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10 / 10  Review Rating

It’s impossible to take internet service decisions too seriously when we’re talking cord cutting. Without cable or satellite TV to rely on, cord-cutters are at the whim of their internet service provider (ISP) to ensure they have an enjoyable streaming experience. Sign on with an internet provider that has inconsistent service, or speeds not nearly adequate to handle your streaming activity, and your viewing fun is done, finished, kaput.

We took an up-close and personal look at AT&T internet service from the perspective of the cord-cutter. Now, we’re ready to tell you all the good, bad, and maybe somewhat glitchy about AT&T’s internet services.

AT&T Internet Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Ultra-fast fiber speeds available
  • No data caps on fiber plans
  • No contracts required

Cons

  • A few too many fees
  • No big price breaks on bundles
  • Somewhat expensive plans

Cutting the Cord With AT&T Internet

Internet technology has scored first place in the marathon of scientific progress. While dial-up and even DSL are happy to just cross the finish line, connection types like fiber, 5G home, and low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet have limitless potential. We’re down to the last mile, and it’s exciting to see which one will come out on top.

With each hurdle internet technology leaps over, tech pioneers fueled by consumer demand erect new challenges in the form of online streaming, online gaming, online meeting, and soon who knows what else. We cord-cutters make up the latest and greatest wave of consumers requiring fast and consistent internet, and we’re in it for the long haul.

One of today’s fiercest competitors in the long haul game is AT&T Internet. Make no mistake; today’s AT&T is not the same long-distance phone company of yesteryear. AT&T is one of the few providers that has stayed in lockstep with evolving technology, updating its infrastructure at the speed of light — quite literally. Today’s AT&T internet is all about fiber-optic technology, offering download speeds of up to 5 Gbps and delivering seamless, consistent internet to its subscribers. AT&T Internet is more than capable of meeting the most intense cord-cutter’s demands.

We know AT&T is bringing some serious game, but what does that mean in actuality? Let’s discuss the biggest pros and cons of our AT&T Internet experience to find out.

Digging Into the Details: The Pros of AT&T Internet

Pro #1: AT&T Fiber offers lightning-fast speeds

In addition to AT&T Fiber, AT&T also offers AT&T Internet and fixed-wireless internet in regions that don’t yet have fiber infrastructure. For our review, we chose AT&T Fiber, specifically the gigabit internet plan AT&T Internet 1000, to get a good idea how fiber gig service would perform under demanding cord-cutting conditions.

Connection type Starting price Download speeds (up to) Upload speeds (up to)
AT&T Fiber $55 per month 5 Gbps 5 Gbps
AT&T Internet $55 per month 100 Mbps 10 Mbps
AT&T Fixed Wireless $59.99 per month 25 Mbps 1 Mbps

We tested the Internet 1000 plan in a cord-free, heavy-duty streaming, teleworking, multi-user single-family home. We found that while the advertised download speed for the Internet 1000 plan is 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, we experienced speeds closer to 625 Mbps download and 550 Mbps upload. Since we were on a 5 Ghz Wi-Fi connection almost three floors up for this test, we think these speeds are pretty spectacular. In fact, we didn’t notice any buffering or other dips in performance anywhere in the house.

AT&T Internet Speedtest Results
Screenshot of our Wi-Fi speed test while using AT&T Fiber Internet 1000

Pro #2: AT&T Fiber has unlimited data

Because we chose AT&T Fiber, we never had to worry about data caps. We streamed as much as we wanted, whenever we wanted using different streaming platforms such as HBO Max (included free with our Internet 1000 plan), Netflix, and one of our favorites, Hulu + Live TV.

Over 10 years ago we would have had to monitor our data limit closely. That’s just not an issue anymore with providers like AT&T. In fact, you’ll get unlimited data with any AT&T fiber internet plan with 100 Mbps download speeds or faster.

We should note that data caps are a different story with the two other connection types. With fixed wireless, AT&T allows 350 GB data allowance. After that, they’ll charge you up to $200 in data overage charges. Likewise, with AT&T Internet, AT&T will give you 1 TB of data each month for plans below the 100 Mbps mark. Otherwise, it’s also limitless!

