Comcast vs. CenturyLink

Comcast's fiber-optic cable service is called XFinity. It offers On Demand programming, remote DVR access and the option to watch shows recorded to the DVR on any television set in the house. All packages that include HD access also include 3-D and On Demand access. Century-Link offers access to all-digital DirecTV channels in packages that range from providing basic local cable to those with all the premium cable channels. HD, sports, movie channels, DVR and On Demand add-ons are available with any package.

Comcast's XFinity high speed Internet service plans are available in a range of speeds up to 20 mbps. All plans come with Constant Guard, a suite of security programs that include anti-virus and anti-identity theft utilities, as well as 2 MB of personal web space and up to 10 email accounts with 10 GB of storage apiece. CenturyLink's Internet service plans offer customers a private, direct connection to a national network, in download speeds that range from 768 kbps to 10 mbps. Several add-ons are also available, including a security suite, backup services and a PC protection plan.

Comcast's XFinity telephone services allow customers to remotely check landline voice mail from smartphones or computers with Internet access, and include caller ID and call waiting. A range of plans are available, from local calls only to unlimited long distance. CenturyLink offers several long distance calling plans with pay-as-you-go and limited or unlimited anytime minutes. Features such as caller ID, voice mail, call waiting and additional phone lines are available as add-ons to any plan.

The promises outlined in Comcast's customer support guarantee include a 30-day, money-back guarantee, an offer of an account credit for service provider lateness and quick resolution of routine issues. CenturyLink provides customers with an extensive online database of product and service information, as well as live chat, telephone and email tech support.