AT&T Internet vs RCN: Side by Side Comparison

AT&T’s IPBB internet reaches over 122.8 million people across 22 states, ranking them as the second largest IPBB provider. AT&T’s fiber internet is available to around 25.1 million people, which ranks them as the second largest fiber provider. They also supply fixed wireless service to approximately 2.7 million people. AT&T Internet offers unlimited data and contract-free options with select plans.

RCN is the eighth largest cable provider, reaching approximately 4.1 million people in seven states. If you’re looking for business solutions, you may have access to RCN’s fiber or copper options. Currently, fiber is accessible to businesses in 259 zip codes, and copper is available in 171 zip codes. RCN also offers contract-free options on all of their plans.

AT&T Internet vs RCN: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

AT&T Interent provides both professional and self-installation options.

Customers that live in a home that has never had AT&T installed will require a professional installation that cost a one-time fee of $99. AT&T will send out a certified technician with all of the necessary equipment to get your internet services up and running. If you meet the requirements, you may save some money with AT&T’s self-installation kit, which costs $19.95. The kit will include all the needed gear plus the flexibility to install your equipment whenever you want.

Both professional installation and self-installation are viable options with RCN’s internet plans.

To have a professional technician come and install your modem and run cables will be a one-time fee of $49.99. Whether you have your equipment or plan to rent a modem, RCN doesn’t charge an activation fee for self-installs. You may be responsible for shipping and handling fees, depending on where you live.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

AT&T Internet offers customers month-to-month plan options at a higher monthly rate.

If you do sign a contract with AT&T, it’ll require a minimum 1-year agreement. Before you agree to a deal, be prepared to stay with AT&T for the full contract length or to pay up to $180 in early termination fees (ETFs). AT&T rents modem and routers, so you may notice an equipment charge on your bill for up to $10 each month. AT&T’s average download speed ranges between 25-1000 Mbps, while their upload speeds are between 20-1000 Mbps.

RCN is known for providing contract-free options on all of their plans.

While you don’t have to sign a contract, you may sign an agreement for a specific promotional rate. Since RCN doesn’t have definitive contract agreements, you won’t need to worry about any cancellation fees. RCN will occasionally run deals that will include the modem with the chosen plan for no extra cost. But, if you do end up paying for your equipment, your modem will be around $11/month. RCN offers download speeds ranging from 25-940 Mbps and upload speeds between 10-20 Mbps.

Data Caps

AT&T Internet has a data cap of 1 TB on most of their plans. If it’s available in your area, you can purchase the Internet 1000 plan, which has no data limitations. For the months that you exceed your data cap, AT&T charges $10 for every 50 GB of additional data.

RCN currently has no hard data caps or any data overage fees. If you use a significant amount of data each month, a plan with higher speeds may be a beneficial option.