CenturyLink, is the company that brings you the Internet Basics internet access program designed to be affordable for low-income Americans. That’s high speed DSL for under $10 a month. For more information on this program to go our Internet Basics page. Contact information for CenturyLink and Internet Basics is found at the end of this page.
Centurylink is an international telecommunications company headquartered in Louisiana. When it was founded back in 1968 it was known as Central Telephone & Electronics Corporation. It officially changed its corporate name to CenturyLink, Inc in 2009.
We love throwing around technical terms as if we understand them, so please allow us to say that CenturyLink operates as a local exchange carrier and internet service provider in major portions of the Unites States. In fact, recent statistics indicate that it’s the third-largest telecommunications company in the United States in terms of customers served.
In early 2010, CenturyLink announced its intention to acquire Qwest, another telephone company, in what’s known as a stock-for-stock transaction.
It would take someone a lot smarter than us to fully understand the details of this complex agreement, but please allow us to summarize to the best of our ability:
CenturyLink agreed to exchange 0.1664 of its shares for each share of Qwest. In return, CenturyLink shareholders ended up owning 50.5% of the new combined company. Qwest shareholders own the remaining minority share of the company. The total purchase price? An astounding $22.4 billion. On top of that, CenturyLink had to take on $11.8 billion of Qwest’s debt. Most of us have trouble balancing our checkbooks and these guys are assuming levels of debt that could make Warren Buffet’s head spin.
The addition of Qwest turned CenturyLink into the third largest telecommunications company in the United States. The company now has 17 million access lines, 5 million broadband customers, and 1.4 million video subscribers in 37 states. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Contact Information
CenturyLink:
www.centurylink.com:
866-642-0444
Internet Basic Program:
www.centurylink.com/home/internetbasics/
866-642-0444
This acquisition also led directly to CenturyLink’s participation in the inexpensive broadband market. The Federal Communications Commission wouldn’t approve the combination of the two companies until they agreed to offer low-priced high-speed broadband service to America’s needy. CenturyLink’s solution was its new Internet Basics program.
Larry Hrabal says
Need internet for steaming tv
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All you need to do is enroll.
Cameron Ackley says
Why in the world would having been a previous Century Link internet subscriber disqualify me from low-income internet service now? Does not make sense.
Gail Hunt says
Moving to Isanti Estates I receive $522.00 a month for emergency SS. my income for month since II got sick 7 years ago. I just suffered a stroke 2 months ago, do I qualify for low income discounts?, I’ll be 61 years old next month..
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It sounds as if you do, but the low-income internet plans are not all income-based. Here’s a link to all the plans so you can check them all out to find the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Ed says
Spectrum has a 14.99 package at 30mps Yours is only 1.5, why is that.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
CenturyLink has done everything it can to ignore this program and to starve it to death.
Kristy says
How do I sign up for the low income internet… my children received free lunch and we also a family that receives SNAP Benefits thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Kristy, and you should check them all out to determine which one fits your needs best. You can see them all at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Each plan has its own page and that pages gives you contact info for each service plan.
Cheryl says
I need your low income rates for internet please. Thank you Cheryl
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find more info on ALL the low-income internet plans, Cheryl. Check them all out to find the ones you’re eligible for and the ones available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
As a rule of thumb, they are all under $10 per month but some require payment up front. Please check them all out to find the best plan for you.
Marianito Meneses says
How can i apply for Internet Basics?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Each company’s page provides the contact info you need to apply.
SUSAN MAIN says
I JUST RECEIVED CENTURY LINK WIFI,I AM LOW INCOME AND DIN’T KNOW YOU OFFERED THAT PROGRAM.CAN I CHANGE MY ACCOUNT TO LOW INCOME?IAM ALSO INTERESTED IN A LOW INCOME LANDLINE PHONE;I JUST RECEIVED MY FIRST BILL AND IT WAS 53.00 ICAN’T AFFORD THAT.WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME?I DON’T WANT TO LOOSE MY INTERNET.
THANK YOU
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Susan, you will probably run into a bit of a problem. CenturyLink’s rules say that you cannot switch from one of their regular plans to their low-income plan. But we’d recommend that you call customer service and say that you thought you were signing up for the low-income plan. Ask to speak to a supervisor. Perhaps you’ll get lucky and get one who will help you out.
Lea Ann Stutzman says
I am waiting for reply from century tel. i emailed and mailed my application last week.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ll probably need to wait a few more weeks, Lea Ann.
Angel perez says
Hello I would like internet for my family
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You must contact CenturyLink directly, Angel. Are you aware that there are lots of other companies that also offer low-income Internet plans? Check them all out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
George oneal says
I need Internet I live on limited income and cannot pay my bill I’m on snap program and disable please help
Mark Beason says
I am disabled and live alone.I am looking for inexpensive high speed internet. Please advise.
