Internet Providers in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia, is served by a number of ISPs, both large and small. The two most popular choices in the city are AT&T and Xfinity. Together, both providers serve about 97 percent of the city’s population, while the remaining residents can choose between smaller providers like Viasat, HughesNet, and Windstream. As a result, Atlanta residents have various options when it comes to fast, reliable, and affordable internet providers.

Fastest Internet Providers in Atlanta

Currently, Google Fiber offers the fastest advertised speeds in Atlanta, with download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps — roughly double some of the fastest speeds offered by the competition. Unfortunately, Google Fiber is only available to less than 9 percent of Atlanta residents (as of 2021). Though that could change in the future, most Atlanta residents will need to rely on ISPs with larger networks in the area, like Xfinity and AT&T, which offer speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and 940 Mbps, respectively.

However, it is important to note that these are just the advertised speeds. Actual speeds vary significantly. For example, average download speeds for Xfinity users in Atlanta rest at 354 Mbps, while average Google Fiber speeds in the city are 251 Mbps. Though survey data on AT&T users is not currently available in Atlanta, nationwide users record average speeds of only 179.36 Mbps.

Cheapest Internet in Atlanta

One could argue that Xfinity is the fastest ISP in Atlanta, and also happens to be the cheapest, with 50 Mbps plans as low as $19.99 per month. Alternatively, AT&T’s cheapest plan is $35 per month, with download speeds up to 300 Mbps. However, when you look at the cost per MB, AT&T comes out on top, since you would need to pay about $0.40 per MB with Xfinity, as opposed to less than $0.12 per MB with AT&T. That said, these are both promotional rates, so you can expect your monthly premiums to increase after the first year of service.

Comparing AT&T and Xfinity

The vast majority of internet users in Atlanta choose between AT&T and Xfinity. Not only do they have some of the best speeds and lowest prices, but they are far more attainable than Google Fiber. Additionally, they have stronger infrastructures and greater name recognition than smaller providers in the area like Yomura or Windstream. Finally, both ISPs offer TV, phone, and entertainment bundles to entice customers.

Xfinity has its own in-house cable TV and phone services, while AT&T only offers in-house phone services. Fortunately, AT&T also partners with DIRECTV and HBO Max to provide users with better entertainment bundles. The exact cost will depend on the bundling package you choose, but you can expect to pay at least $50 more per month for a bundled plan from Xfinity and at least $70 more per month with AT&T.

Digital Equity Programs in Atlanta

While the city of Atlanta is committed to providing free and affordable internet to its citizens, publicly-funded internet is only available in select areas. More specifically, Atlanta residents and visitors can use free Wi-Fi throughout Piedmont and Grant Park. Additionally, low-income residents can qualify for Internet Essentials or the Georgia Lifeline Discount program to acquire low-cost internet.