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AT&T Internet vs TDS Telecom Internet

Compare CenturyLink and TDS Telecom internet service in 2024

13 Plans Available
AT&T internet
price range
$55 - $225/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 25 Mbps - 5 Gbps
  • IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless
  • Unlimited Data
7 Plans Available
TDS internet
price range
$29.95 - $74.95/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 25 Mbps - 1 Gbps
  • DSL, Fiber, Cable, Copper
  • $12 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about AT&T Internet and TDS:

Learn more about AT&T Internet and TDS

AT&T and TDS are reputable internet providers that offer various connection types. With multiple plan options, both providers make it easy to find a plan that suits your speed preferences and budget. For an in-depth comparison of AT&T and TDS, we’ve outlined the key similarities and differences below.

Both AT&T and TDS are fiber internet providers, delivering gigabit download speeds at reasonable prices. The former also offers internet protocol broadband (IPBB), 5G home internet, and fixed wireless internet plans, while the latter has DSL and cable plans in addition to its fiber plans. Choosing a provider may sometimes come down to the connection type and its availability in your area. Fiber is harder to come by than cable or DSL, but not as much as when it was first deployed in the U.S.

If we’re strictly looking at who offers the fastest internet plans, AT&T takes the lead, with download speeds reaching up to 5 Gbps versus TDS’s speeds up to 1 Gbps. But, if we’re looking at pricing, TDS’s lowest-priced plan is $29.95 per month, whereas AT&T’s lowest-priced plan will cost you $35 per month.

AT&T Internet vs TDS: Best Deals

Internet Deals

When you’re a new customer at either AT&T or TDS, you get plenty of deals and freebies. AT&T typically includes deals with its fiber plans, such as reward cards and free subscriptions on select streaming services. TDS usually offers a few months of its internet service for free on top of guaranteed special pricing. When you decide on a provider, check to see what promotions are currently available so you can apply them during sign-up.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

AT&T Internet Pros

  • Ultrafast fiber internet
  • Widespread coverage
  • Multiple plan options
  • Amazing promotions

AT&T Internet Cons

  • Data caps on non-fiber plans
  • Fiber isn’t available everywhere

TDS Telecom Pros

  • Fast fiber plans
  • Multiple connection types
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Guaranteed annual pricing

TDS Telecom Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Cost varies significantly by location

TDS Offers More Comprehensive Bundles

While AT&T offers some great internet bundles that combine home phone and wireless plans with internet service, it doesn’t offer TV service. On the other hand, TDS offers internet, phone, and TV service all conveniently in one place, which is why we think they have the upper hand.

AT&T’s Fee Structure Beats TDS When It Comes to Fees

AT&T Offers Free Installation

AT&T’s professional installation costs $99, but you can typically avoid paying this one-time fee when you opt to self-install instead. TDS doesn’t charge installation fees for its non-fiber plans, but if you end up with fiber internet, you’ll have to pay a $49.95 fee.

AT&T Has More Generous Data Caps

AT&T doesn’t impose data caps on its fiber plans, but it does for its fixed wireless plan, which has a monthly 350 GB data cap. TDS has data caps for some of its plans, depending on the area. You might encounter data caps ranging between 250 and 500 GB per month.

AT&T Beats TDS on Customer Satisfaction

AT&T has an exemplary customer support team. The company has won awards for customer service from J.D. Power and has achieved high rankings in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). TDS has good customer service, but some customers have reported long wait times while waiting for a response.

AT&T Internet vs. TDS Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review AT&T Internet based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 3124 for AT&T Internet. AT&T Internet earned an average score of 3.39 out of 5.

As of March 2024, BroadBandNow’s editorial team has not been able to survey enough TDS customers to provide a comprehensive understanding of how this service is meeting customers’ needs or expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions about AT&T Internet & TDS Telecom

  • Is AT&T Internet cheaper than TDS Telecom?

    AT&T Internet’s lowest-priced, non-fiber internet-only plan costs $55 per month, whereas TDS Telecom’s lowest-priced, non-fiber internet-only plan costs $29.95 per month.

  • Who has faster speeds — AT&T Internet or TDS Telecom?

    AT&T Internet’s download speeds reach up to 5 Gbps, while TDS Telecom’s speeds go up to 1 Gbps.

  • Do AT&T Internet and TDS Telecom have unlimited data?

    AT&T Internet’s fixed wireless plan has a monthly data cap of 350 GB and TDS Telecom has data caps on some of its plans with a range of 250-500 GB per month, depending on location. AT&T Fiber plans don’t have data caps.

  • Do AT&T Internet and TDS Telecom require a contract?

    No, neither AT&T Internet and TDS Telecom require contracts for their internet plans.