PO'ed in PA says
century link internet in year 3 is $40 per month & if you drop landline there is an extra charge but they can’t tell you what it is before you are billed.
they also won’t make any payment arrangements for another 20 days – not even all the past due – have to have another appx $80 for current as well. but in 20 days they would make installments.
Brenda says
I am on the snap program I am homeless I live in my van can I get any low income wireless internet services
Cheap Internet Administrator says
There currently is no low income wireless internet offered. However, we believe when the Lifeline Broadband program is eventually announced there may very well be.
Rebecca Nat-George says
Please add me to your mailing list.
Rumana says
I’m in Ravenna Ohio n how do I get cheap n fast Internet service. Thank you
Cheap Internet Administrator says
https://www.cheapinternet.com/get-help
Lucy StGeorge says
Hello I live in NY state, I would be interested in the low cost Internet service.
I currently have a cell phone through Assuriance Wireless that I qualify for. My child receives free lunch at school, I’m a single mother on SSD, and was approved for FoodStamps, as well as HEAP, and have Medicare and help through Medicaid.
I’m guessing I qualify.
Currently have Verizon. But can no longer afford due to high medical bills due to the fact I have breast cancer stage 4 with met to my bones. I’m currently having chemo treatments.
We also cannot afford a laptop. The one we had was ruined due to a virus, and I can’t afford with all of my medical bills to fix.
My daughter is a high honor student at school, but it’s difficult for her to do her work at home due to no computer.
Would any of these plans offer a home phone, and T.V reception?
I would appreciate any help. Thanks so very much in advance. I appreciate this so much more than you know!!
Sincerely yours,
Lucy StGeorge
Fishkill, NY 12524
tiffany says
how do i apply
Cheap Internet Administrator says
Link is in the article above:
http://www.centurylink.com/home/internetbasics/
Sandy Vitchell says
Hello, My name is Sandy Vitchell, and my family receives food stamps, cash assistance, and my son is in the free lunch program at his school. I would like to apply for inexpensive internet service through the Centurylink Internet Basics program, so my son can do his schoolwork, and my husband can look for work. We are desperate to be self sufficient, like many Americans, and this program sounds like just what we need. Can I get information about the application process, please? I appreciate any assistance you can give us, and I will be looking forward to your return email. Thank you for this great opportunity, Sandy Vitchell
carol griffin says
well i called them to see if i could get service where i live in IN but they do not service here? So why not? We have pple here living on low incomes…any place else i can look/? thank you
MARLEEN says
CDear Administrator,
I do not currently have INTERNET SERVICES, however I would like to acquire the INTERNET. But I have been very unsuccessful in obtaining the information of a provider that covers WIRELESS BROADBAND where I live. Can you help me with obtaining that information? I live in South Carolina, zip code 29461. I DO NOT HAVE A LANDLINE PHONE. I HAVE A CELL PHONE. That is why I WOULD benefit MORE from THE WIRELESS ROADBAND SERVICES. Can you PLEASE help me find a provider that particapates in the LIFELINE INTERNET PROGRAM in my state & location. I WOULD be moss
Tammie says
I currently have internet service with AT&T would I qualify for service with CenturyLink?
G N' R 4VR says
By the way the customer service reps., will not tell you about this “internet basics”. Unless you are privy to it ahead of time…This company hope to lure you in to a different plan & then when as knowledge of these programs become know to everyone, GUESS WHAT, you are now unable to qualify because we sold you our other internet package and to “qualify” you must NOT ….
“Have not subscribed to CenturyLink Internet service within the last 90 days and are not a current CenturyLink Internet customer. ” (as stated above)
And now your stuck! Can’t get out of contract with out paying big bucks! For something that should have been an option to begin with or switch to if you so qualified!
Thanks Century Link for the outstanding customer service!
G N' R 4VR says
Century Link makes you sign a 5 yr contract with a min of 2 yrs if you opt to get the computer as well, with no service quality guarntees!
Price goes up & equiptment charges incur after 1st yr. So you are unable to cancel agreements with out incurring an excess of fees, that by the way would be far less in the long-hall to save your cash and buy a computer from a company far more intersted in Customer Service & Satisfaction!
Melinda Robinson says
Is calling the only way to apply? I get online at my library and was curious if there was a way to apply on line as to not use up phone minutes. Thank you
Cheap Internet Administrator says
Click the link at the bottom of the article and you will be brought to their website.
gloria ott says
I currently have centrylink internet I was wondering If I could change my policy to the low income one.
please let me know
Thank you < gloria
Cheap Internet Administrator says
Hi Gloria, No you will not be able to get it. Here’s one of their rules:
Have not subscribed to CenturyLink Internet service within the last 90 days and are not a current CenturyLink Internet customer.