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5.8

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 9th, 2022
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Attention: Prism TV is no longer offered.

Due to market trends in video content, CenturyLink no longer offers its cable TV alternative package, Prism TV.

CenturyLink Prism TV began in 1930 when William Clarke and Marie Williams purchased the Oak Ridge Telephone company, and it has expanded into a multinational communications and data services company. The company uses a fiber-optic network, providing its users with fast and effective streaming services that separate it from other cable and satellite companies. Users can enjoy both local channels as well as sports programming in HD.

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The Good

  • Prism TV App
  • Transparent Monthly Pricing
  • Additional Premium Channels
  • Bundling Options

Prism TV App

Prism TV subscribers can use the app at no additional cost. With the app, customers can watch and stream live TV, view On-Demand programming, manage and schedule DVR recordings and use the app as a remote. Customers can download the Prism TV app on their smartphone, tablet, Kindles, Roku players, and Roku TVs. 

Transparent Monthly Pricing

Since CenturyLink is offered to current Prism TV customers, there is not a lot of information about what’s offered. However, The 2019 Prism TV package pricing is as follows:

Basic

  • $34.99 per month

Essential

  • $106.99 per month

Complete

  • $111.99 per month

Preferred STARZ and Showtime

  • $129.99 per month

Preferred HBO and EPIX

  • $139.99 per month

Premium

  • $164.99 per month

Of course all rates, channel line-ups, terms, etc. are subject to change.

Additional Premium Channels

Customers with the Basic, Essential, or Complete Package may want to add on premium channels to watch their favorite shows. Here are Prism TV’s premium channels:

HBO®

  • $19.49 per month
  • 14 HBO® channels (HBO On Demand® and HBO GO®)
  • Free with an HBO® subscription from CenturyLink.

Cinemax®

  • $17.99 per month
  • 12 Cinemax® channels (Cinemax On Demand® and MAX GO®)
  • Free with a Cinemax® subscription from CenturyLink.

SHOWTIME®

  • $17.99 per month
  • 21 SHOWTIME® channels (SHOWTIME ANYTIME and SHOWTIME ON DEMAND)

STARZ®

  • $17.99 per month
  • 30 STARZ® channels (STARZ® Play and STARZ® On Demand)

Bundling Options

CenturyLink allows customers to bundle their internet, TV, and phone provider and in return, pay less on their monthly bill. Since Prism TV is no longer offered to new customers, they are directed to bundle their CenturyLink internet with DIRECTV®. 

DIRECTV® offers plenty of premium channels (HBO®, STARZ®, SHOWTIME®, and Cinemax®) but they are more popularly known for their Sports Pack — where fans can purchase NFL SUNDAY TICKET, NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX, MLB EXTRA INNINGS®, and the MLS Direct Kick™.  

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The Bad

  • Fees
  • Could Be Discontinued

Fees

As with all service providers, customers agree to a contract and if they do not follow the agreement are subject to certain fees. Prism TV customers may experience the following fees. 

Internet Installation: For customers bundling and getting internet with their TV services will have to pay for a Standard Tech Install. This is a $99 one-time charge

Early Termination Fee: Up to $20 multiplied by the number of remaining months in the current term commitment (up to $240 max). 

Equipment Fee: CenturyLink equipment (set-top boxes, remote controls, etc.) needs to be received within 30 days after termination or cancellation of service. Charges may be applied for any unreturned/damaged equipment. 

Modem: A CenturyLink modem will cost $10 per month if leased or customers can select a one-time purchase for $150.

Set-Top Box (STB): Customer must have a CenturyLink provided STB to watch TV. For the Prism TV Basic, Essential and Complete packages, a $9.99 monthly recurring charge will apply for the first STB; for Prism Preferred and Premium Packages, the first wired STB is included in the Package offer. 

Prism TV’s site states, “Depending on services you select, these CenturyLink surcharges may apply: Internet/Broadband Cost Recovery Fee; Prism Local Broadcast Surcharge; Prism Sports Network Surcharge; Non-Telecom Services Surcharge; Subscriber Line Charge; Long Distance Line Charge; Access Recovery Charge; Property Tax Recovery Fee; Federal Regulatory Recovery Fee; and Facilities Relocation Cost Recovery Fee.”

Although, new customers who sign up with CenturyLink and go through DIRECTV for their service provider are subject to DIRECTV's fees. 

Could Be Discontinued

The fact that CenturyLink is directing all new customers to sign up with DIRECTV and not Prism TV is a sign that the service is likely going to be discontinued. While previous Prism TV customers were allowed to stay on their plan, it could be sooner rather than later for Prism TV. 

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The Bottom Line

Because so many of its customers have been choosing to cut the cord — referring to the process of cutting cable connections and switching over to over-the-top (OTT) service provider or an over-the-air (OT) broadcast. Those looking into Prism TV for their entertainment needs should probably look elsewhere. The company has stopped expanding its TV service and isn’t taking any new customers. Instead, the company is directing new customers to DIRECTV for their television service provider.

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Star Rating

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2.0

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78 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

9%

4 grade

14%

3 grade

6%

2 grade

8%

1 grade

63%

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Alicia Holman Gilbert, AZ

Although they do have similar service to the other companies, they don't have all of the channels that the bigger company has, so it's hard to make the change. Also, they are slower than they advertise, so the downloads aren't as fast. They offer a lot upfront and once you become a customer, the service isn't there.

5 years ago

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Edward Martinez

I currently watch your programs on prism2 channel but! If possible can you pick movies with a lil more clarity. They are coming thru foggy. How about more old black & white movies. Thanks

6 years ago

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J Connelly Saratoga Springs, UT

Century link was okay for the money. We stayed with them until the contract was up but probably wouldn’t go through them again.

4 years ago

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Bethany Simko Pleasant Grove, UT

One of the best providers around where I live. Prices are a bit high so that prevents many from using

5 years ago

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michelle l pierce Gilbert, AZ

We had Prism for one week, Customer service was really bad. Over charged

5 years ago