Brightspeed inherited CenturyLink's copper DSL infrastructure across 20 states in 2022 and continues to deliver internet service over ADSL, ADSL2, and VDSL2 technology to millions of homes. If you are on a Brightspeed DSL plan, buying your own compatible modem eliminates the $15/month equipment rental fee and puts you in control of your home network hardware.
Every modem in this collection has been verified to work on the Brightspeed DSL network. The right model for your home depends on which DSL technology and speed tier serves your address.
Brightspeed DSL Speed Tiers and Technology
Brightspeed DSL plans deliver speeds ranging from approximately 10 Mbps up to 140 Mbps depending on your location and distance from network equipment. The technology behind your connection determines which modem you need.
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ADSL – Supports speeds up to 7 Mbps. The most widely available Brightspeed DSL technology.
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ADSL2 – Supports speeds up to 20 Mbps on a single line or up to 40 Mbps with pair bonding.
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VDSL/VDSL2 – Supports speeds up to 100 Mbps on a single line or up to 140 Mbps with pair bonding. Available in areas closer to Brightspeed service nodes.
Your specific speed tier is determined by your address. You can confirm whether your service uses ADSL, ADSL2, or VDSL by checking your Brightspeed account or contacting Brightspeed support directly.
What to Look for in a Brightspeed DSL Modem
A compatible Brightspeed DSL modem should support the following general specifications depending on your service tier.
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DSL standard support – ADSL2+ and VDSL2 compatibility covers the widest range of Brightspeed DSL plans.
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Bonded DSL support – Required if your plan uses pair bonding to achieve higher speeds (40 Mbps on ADSL2 or 140 Mbps on VDSL2).
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RJ-11 DSL port – Connects to your home phone jack, which is required for Brightspeed DSL service.
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Gigabit Ethernet ports – Ensures your wired devices are not bottlenecked below your plan speed.
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IPv4 and IPv6 support – Full protocol compatibility with the Brightspeed network.
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Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – Dual-band wireless for reliable coverage throughout your home.
Popular Brightspeed DSL Modem Models
Common modems used on the Brightspeed DSL network include the Actiontec C3000A, Zyxel C3000Z, Greenwave C4000LG, Zyxel C4000BZ, and Actiontec C2300A. These gateway devices combine a DSL modem and wireless router into a single unit, so no additional hardware is needed to get online.
Why Buy Your Own Modem
Brightspeed charges $15/month to lease a modem, which adds up to $180/year or $900 over five years. Purchasing a compatible modem upfront typically costs between $70 and $200 and pays for itself within a few months. You also gain the flexibility to choose a model with better Wi-Fi range, more Ethernet ports, or newer wireless standards than the default rental unit.
All Brightspeed DSL plans include unlimited data with no contracts or early termination fees, so your purchased modem works for as long as you keep your service.
Browse our verified selection below to find the right modem for your Brightspeed DSL plan. If you are unsure which DSL technology serves your address, check with Brightspeed before ordering to ensure full compatibility.