AT&T Internet vs Sonic.net: Side by Side Comparison

Enter your zip code below to see if AT&T Internet or Sonic.net offers service in your area.
Advertiser Disclosure

AT&T Internet vs Sonic.net

Broadband shoppers have no shortage of factors to consider when it comes to AT&T and Sonic.net. Sonic offers some interesting features so far as customization and hands-on customer service, while AT&T offers all the benefits of a major nationwide provider with excellent bundled offerings including TV and phone.

AT&T Internet AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (844) 602-3932
  • Support: (800) 288-2020
(844) 602-3932

$40 to $80 / mo.

18 mbps to 1,000 mbps

1.5 mbps to 1,000 mbps

64%64%

DSL

Current: 20th ↑ (+2)

Sonic.net AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (888) 766-4233
  • Support: (888) 766-4233

--

--

--

--

DSL

Current: 46th ↑ (+1)

AT&T Internet OVERVIEW

AT&T U-Verse is a bundled broadband Internet, phone, and digital TV provider. They provide connectivity via both DSL and fiber networks.

Sonic.net OVERVIEW

Sonic.net is a telecommunications company providing broadband Internet plans within California, often bundled with home phone services. They offer gigabit speeds in some areas over fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections. DSL and fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) service are also available.

AT&T Internet INTERNET DEALS †

  • $40 for 45 mbps Fiber
    • 45 mbps ↓ and 6.0 mbps ↑ w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $70.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with $180 ETF
    • Setup: $99.00 (Internet Installation Fee)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (844) 602-3932 to setup service.
  • $40 for 45 mbps DSL
    • up to 45 Mbps w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $70.00.
    • 45mbps not guaranteed. Speeds vary by service area, but AT&T offers fixed pricing of $40/mo for the first year at the maximum speed that is available at your location.
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (844) 602-3932 to setup service.
  • $70 for 100 mbps Fiber
    • 100 mbps ↓ and 100 mbps ↑ w/ a 1000 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $99.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with $180 ETF
    • Setup: waived
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (844) 602-3932 to setup service.
  • $80 for 1,000 mbps Fiber
    • 1,000 mbps ↓ and 1,000 mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $99.00.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with $180 ETF
    • Setup: waived
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (844) 602-3932 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)
Last updated on 2/1/2017

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

Sonic.net INTERNET DEALS †

    Our data team hasn't been able to find publically available plans from Sonic.net

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

AT&T Internet: DATACAPS From 1000 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.

Sonic.net: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Sonic.net 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 offers fiber optic and hybrid DSL internet connections to many residential consumers and businesses across the US. They also offer a variety of “triple play” plans with bundled TV and home phone service.

Their DSL offering, historically known as AT&T U-verse, leverages a fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) layout where fiber optic cable terminates at a point near consumers, with the final stretch to the subscriber residence reached via telephone, ethernet, and in some rare cases coaxial cable. This hybrid fiber network has allowed AT&T to offer higher bandwidth plans than traditionally expected from DSL.[3]

In addition to their DSL offering, AT&T also offers fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in some areas. FTTH is considered the “gold standard” for strong, fast, and reliable home internet connection.

Sonic.net's TECHNOLOGY

Sonic.net offers broadband Internet, TV, and phone service throughout California via both DSL and fiber networks.

The company’s DSL offerings come in two technical flavors — VDSL or ADSL2, depending on a subscriber’s distance from their local office.[ref]https://www.sonic.com/home-products[/ref] DSL broadband Internet is delivered over the same copper phone lines that deliver landline phone service. While less advanced than coaxial cable, these lines go directly to consumer residences instead of “sharing” within neighborhoods, making the connection speed more reliable during peak use times.[4]

Sonic.net’s fiber offerings are true fiber-to-the-home connections, the most advanced high-bandwidth low-latency option currently available. Because of the high cost of installing pure fiber cable all the way to a subscriber’s doorstep, FTTH is less widely available than DSL.

AT&T Internet INSTALLATION

To get AT&T services installed, you have two main routes: professional installation or self-installation.

AT&T generally charges a fee for professional installation, so if your house is already wired and qualifies for self-installation, this may be an easy route for you to save money when setting up service.

Sonic.net INSTALLATION

Sonic.net customers have two basic options: self-installation, which is free, and professional installation, which comes with a fee.

Self-installation is straightforward, particularly if the residence or building has received service from Sonic.net previously. Detailed instructions and, if desired, necessary hardware such as modem and router will come with the plan.

Professional installation is a better option for customers who don’t feel up to tinkering with connecting and configuring modems and etc., or for residences that haven’t been properly wired for Sonic.net service and will need additional cable installation.

AT&T Internet RATINGS AND REVIEWS

42%42% Customer Rating

41.5% recommendation rating according to 74,449 verified users.

Sonic.net RATINGS AND REVIEWS

73%73% Customer Rating

73.1% recommendation rating according to 800 verified users.

AT&T Internet COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

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

Sonic.net COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Sonic.net Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
Customize map

Consider dropping the modem rental fee

Why rent when you can own?

If you’re willing to put in the half-hour or so it takes to configure it, buying your own modem and router could add up to hundreds of dollars in savings for a multi-year broadband plan. While it’s convenient to simply rent the hardware provided when you sign up, decent routers and modems can be bought outright for around the cost of a year in rental fees.[1]

Using your own hardware also opens up customization options that aren’t available for rented hardware. Installing custom firmware on a private router allows for advanced network monitoring and security, which is great if you have kids, roommates, or are simply worried about Wi-Fi-mooching neighbors. Not every modem is compatible with every provider, however, so if you relocate regularly it might be smarter to simply pay the monthly rental fee to avoid trouble when you switch.

Early termination fees and hidden costs

The fine print is sometimes small for a reason

Sign-up bonuses and other special offers can make it look really attractive to switch providers. In many cases, the savings are absolutely worth it. Anytime you sign a contract, though, it’s critical to factor in the length of the agreement and how much it’ll cost you if you leave. The final price you’ll pay once the promotion ends is far more important than the limited-time discount, especially if you’ll have to pay an ETF (early termination fee) to break out ahead of schedule. Rule of thumb: shop the final price, not the promo.[2]

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. http://broadbandnow.com/report/renting-vs-buying-modem-whats-best-budget/ ↩
  2. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/consumer-labels-broadband-services ↩
  3. https://www.fcc.gov/general/types-broadband-connections ↩
  4. https://www.fcc.gov/general/types-broadband-connections ↩
  3. AT&T Internet vs Sonic.net
Last updated on 2/1/2017.

Disclaimer: All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and are used by BROADBANDNOW only to describe products and services offered by each respective trademark holder. The use of any third party trademarks on this site in no way indicates any relationship, connection, association, sponsorship, or affiliation between BROADBANDNOW and the holders of said trademarks. BROADBANDNOW is a comparison and research website that does not offer internet, TV, or home phone service.

Made with love by Nick Reese and Duane Anderson in Austin, Texas.

© 2014 – 2017 BROADBANDNOW

BroadbandNow is a registered trademark of Microbrand Media LLC