AT&T will acquire most of Lumen’s fiber markets (CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber’s parent company) in 2026.What does this mean for current AT&T and Lumen customers? Learn how this internet provider consolidation could affect your internet service, pricing and coverage, with insights from our broadband expert.Jump to: Changes to pricing and service terms Bundling and moving advantages Security and infrastructure benefits Customer service changes Internet speed and quality Current Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink customers: Be on the lookout for email or other communications from your internet provider about any upcoming changes.
Your provider may provide you with details about expected plan adjustments.* However, if you are not fully satisfied with your current internet plan, it might be a good time to shop around and compare other internet providers in your area. *Never share personal information, including usernames, passwords or credit card data via text or email.Avoid scams or phishing attempts by contacting your internet provider’s customer service line directly before discussing details of your account. Changes to pricing and service terms Pricing and terms for home internet service may be affected depending on a customer’s current fiber internet plan. Long-term pricing: Quantum Fiber offers an internet ‘Price for Life’ deal, which is an offer that AT&T does not employ.AT&T may continue to honor established deals for existing Quantum Fiber customers, but will likely not continue that plan going forward Cheap internet plans: Another change may be with base pricing and speeds available.
Quantum Fiber’s two cheapest internet deals are 200 Mbps at $45/mo.and 500 Mbps at $50/mo.However, AT&T Fiber’s base plan is 500 Mbps for $55/mo.* Therefore, customers in legacy Quantum Fiber areas who sign up for internet service post-acquisition will likely pay more for new internet service Contracts/ETFs: Neither Quantum Fiber, CenturyLink or AT&T have internet contracts or early termination fees (ETFs), so no changes are expected in those areas *Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill).
Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills).Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies.See offer details below.
One time install chrg may apply.Ltd.avail/areas.
Updated as of 06/05/25.Bundling and moving advantages Still, there are benefits for home internet users in the inherited Lumen areas that will now be under the AT&T umbrella of brands.Bundle discounts: Lumen customers with AT&T Mobile service will be able to bundle their AT&T cell phone and home internet service for more convenient billing.
Bundle customers gain a 20% discount on their monthly internet bill, which can help offset the potentially increased cost of home Wi-Fi Faster speeds: Current AT&T Mobile customers living in the acquired Lumen areas who are seeking faster internet in their area will gain access to fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps (depending on area).These multi-gig speeds surpass the 4.7 Gbps* maximum available to customers in other existing AT&T coverage areas Simplified moving: AT&T home internet customers moving from existing AT&T areas to inherited Quantum Fiber areas will have an easier time moving their service to their new homes, since they are not switching providers *Speeds based on wired connection.Actual speeds may vary.
For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps.For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.Security and infrastructure benefits AT&T’s security features and investment capital have several advantages for its newly acquired fiber areas. Security products: AT&T’s suite of security products, which includes security, antivirus and parental controls to keep kids safe online, is a comprehensive solution for AT&T customers Infrastructure upkeep: AT&T’s financial resources could lead to increased infrastructure maintenance and improvements Customer service changes Carried out properly and efficiently, the AT&T-Lumen acquisition should provide a seamless experience for both Lumen and AT&T customers, with minimal disruption to internet service, billing or customer service. Gradual transition: Fortunately for Lumen customers, the transition will not be too abrupt and they can expect substantial support throughout the switch to AT&T’s care Ongoing support: Lumen has committed to supporting AT&T for the first two years after the acquisition Superior customer care: Customers can expect high satisfaction under AT&T’s care, based on positive AT&T customer reviews and a top-tier American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) rating that is 9% higher than Quantum Fiber (AT&T scored 78 vs.
Lumen’s 71 in ACSI’s 2025 survey results) Internet speed and quality AT&T customers may be concerned whether the increase in customers will strain AT&T’s network, leading to slower internet speeds or lag.Fortunately, the answer is no. Fiber quality: Because fiber internet is not a shared connection, internet service reliability and speed should not be affected Consistent speeds: A dedicated fiber connection also means that the service does not pull from a limited ‘amount’ of speed.So, unlike cable or 5G internet, additional users won’t slow down your internet Final thoughts on the Lumen sale The one million-plus current Lumen customers throughout 11 states included in the AT&T acquisition can expect no change in available service and reliability.
Although becoming fully integrated within AT&T could take some time, the overall effect on internet subscribers should be a net positive, with benefits outweighing any potential drawbacks. See Allconnect’s News hub for more broadband information.Written by: Lisa Iscrupe Senior Writer, Broadband & Data Content Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer and broadband expert specializing in internet and connectivity solutions.Since 2019, she’s broken down complex topics like routers, Wi-Fi optimization and provider comparisons … Read more Edited by: Hannah Whatley Editor I Read bio What to read next Read more Featured $15/mo.
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