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AT&T vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

Compare AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Internet Service in 2024

13 Plans Available
AT&T internet
price range
$55 - $225/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 10 Mbps - 5 Gbps
  • IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless
  • Unlimited Data
19 Plans Available
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN internet
price range
$20 - $350/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 300 Mbps - 5 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber, Copper
  • $20 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

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

AT&T Internet has 13 plans:
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN has 19 plans:

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

AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN are among the leading internet service providers (ISPs) in the nation. AT&T offers high-speed internet options that rely on internet protocol broadband (IPBB), fixed wireless, 5G home internet, and fiber connections. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN primarily offers cable internet plans that pair great with bundle options. AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN share some similarities, but they have key differences that we’ve outlined below.

AT&T Internet’s IPBB and fixed wireless plans are mostly available in rural and suburban areas, while fiber and 5G home internet offerings tend to be in the urban landscape. AT&T Fiber offers impressive symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps on a fiber network, but availability varies from city to city. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN’s cable connections are widely available in rural, suburban areas. In addition, it retains an edge when it comes to pricing thanks to cable internet plans that are more affordable than those offered by AT&T.

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

Internet Deals

AT&T typically runs ongoing promotions that include reward cards, free equipment, and other perks. On the other hand, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers more affordable prices upfront 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

  • Extensive coverage
  • Multiple fiber plans
  • Ongoing promotions
  • Reputable customer service

AT&T Cons

  • Slow IPBB and fixed wireless speeds
  • Fiber is not available in the entire footprint

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Pros

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

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Cons

  • Prices and plans vary by location
  • Limited availability

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Leads With the Best Bundles

Both AT&T and RCN let you combine multiple services as a bundle and save money along the way. AT&T, for example, allows you to combine your internet services with its widespread cellular network for immediate savings. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers TV plans in-house, making it more of a full-spectrum bundle provider. In addition, RCN offers more affordable packages for Triple Play bundles featuring TV, phone, and internet services.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Pulls Slightly Ahead When It Comes to Fees

Both Providers Offer Free Installation

AT&T gives you the option to save money by self-installing most of their internet plans. However, some of its higher-tiered plans will cost you a one-time fee of $99. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN also offers free installation for their internet plans.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Doesn’t Have Data Caps

AT&T doesn’t impose data caps on its fiber or 5G home internet plans, but it does have a limit of 350 GB per month for its fixed wireless plan and a 1.5 TB data cap for its IPBB plans. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t have data caps on any of its plans.

AT&T and RCN Measure Similarly in Customer Satisfaction

AT&T Internet has received praise for being responsive and helpful in its customer service, but complaints about its growing 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 3129 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 293 for Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN earned an average score of 3.68 out of 5.

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

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

    Astound Broadband Powered by RCN is cheaper than AT&T, with plans that start at $25 per month. AT&T’s most affordable offering costs $35 per month.

  • Which has faster speeds — AT&T or Astound Broadband Powered by RCN?

    AT&T is the fastest option between the two, thanks to symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps on a fiber network.

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

    AT&T has data caps on its fixed wireless and IPBB plans, but not on its fiber and 5G home internet plans. Astound Broadband powered by RCN offers unlimited data on all plans.

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

    AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN both offer contract-free plan options.