Learn about the Broadband Internet Information Label

With a purchased modem, you’ll pay a one-time initial equipment fee. With a leased modem, you’ll pay a monthly service charge for the use of our equipment. While both options are listed on the nutrition label for you to compare, you will only be charged for the option you choose.

Standard installation is available for certain speeds and internet technologies. It includes the activation of the internet service outside of the premises by a technician with the convenience of no appointment.

Technician installation is required for certain speeds and internet technologies. It includes delivery and installation of equipment by the technician, connection of one wired device and one wireless device, and the replacement, repair, or installation of a jack that connects to the internet. Most fiber internet service requires a technician installation.

One-time charges are costs for things that don't occur monthly. These may include equipment and installation charges based on the internet technology and speed that will connect your property.

For more details on the different types of equipment click here.

For more information on installation, click here.

You’ll see Broadband Information Labels as you’re ordering new service. You’ll get an email that contains the information label. After you’ve purchased service, you can find your information label when you sign in to your CenturyLink account online.

FCC has created a format similar to FDA food nutrition labels, requiring companies to provide the following information in this order:

• Provider name
• Plan name
• Contract plans
• Whether it’s a fixed or mobile internet plan
• Plan price (including whether it’s an introductory rate and length of rate)
• Additional charges, fees, and taxes
• Discounts and/or bundle offers available for the plan
• Typical download speed, upload speed, and latency
• Applicable data caps and limits
• Network management and privacy policy links
• Customer support contact information
• Link to the Federal Communication Commission’s website
• Plan’s unique identification number

Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The numbers you see on our information labels are reflective of the wired speeds you can typically expect our network to deliver to your home. These numbers are determined through regular internal testing of our system.

Latency, also referred to as ping, is the amount of time it takes for your network to transfer information from your computer to a remote server and back. There will always be some latency over your network, but the lower this number, the better your performance.

Latency is measured in milliseconds. The numbers you see on our internet labels are reflective of the connection response time you can typically expect our network to deliver to your home. These numbers are determined through regular internal testing of our system.

Your download speed shows how fast information transfers to you over the internet. Places you might notice download speed include updating games and other installed programs or downloading files and photos.

Your upload speed shows how fast information transfers from you to its destination on the internet. Places you might notice upload speed include video calls or uploading files and attachments.

In addition to the speed of the plan you sign up for, many factors can impact your speeds, including but not limited to:

• Type of equipment (router, computer, cell phone, tablet, gaming console, etc.)
• Age of equipment
• Number of connected devices
• Distance of equipment from router/modem (WiFi connections)
• Wired vs wireless connection (You’ll always get the strongest connection by hard wiring to your router.)
• Walls or solid objects (Their placement could be blocking your WiFi signal.)
• Electronics interference (microwaves, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, etc.)