Google Fiber vs CenturyLink (Quantum) Fiber: Which Is Better Where Both Are Available?
Updated
If your home can get both GFiber (the new name for Google Fiber) and CenturyLink's fiber service, now sold as Quantum Fiber, you're comparing two true fiber-to-the-home networks. Both offer gigabit and multi-gig speeds, unlimited data, and month-to-month service. The differences come down to price, how that price is built, the Wi-Fi gear in the box, and who will actually be on your bill a year from now.
Here's how they compare as of October 1, 2026.
First, a quick note on names
CenturyLink's fiber service was rebranded as Quantum Fiber a few years ago. In February 2026, AT&T bought that consumer fiber business, and it is now marketed as "Quantum Fiber from AT&T" while customers move to AT&T Fiber market by market. CenturyLink's older copper DSL service was not part of the sale, and it is still a much slower product. If you see "CenturyLink" in an ad for gig-speed internet, it means this fiber service, not DSL.
Where the two overlap
The former Quantum Fiber footprint covers 11 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. GFiber also lists service areas in most of those states, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, and Washington. That makes this matchup most common in Mountain West, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest metros. Fiber goes in neighborhood by neighborhood, though, so a shared city doesn't guarantee a shared street.
GFiber vs Quantum Fiber at a glance
| GFiber | Quantum Fiber | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig price | $70/mo | $50/mo promotional (regular $80) with bank AutoPay and paperless billing |
| Multi-gig | 3 Gig $100, 8 Gig $150 | 2 Gig or 3 Gig from $70/mo promotional in select markets |
| Upload speeds | Symmetrical on every plan | Symmetrical except the 2 Gig plan |
| Wi-Fi gear | Wi-Fi 6E router (1 Gig) or Wi-Fi 7 router (3 and 8 Gig) | 360 WiFi system with Wi-Fi 7 pods included |
| Installation | Self setup or free professional install | Technician install included |
| Contract and data | No contract, unlimited data | No annual contract, unlimited data |
Prices exclude taxes and fees, and GFiber adds a local access fee in some cities. Offers vary by address.
Pricing: steady list price vs promotional discount
GFiber's pitch is simplicity. Its 1 Gig plan is $70 a month, the same price it has charged since 2012, with no first-year teaser and no jump later. 3 Gig is $100 and 8 Gig is $150.
Quantum Fiber's entry price is lower, but it is built on discounts. The $50 gig starts from an $80 regular rate, minus a $25 new-customer discount and $5 more for AutoPay from a bank account. If you switch to a card or miss bank payments, the higher rate can apply. Quantum Fiber also takes $20 a month off an eligible AT&T unlimited wireless plan, which can tip the math if your household already uses AT&T phones. For qualifying households, a 200 Mbps Simply Fiber plan costs $30 a month.
Not sure which fiber reaches your street?
Fiber is built block by block. Enter your ZIP code to see the providers and plans available at your address.
Speed and equipment
On a wired connection, a gig from either provider feels about the same. Uploads are fast, latency is low, and evenings don't slow down much. GFiber's 8 Gig plan gives it the higher ceiling. Quantum Fiber's 2 Gig plan doesn't have matching upload speeds, so if uploads matter, compare the 1 Gig or 3 Gig plans instead.
Both include whole-home Wi-Fi. GFiber sends a router plus extenders as needed and lets you use your own router. Quantum Fiber's 360 WiFi uses Wi-Fi 7 pods with built-in security features and app controls. On GFiber's top tiers, an in-home consultation can include hard-wiring up to two rooms where eligible, and the 8 Gig plan adds a battery backup and an uptime guarantee.
Installation and sign-up
GFiber lets you set up with its app or book a free professional install. Quantum Fiber includes technician installation, but it notes that some new installs may involve construction charges. It covers the first $1,500 and asks you to approve anything beyond that before work starts. Quantum Fiber bills in advance, with the first payment processed when your order completes.
Which should you choose?
Choose GFiber if you want one predictable price for years, need true multi-gig with matching uploads, or like the option to install it yourself.
Choose Quantum Fiber if you want the lowest gig price today, pay by bank AutoPay, or have AT&T wireless lines that unlock the $20 monthly discount. Just check the regular rate so you know your long-term cost.
Want help comparing fiber plans at your address?
We can help you line up GFiber, Quantum Fiber and other options side by side so you can pick with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is CenturyLink fiber the same as Quantum Fiber?
Yes. CenturyLink's fiber service was rebranded as Quantum Fiber, and AT&T bought that fiber business in February 2026. CenturyLink's older copper DSL service stayed with Lumen.
Is Google Fiber or Quantum Fiber cheaper?
On October 1, 2026, Quantum Fiber's 1 Gig promotion was $50 a month with AutoPay from a bank account and paperless billing. The regular rate is $80. GFiber's 1 Gig plan is $70 a month with no promotional price jump.
Do either have contracts or data caps?
No. Both sell month-to-month fiber service with unlimited data. Taxes and fees are extra with both.