Pro #3: All AT&T plans are contract-free

Contract-free plans apply to all connection types, whether you’re purchasing AT&T Fiber, AT&T Internet, or fixed wireless service. AT&T won’t force you to sign a service agreement with them as a condition of service. We will say it was a really great feeling knowing we could cancel anytime without the fear of early termination fees (ETFs) if we weren’t happy with AT&T’s fiber gigabit service.

Digging Deeper: The Cons of AT&T Internet

Con #1: AT&T Internet imposes too many fees

While many internet providers are running away from unpopular fees, AT&T seems to be doing more of a light jog. Yes, they won’t charge you an ETF when you purchase a contract-free plan, but there are other fees to consider like the router rental and the technician installation fee.

The good news is: Many of these fees are avoidable. Supply your own compatible router, and you won’t have to pay a router lease fee for renting. If you have a self-install option, you can choose to do that to avoid professional installation charges. Avoid late fees by signing up for automatic billing. Here’s a quick list of AT&T Internet fees you may encounter:

    • Early termination fee: Up to $180 (only for preexisting contracts)
    • Technician installation fee: Up to $99
    • Equipment lease fee: Up to $10 per month
    • Non-return equipment fee: Up to $150
    • Data overage charge: Up to $200
    • Late payment fee: Up to $9.99

     

    Con #2: AT&T bundles don’t offer discounts

    It’s true that cord-cutters aren’t too interested in traditional bundles. But new bundle offers incorporate services like streaming TV or mobile phone plans. With AT&T you can get both.

    Unfortunately, when you bundle AT&T with DIRECTV STREAM, you won’t get any kind of deal. When you bundle AT&T Internet with a mobile plan, you may fare better. Depending on the promotion at the moment, you could get monthly discounts, account credits, or gift cards when you bundle.

    Con #3: AT&T’s internet services can be a bit pricey

    AT&T’s AT&T Internet and fixed wireless plans are priced high compared to its fiber internet plans. All plans, regardless of connection type, start out at either $55 or $59.99 per month. But, whereas AT&T fiber’s cheapest plan offers 300 Mbps download speeds, the AT&T Internet and fixed wireless plan speeds max out way below that. If you live in a service area where only AT&T Internet or fixed wireless is available, you’ll get far less speed (and value) for your dollar.

    The upside to all these drawbacks is that basic cord cutting where most streaming occurs on a single device only requires about 25 to 50 Mbps download speeds to be successful (depending on your preferred resolution). So, it could still be a good option.

    The Equipment You Get From AT&T

    Since we signed up for AT&T fiber internet, the only equipment we needed was an internet gateway. We chose to lease an AT&T gateway for $9.99 per month. The design is sleek and unobtrusive, and setup was a breeze.

    AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway BGW320
    The AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway BGW320 up and running

    AT&T also offers the option to purchase the Orbi™ Whole Home Mesh WiFi System to supply a consistent Wi-Fi signal to all corners of your home. The Orbi system delivers 1.2 Gbps high-performance Wi-Fi to a maximum coverage area of 3,000 square feet. If you’re in a small residence with one or two users, Wi-Fi mesh systems may not be a necessity like they are for larger homes with streaming devices such as Smart TVs located in rooms throughout.

    Our Experience With AT&T Internet Customer Service

    AT&T has a stellar customer service record, which was consistent with our experience while setting up service and installation. Our conversation with the AT&T customer service rep was a welcome relief compared to interactions we’ve had with other service providers in the past. The installation technician who installed our fiber internet was efficient, professional, and courteous. They even had a second person show up just to help with setting up the AT&T Smart Home Manager app for us.

    AT&T Smart Home Manager Features
    Examples of features found in the AT&T Smart Home Manager app

    Phone-based technical support was one area we did not have a chance to explore because we never needed it. Once your internet is up and running, the AT&T Smart Home Manager app helps you to manage your network, monitor its performance, and ensure all your data is secure. Much of the troubleshooting that used to take place over the phone via tech support is now seamlessly accomplished via the app, saving precious time and sanity.

