AT&T Internet
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

AT&T Internet vs RCN: Side by Side Comparison

A Side-by-Side Comparison of AT&T Internet and RCN in 2023.

AT&T Internet has 7 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 14 plans:

Learn more about AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN:

AT&T Internet has 7 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 14 plans:

Learn more about AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

AT&T Internet offers high-speed internet options that rely on internet protocol broadband (IPBB), fixed wireless, and fiber connections. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN primarily offers cable internet plans along with bundle options. AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN share some similarities, but they have key differences that we’ve outlined below.

AT&T Internet vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Overall Comparison

AT&T Internet vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Overall Comparison

  • Speed

    25 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $55 - $180/mo.

  • Service Type

    IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless

  • Installation Fee

    $99

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

  • Speed

    300 Mbps - 1 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $20 - $60/mo.

  • Service Type

    Cable, Fiber, Copper

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

AT&T Internet’s IPBB and fixed wireless plans are mostly available in rural and suburban areas. AT&T Fiber is available to 0.2 percent of U.S. homes and can reach download speeds of up to 5 Gbps. Its basic, nonfiber, internet-only plan starts at $55 per month and its highest-priced fiber plan is $180 per month.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN is an affordable option, since its monthly prices typically stay below $50. Astound’s highest-priced plan costs $60 per month. The company’s download speeds reach 940 Mbps, and these high speeds can power multiple people using the internet simultaneously. Its internet plans operate on a cable connection.

AT&T Internet vs Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Best Deals

Internet Deals

AT&T Internet typically runs ongoing promotions that include reward cards, free streaming subscriptions, free equipment, and more. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN, although limited in coverage, has more affordable prices than AT&T Internet. Its deals sometimes include free installation when you order online.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

AT&T Pros

  • Wide selection of plans
  • Extensive coverage
  • Reliable customer service
  • Lightning-fast gigabit speeds

AT&T Cons

  • Data cap on nonfiber plans
  • Expensive installation fees

Astound Broadband Pros

  • No required contracts
  • Robust bundle options
  • No data caps
  • Reliable cable network

Astound Broadband Cons

  • Prices and plans vary by location
  • Limited availability

AT&T Internet is known for excellent customer service and has nationwide coverage for its IPBB and fixed wireless plans. Its fiber plans continue to expand in more cities, but they’re not as widely available as the other connection types. That said, AT&T Internet falls short on its expensive installation fees and data caps on its fixed wireless plan.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN keeps prices low and doesn’t require you to sign a contract, so you don’t have to worry about early termination fees when you cancel your service. It’s available only in 9, however, and each plan varies in price, speed, and promotional deals, so you won’t know exactly what you’ll get in your area.

AT&T Internet vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Packages

AT&T Internet offers bundles that include TV and internet services. With its DIRECTV partnership, AT&T Internet gives you access to hundreds of channels while letting you enjoy fast internet speeds — all for one discounted price.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers Double and Triple Play packages where you can pair your internet service with TV or phone services. Depending on your location, some deals include free installation, free months of services, or a gift card.

AT&T Internet vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Extra Fees and Contracts

AT&T Internet doesn’t require contracts for its fiber plans, but you’ll have to sign one with DIRECTV if you choose a TV bundle. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN also doesn’t require contracts, so there are no early termination fees.

Installation

AT&T Internet charges a professional installation fee, but customers have the option to self-install with a guide. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN also offers professional installation for a fee. Both providers sometimes waive the installation fee during certain online promotions.

Data Cap

AT&T Internet doesn’t impose data caps on its fiber or IPBB plans, but it does have one for its fixed wireless plan. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t have data caps on any of its plans.

AT&T Internet vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Customer Satisfaction

AT&T Internet has received praise for being responsive and helpful in its customer service, but complaints about its high prices are common as well. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN customers are generally happy with its service, but customers have mentioned difficulty continuing their service when moving.

AT&T Internet vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN 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 3070 for AT&T Internet. AT&T Internet earned an average score of 3.39 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Astound Broadband Powered by RCN based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 263 for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN earned an average score of 3.64 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

  • Is AT&T Internet cheaper than Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    AT&T Internet’s cheapest nonfiber, internet-only price is $55 per month, and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN’s cheapest internet-only plan costs $20 per month.

  • Who has faster speeds: AT&T Internet or Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    AT&T Internet plans can reach up to 5 Gbps in download speeds through its higher-tiered fiber plans. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN plans have download speeds of up to 940 Mbps.

  • Do AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN have unlimited data?

    Both AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN don’t place data caps on their plans, but AT&T Internet’s fixed wireless plan has a data cap.

  • Do AT&T Internet and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN require a contract?

    AT&T Internet doesn’t require contracts on most of its plans. All Astound Broadband Powered by RCN internet plans are contract-free.