AT&T Internet vs RCN: Side by Side Comparison
As premium internet providers, both AT&T Internet and RCN rank in the top 10 for IPBB and cable internet coverage areas in the U.S. AT&T is known for its high-speed IPBB and fiber internet coverage as well as providing additional services such as TV and phone plans. Similar to AT&T, you can find fiber-based services with RCN in select areas as well as cable and copper connections. RCN also offers TV and/or phone services with internet. While AT&T Internet and RCN have many similarities, check out the distinctions between their plans and pricing below.
AT&T Internet Info
RCN Info
| AT&T Internet vs. RCN Comparison |
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| Provider | AT&T Internet | RCN |
| Speed | 25-940 Mbps | 100-940 Mbps |
| Pricing | $35-60/mo. | $29.99-49.99/mo. |
| Service Type | IPBB, Fiber or Fixed Wireless | Cable, Copper or Fiber |
| AT&T Internet vs. RCN FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | AT&T Internet | RCN |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Select Plans | Yes |
| Contract-Free Plans | Select Plans | Yes |
| TV Service | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
AT&T Internet Internet Deals †
Last updated on 10/15/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with AT&T Internet.
RCN Internet Deals †
Last updated on 10/17/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with RCN.
AT&T Internet vs. RCN Performance Overview
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 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.
RCN Installation
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.
AT&T Internet 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 Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
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.
AT&T Internet 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 Data Caps
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.
Fantastic team and great coverage
Absolutely fantastic! Tech came out to help install and, due to the wiring in our apt, it took a while to find the correct outlets. But he was so patient and helpful and kind, really going above and beyond to make sure things got set up so I could have the level of coverage needed to qualify for work from home. Truly amazing guy, I honestly can't speak highly enough of him. He kept trying long after I suspect most would have given up. Huge THANK YOU to AT&T for the coverage at the right price (literally half the price of the competitor in this area), and more importantly for having such an amazing guy on your team. Thank you.
Best coverage
I travel often and I definitely travel around upstate New York and everywhere I go AT&T is faster and even seems to have more coverage than the others, so I am not sure who is doing the tests, but everywhere I have been, AT&T seems to outperform (also I don’t like AT&T as a company, so trust my honest review here).
Phenomenal job
My internet had been down since yesterday morning. We called today and were fortunate to get a technician. He arrived with an unwavering determination to resolve my issue. His manipulation with the tools of the trade gave me assurance that I would have Netflix and be chilling real soon! He moved from one room to next, from the basement to outside, from atop a strong ladder to the back of the reliable van, one step after another until finally done! My family and I thank you, may your jobs never be too many or your reward too few!
Amazing
I am not sure of everyone else's reviews here but RCN is the best by far. I have never had an issue with speed, service, customer service, or price. When my promotional period was over, I called and they extended it without me even asking. An amazing company in my opinion.
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