    One of our favorite features was the ability to check Wi-Fi signals around the home with the app. It even lets you know when new devices connect to the network. Finally, an app that does what it says it will do!

    Our Final Take on AT&T Internet

    Our AT&T fiber internet has lived up to all of our hopes and expectations for this internet provider. While our download speed wasn’t quite as advertised, it was still more than enough for what we needed. (The truth is, typical actual speeds often don’t quite match advertised speeds with many providers.) We were a little wary of the fees, but found that we could avoid many of these with a few simple steps. Our installation experience was very positive, and the price for our plan was reasonable.

    At the end of the day, if you want to cut the cord and AT&T internet is available in your area, it’s a no-brainer. Check your local availability and find a great AT&T internet deal to get you streaming with the best of us.

10 thoughts on “AT&T Internet Review for Cord-Cutters

  1. Thomas Noland says:

    Hi,

    Do you have internet service in Lino Lakes. I’m interested in your packages.

  2. Anonymous says:

    You gave ATT way too much credit in this review. Since this review I’ve observed and experienced the worst of ATT and currently in a complaint filed with the FCC. I hate to them fail like this and not even be willing to budge on anything to make up for it. Currently looking for a better company if it exist.

  3. Rick says:

    You may want to do your research. Fiber is not affected by “usage in your area” like cable is. So that is false. It is dedicated bandwidth from the switches to the external VRAD’s then to the residence ONT’s. I have had AT&T Fiber since it came out and I get symmetrical download and upload speeds consistently. In fact, I normally get speeds a tad faster than I subscribe to. When I had 300 / 300, I was getting 305 to 312 consistently up and down. Now I have the 1Gb service and get 1005 to 1010 up / down. And yes, I know everyone’s experience is different, but to say Fiber is affected by usage in area is not correct.

  4. michael knight says:

    I DONT KNOW WHERE THIS PERSON GOT THESE PRICES ON AT&T? MY BUNDELED PRICE IS APPROCHING 300.00 DOLLARS A MONTH. AT&T IS RIPPING CUSTOMERS OFF IF THIS IS THEIR PRICES. ATSC 3.0 TECHNOLOGY PROMISES BETTER RECEPTION, SOUND AND PICTURE QUALITY. WHERE IS THE PROGRAMMING? SOUNDS LIKE CHEAP TALK WITH NO PLAN. CONVERTER BOXES ARE OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH, NEXT GEN TVS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND STILL NO SOLUTION FOR MIDDLE CLASS AND RETIREES, LIKE ME. GARBAGE TALK! SATTELITE AND CABLE COMPANIES ARE KILLING CUSTOMERS. GREED RULES. GIVE AMERICAN PUBLIC A BREAK. SERVICE AND PRICES SUCK.

    1. TJSage says:

      Simple, then look or move somewhere else. I have been jammed, (stuck), with Xfinity for two years now and AT&T fiber is finally available and I can’t wait to switch. Xfinity Cable gives you little HDTV to choose from let alone anything in 4k. AT&T is a public company and has been for eons. Xfinity/Comcast is a private company that only answers to ‘what provides the most profit’. AT&T and DirecTV Streaming allow you to use your own routers, WiFi, and entertainment boxes. You don’t hav etc pay to rent them for as long as you use their services. All the other rip you off with useless boxes

  5. Robert Higgins says:

    The article is dated 3/1 but needs to be updated. As of Feb the equipment fee is included in the price, since there is no contract there is not ETF, most plans have unlimited data so there is no overage charge, and you state “AT&T’s internet services can be a bit pricey” but I have found, and most other review sites state, that AT&T plans are comparable if not less expensive that other plans.
    Thank you

  6. Alice Pearce says:

    I have been extremely disappointed with att service. Our house line was cut while laying fiberoptics . It is an important line and has been out for a month . They are not fixing it but continue to charge for it.
    I believe I have talked with every customer service rep they have as they have promised service within 24 hours but for the lastonth have delivered nothing. We are not getting any refund for lack of service either because they can’t won t, haven’t fixed the line. I now am believing this was the goal all along to push our neighborhood into fiber and away from land lines. I have been and loyal supporter for over ten years but after r a month of lies and no service we are abandoning all their services. They do not have any managers on duty and are very ready to sell new products but can’t fix old ones.

