AT&T Internet vs Suddenlink: Side by Side Comparison

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AT&T Internet vs Suddenlink

The biggest difference between AT&T and Suddenlink is network type: AT&T reaches most customers via a DSL phone network, while Suddenlink uses their coaxial cable TV network. While cable is often considered “faster,” real-world speeds and prices tend to vary, and are often interchangeable. When it comes to picking a plan, the devil is in the details.

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)

Suddenlink Communications AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (877) 694-9474
  • Support: (877) 694-9474

$49.99 to $99.99 / mo.

50 mbps to 1,000 mbps

8.0 mbps to 50 mbps

61%61%

Cable

Current: 21st (0)

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.

Suddenlink OVERVIEW

Suddenlink is a cable broadband provider offering Internet and TV in addition to phone subscriptions. The company uses an advanced hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network to deliver download speeds up to 1,000Mbps (1Gb) in some areas, comparable to fiber.

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.

Suddenlink INTERNET DEALS †

  • $49.99 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 mbps ↓ and 10 mbps ↑ w/ a 250 GB/mo data cap
    • Setup: $0 (Free installation. Activation fee is $20.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 694-9474 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 200 mbps Cable
    • 200 mbps ↓ and 20 mbps ↑ w/ a 250 GB/mo data cap
    • Setup: $0 (Free installation. Activation fee is $20.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 694-9474 to setup service.
  • $99.99 for 1,000 mbps Cable
    • 1,000 mbps ↓ and 50 mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Setup: $0 (Free installation. Activation fee is $20.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 694-9474 to setup service.
Last updated on 8/17/2017

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

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.

Suddenlink: DATACAPS From 250 GB/mo.

We have found plans that include datacaps. Suddenlink offer plans with data caps regionally or nationwide. Be sure to 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.

Suddenlink's TECHNOLOGY

Broadband Internet offerings from Suddenlink come via their hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network, alongside TV and phone plans. While less future-proof than a true “fiber” network, Suddenlink’s HFC network is optimized to deliver speeds that rival fiber, up to 1,000Mbps.

Hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks work by bringing optical fiber cables as far as individual neighborhoods or subscriber areas, only switching over to existing coaxial copper TV infrastructure for the “last mile” between the node and subscriber residences.[4]

The upcoming DOCSIS 3.1 protocol for delivering broadband Internet data via coaxial cable promises to make high-speed Internet available to even more consumers in the near future without expensive upgrades to existing coaxial networks in use.

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.

Suddenlink INSTALLATION

Suddenlink provides detailed self-install guides for customers who wish to set up their own connection. This entails connecting a modem to the house’s cable jack, configuring it with or without a router, testing the lines, and a few other small tasks.

While self-installation is doable in less than an hour for most residential customers, professional installation is also available. Professional installation by a Suddenlink technician may be required if the residence has not received Suddenlink service before.

Professional installation is sometimes offered free for new customers, but cost should be confirmed before setting up an appointment.

AT&T Internet RATINGS AND REVIEWS

42%42% Customer Rating

41.5% recommendation rating according to 74,326 verified users.

Suddenlink RATINGS AND REVIEWS

50%50% Customer Rating

50.2% recommendation rating according to 7,122 verified Suddenlink users.

AT&T Internet COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

AT&T Internet Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Suddenlink COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Suddenlink Communications Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Renting vs owning your hardware

Buy your own modem and router to unlock additional savings

Most broadband plans from AT&T and Suddenlink will come with a modem/router combo unit. Installation is easy, but that ease comes at a cost — specifically, a monthly rental fee for the hardware. Even if the fee isn’t specifically written out on the bill, using your own modem/router will generally save five to ten dollars a month, which quickly adds up to hundreds of dollars with a multi-year service term.[1]

Just be mindful that modems and routers aren’t compatible with every provider. Suddenlink and AT&T both provide lists of compatible hardware. Keep in mind that it might be worth renting after all if you move frequently, since there’s no guarantee the modem you buy will work with another provider.

Check out the miscellaneous fees

Add-ons can add up quickly

Aside from modem and router rental fees, broadband bills have a tendency to creep up thanks to a variety of small fees and charges. Don’t hesitate to call your company and ask for an explanation if you don’t understand a fee on your bill. There’s always a chance it was added in error, and an accidental $5/month fee adds up quick if you don’t spot it early.[2]

Also consider ETFs (early termination fees) when you sign a multi-year contract, particularly if you plan to move in the near future. Even when the company offers a great sign-up discount, ETFs can eat up the savings if you unexpectedly need to relocate.

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. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
  3. AT&T Internet vs Suddenlink
Last updated on 8/17/2017.

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