AT&T Internet vs Spectrum: Side by Side Comparison

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AT&T Internet vs Spectrum

Internet users have a lot of factors to consider when deciding between AT&T and Charter for home broadband. While both offer similar prices and speeds, differences in the details so far as TV offerings, infrastructure type, and promotional strategies result in a laundry list of pros and cons.

AT&T Internet AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (877) 722-3506
  • Support: (800) 288-2020
(877) 722-3506

$50 to $90 / mo.

5.0 mbps to 1,000 mbps

1.0 mbps to 1,000 mbps

64%64%

DSL

Current: 24th ↑ (+3)

Charter Spectrum AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (855) 347-5741
  • Support: (800) 892-4357
(855) 347-5741

$44.99 to $44.99 / mo.

100 mbps to 940 mbps

10 mbps to 35 mbps

63%63%

Cable

Current: 5th ↑ (+2)

AT&T Internet OVERVIEW

AT&T Internet is a major broadband provider. AT&T offers DSL and fiber Internet services, as well as bundled TV and telephone packages.

Spectrum OVERVIEW

Charter Spectrum sells home broadband cable and fiber Internet. They also sell TV packages. Charter's recent acquisition of Time Warner Cable has helped their cable network to become one of the biggest nationwide.

AT&T Internet INTERNET DEALS †

  • $50 for 100 mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $60.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $180 ETF
    • Get $50 AT&T Visa® Card when ordered online.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $50 for 100 mbps DSL
    • 10 to 100 mbps depending on location w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $60.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $180 ETF
    • Get $50 AT&T Visa® Card when ordered online.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $60 for 10 mbps Fixed Wireless
    • Download speeds of 10 Mbps or over and upload speeds of 1 Mbps or over w/ a 215 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $70.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • $0 equipment fee includes Wi-Fi gateway.
    • Setup: Installation cost of outdoor antenna is up to $99.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $70 for 300 mbps Fiber
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 300 Mbps ↑ w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $80.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $180 ETF
    • Get $50 AT&T Visa® Card when ordered online.
    • Setup: $0 (Installation cost waived.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $90 for 1,000 mbps Fiber
    • 1,000 Mbps ↓ and 1,000 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $100.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $180 ETF
    • Get $50 AT&T Visa® Card when ordered online.
    • Setup: $0 (Installation cost waived.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
Show All Deals (8)
Last updated on 7/17/2019

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with AT&T Internet.

Spectrum INTERNET DEALS †

  • $44.99 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Modem included.
    • Call (855) 347-5741 to setup service.
Show All Deals (5)
Last updated on 7/13/2019

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.

AT&T Internet: DATACAPS From 215 GB/mo.

We have found plans that include datacaps. AT&T Internet offer plans with data caps regionally or nationwide. Be sure to verify plan details before purchasing.

Spectrum: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Spectrum doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

AT&T Internet's TECHNOLOGY

AT&T markets two options for Internet service: DSL and fiber. Fiber is available for both home and business-class subscribers. They also offer a variety of bundled packages that include TV and phone service.

Their DSL offering, formerly called AT&T "U-verse", leverages Fiber-to-the-Node infrastructure. In a FTTN layout, a fiber optic line ends at a point near the customer location, with the last leg to the subscriber residences reached via telephone, ethernet, and in some instances coax cable. This hybrid fiber infrastructure has allowed them to provide faster plans than usually expected via DSL.[3]

Aside from DSL plans, AT&T also offers Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in select areas. FTTH is considered the best choice for robust, fast home internet.

Spectrum's TECHNOLOGY

Charter Spectrum services Internet, TV, and phone service to consumers over their fiber-based cable network.

Hybrid Fiber Coaxial uses fiber optic lines for the network core, only resorting to lower-bandwidth copper cables in the “last mile” between subscribers and a localized “optical node.”[4] The copper coaxial networks send the signal as "analog" radio frequency to subscriber locations.

Hybrid fiber-coaxial called “cable” due to the use of coaxial cable.

AT&T Internet INSTALLATION

AT&T offers both professional installation and self-installation with a kit.

AT&T usually charges for pro installation. If your house was previously serviced and qualifies for self-installation, this might help you to save money when setting up service.

Spectrum INSTALLATION

Charter Spectrum installation is generally straightforward. Charter Internet plans are cable, meaning they will require connecting a modem into the coaxial TV outlet in your home.

For houses that have capable wiring, self-installation can be completed using the equipment and self-install instructions charter provides. Homes without internal wiring or with a need to upgrade will require assistance from a certified technician.

Professional Installation includes a fee, but for customers unsure about their ability to understand the router, the extra fee may be well worth it for peace of mind.

AT&T Internet RATINGS AND REVIEWS

41%41% Customer Rating

41.1% recommendation rating according to 102076 verified users.

Spectrum RATINGS AND REVIEWS

50%50% Customer Rating

50.0% recommendation rating according to 62675 verified Spectrum users.

AT&T Internet COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

AT&T Internet Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Spectrum COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Charter Spectrum Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Buying vs renting a modem from your provider

Why rent something that’s so cheap?

Rental fees have been on the rise from many broadband providers — U-verse and Charter are no exceptions. Considering that a decent modem costs around the same as a year of rental fees, spending the $40+ up front to purchase modem and/or router is a no-brainer for most consumers.[1]

The only “gotcha” here is to make sure the hardware you buy is compatible with your provider, and to double-check that the “equipment fee” doesn’t stay on your bill regardless of whose modem you’re using.

On the other hand, if you move frequently and anticipate changing providers several times in the near future, buying a modem can be risky since it might not be compatible with your next broadband provider.

Television and streaming: cut the cord, or keep the channels?

Streaming is on the rise, and plans are adapting

Streaming video from companies like Netflix has changed the way consumers get TV forever. U-verse and Charter both offer TV options bundled with service, and it’s important to consider the specific channels and on-demand options available in your area when making a decision.

Many customers choose to “cut the cord” and forego TV service entirely in favor of online services like Hulu and Youtube. Regular TV watchers are often better off with a dedicated TV subscription directly from their broadband provider.

The most important thing for cord cutters to consider is data caps, which can trigger huge overage fees if you stream more data than your plan allows.[2]

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://broadbandnow.com/guides/renting-vs-buying-modem-whats-best-budget ↩
  2. https://broadbandnow.com/internet-providers-with-data-caps ↩
  3. https://www.fcc.gov/general/types-broadband-connections ↩
  4. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
Last updated on 7/13/2019.

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