or contact us sections).
  • Dedicated Account Managers: Larger business customers typically have assigned account managers for personalized support.
  • Technical Support: Lumen provides technical support lines for their business services.
  • Online Portal: Businesses often have access to an online portal for managing their services and submitting support tickets.

Important Considerations

• Location, Location, Location: Availability and pricing of internet services are heavily dependent on your location. Always check what s available at your specific address.
• Speeds: Pay attention to the advertised speeds (both download and upload). Understand that up to speeds are not guaranteed.
• Contracts: Be aware of any contract requirements. Some providers offer lower prices with a contract but charge early termination fees.
• Data Caps: Check for data caps, especially if you re a heavy internet user (streaming, gaming, etc.). Exceeding your data cap can result in overage charges or throttled speeds.
• Read Reviews: Before committing to any provider, read online reviews from other customers in your area. This can give you valuable insights into service quality and customer support.

I hope this provides a comprehensive overview! Remember to always verify information directly with the providers for the most accurate and up-to-date details. Good luck with your search!