  7. Pat S. says:

    I switched from 200Mbps Spectrum cable to 1Gbps At&t fiber internet in September 2019. The service was good (although not quite as fast as they claim) during the first few years. There have always been random service disruptions, but it’s getting worse and worse. For the past year or so, the connection intermitantly drops for a few minutes at a time through out the day. Streaming online contents becomes unbearable and it’s absolutely unreliable for people working from home.

    And everytime I check for service outage on their website, it would say “We didn’t see any outages.” When calling the technical help support, I would get a different story from their automated system and it would tell me I need to talk with a representative. Unfortunately, I could never get through due to the call “high demand.”

  8. Bryan says:

    This website’s comments are all too typical of ALL the comment sections on almost EVERY SINGLE website I’ve read. EVERYONE is NEVER WRONG about ANYTHING. NO CONSUMER is (even at LEAST PARTIALLY) responsible for any problem, EVER! It’s ALWAYS some company or some other person’s fault. I am SO TIRED of having to wade through COMPLAINT after COMPLAINT after COMPLAINT, when they almost NEVER say WHY they’re complaining (they just use EXTREME language, which they would probably never use in person). But anyway …

    I just had AT&T Fiber installed, and it went very smoothly! The tech knew his stuff (way to go, Joe R!), and afterwards, we had symmetrical download AND upload speeds, which is why I decided to go with them in the first place. EVERYTHING snaps back more quickly than I can read! For online backups, video calls, and just everyday website usage, having the symmetrical upload/download just seems to make things (even things that aren’t focused on upload) just SNAP.

    I just switched to AT&T 1000 from Xfinity 1000 (I guess 1000+ now), so I can somewhat readily compare them to each other. Even with the 200 or 300 Mbps faster DOWNLOAD speed with Xfinity, the AT&T just seems faster than the numbers say. I do know that the Xfinity UPLOAD speeds are really sad (30-40 Mbps), compared to AT&T (as fast as 1010 Mbps at the building input). I’m thinking that, since every page interaction also involves UPLOAD, as well as DOWNLOAD, the symmetrical speed is what gives you that SNAP for EVERYTHING! Their router (and installation, and EVERYTHING) was “waived” (FREE, in other words). AND, there’s NO CONTRACT!

    I really have no idea about what these people are complaining! The prices between Xfinity and AT&T (for1000 Mbps) are identical, and all the ATT&T equipment is “no charge”, as I said, and it’s also CURRENT TECH (WiFi-6, for instance, which is the same as my laptop). I’m not sure what the differences are between 4, 5, 6, …,but since my laptop has WiFi-6 as well, I’m probably getting the best possible WiFi speeds. The iMac that we’ve connected with an Ethernet cable (Cat 8, just for “buffer room”) really SCREAMS on the speed tests, which are >950 Mbps (BOTH upload AND download)!! As I said, the Xfinity NUMBERS say it should be faster (and it IS 1200-1400 Mbps Ethernet DOWNLOAD ONLY), but the UPLOAD speed really does seem to make EVERYTHING SNAP (I can’t think of another word for it ;-)!

    I probably DO have the advantage (and disadvantage) of living in the S.F. Bay Area, in Silicon Valley, so we have direct competition between pretty much ALL the ISP services. This keeps prices “about the same”, but then housing purchase or rent prices here are “out of sight”. However, I really do NOT think I would want to live anywhere else! The diversity here is also “OUT OF SIGHT”, and we don’t live by people who think it’s OK to support a CRIMINAL (#45). I know I shouldn’t speak politics, but it is relevant to the competition between ISPs (giving low prices), along with some of the bad (but mostly FANTASTIC) qualities of the Bay Area (and CA, having a science-based governor).

  9. Charles L Allen says:

    I have had fiber since earlier this year and I have been very happy with it.

    I’d like to find a way to keep my landline number but use it over fiber.

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