No, you do not – the main types of internet service that CenturyLink offers do not need it; this includes satellite, fixed wireless, fiber, and cable. DSL connection types will not need a phone line either, although they will require a phone jack.
CenturyLink provides various internet connection services to their users that will not need you to install or use a home phone line, although they will offer bundled services if you want multiple services while saving on your monthly bills. Depending on your location, the internet speeds may change.
The DSL connection system that CenturyLink mostly uses relies on copper wires in a phone line to gain internet access. However, this will not interfere with phone calls, which makes it beneficial to bundle the DSL service with a phone line if you want to do so, although it is not necessary in most instances. To understand why you do not require a phone line with their connections, it is helpful to know how the DSL connection works.
How DSL works
When connecting to the internet, you may choose to do so through a regular modem, a cable modem, a DSL connection, or a local-area network (LAN) connection. Among these, DSL is among the higher-speed connection types that uses similar wires as your regular telephone line.
There are several advantages this presents to users:
- It allows you to leave your connections open and use the phone line to make voice calls at the same time
- The speeds are higher than what you would get from a regular modem
- It can use the phone lines you already have, so it will not require you to install new wiring
- The DSL provider will give you the modem as part of the installation process
However, there are drawbacks to using DSL connections, which include:
- The service is not available everywhere, especially in rural areas
- The connections are faster when they receive data, but slower when uploading and sending data over the internet
- DSL connections are more efficient if you are close to the central offices of the DSL provider. The signals weaken as you move farther away
Types of DSL connections
Asymmetric DSL (ADSL)
This is the most popular form of DSL connectivity, and you will likely find it in many small businesses and homes. This system divides all the available frequencies on the network in a line, basing it on the assumption that most internet users will spend time downloading or watching content much more than they send or upload.
Using this assumption, most users will see benefits of their internet connection if the download speeds remain higher than the upload speed.
The benefits you will see when using ADSL will largely depend on whether you are closer or farther from the company’s central office, as ADSL is a distance-sensitive internet connection. If you live on the extremes of the distance limits, which is usually 5,460 meters (18,000 feet), you will likely see speeds significantly below the promised maximum speeds.
ADSL technology has some improved versions in some areas, which are referred to as ADSL2 and ADSL2+, and there are other alternatives as well that address its distance sensitivity problems.
VDSL (Very High Bit-Rate DSL)
This is a high-speed connection as well, although its disadvantage is that it only works over short distances. It is capable of handling on-demand services, HDTV, and internet access at average speeds of 12 Mbps upload and 52 Mbps download.
SDSL (Symmetric DSL)
This connection type is mainly used by small businesses. Unlike ADSL, it does not allow for simultaneous phone usage when using it, although it maintains the same speeds when sending and receiving data.
IDSL (ISDN DSL)
This is a combination of DSL and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) technologies. It was initially the solution to dial-up internet, making it a precursor to ADSL. However, it is slower compared to DSL, although it is a good option if you cannot get DSL in your area as its distance range is about 5 to 6 miles.
Will I require a phone jack to use CenturyLink Internet?
If you are on the DSL Internet service, then yes – you will require a phone jack. However, this is not a requirement for users on their Fiber Internet service, because the fiber uses a ‘gateway’ in the form of direct connections between the ONT box and the router.
On the other hand, a DSL connection relies on copper telephone wires to access the internet. Alternatively, using DSL internet only without a telephone service is termed as a ‘naked DSL’, and you will not need to pay for the phone service in this case – instead, you will only pay for their internet.
How you can get high-speed internet connectivity on CenturyLink without a phone line
Method | What it is about |
|---|---|
Cable internet | Although it is not a preference for many, you can still get it without the cable TV option. It is more reliability and speed compared to satellite and DSL connections, and you can get it without bundling the TV or phone service. |
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) | This connection type is slower and tends to be less reliable than fiber and cable internet, but the advantage is in its wide availability. You will not require a landline to use the service, although you will need your home’s phone jack. |
Fiber | This is the most reliable connection type and also happens to be the fastest, with equal support for consistent upload and download speeds. The problem with it is its limited availability. |
Satellite | This is the least reliable among the four options and the slowest as well, but it may likely be your only option if you live in a rural or remote area. |
Conclusion
Knowing how DSL works and the types of DSL connections helps you to know that you will not need a phone line when signing up for CenturyLink internet – all you will need is a phone jack, and inform them that you intend to sign up for their internet-only service.
FAQs
Does CenturyLink use cable or phone line?
They use both, so your connection will depend on whether you want cable internet or DSL internet, and which option is available in your area.
Is a landline necessary for internet?
No, you do not. Most DSL and cable internet providers allow you to join their internet-only service.
How do I get internet without a phone line?
If your home is not wired for phone or cable, you can apply to get satellite, 4G LTE, or fixed-wireless internet.
Does CenturyLink use a satellite dish?
Not in all cases – only if you are installing satellite internet in your home.