C|Net compares CenturyLink and Comcast using a few metrics. If both are available in your area and you are making a decision about which to choose, the article will be helpful. If you are not in their area or you are and few of these services are available, the article may be frustrating but informative. Here’s the premise…

CenturyLink’s fiber and DSL home internet plans are available to just under one fifth of the US population. Meanwhile, Comcast Xfinity’s cable internet services are an option for more than a third of us. Setting aside satellite internet, which is available pretty much everywhere, CenturyLink and Comcast are two of the five largest internet providers in the country — and they’re competing for your business in more than half of all US states.

If you’re trying to pick between the two, the most important thing you need to understand is what, specifically, is available at your address. CenturyLink’s fiber plans are some of the best values you’ll find in high-speed home internet, but they’re only available in select regions. The rest of the footprint is left with CenturyLink’s DSL plans, which come with much slower speeds and a lot less bang for your buck. Meanwhile, with Comcast, you’ll connect via cable hookup regardless of where you live — but plans, prices and contract terms vary from region to region.

Fortunately, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. Keep reading for all of the key details on what each provider offers, including plans, prices, terms, speeds and customer satisfaction track records.