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AT&T Internet vs Suddenlink: Side by Side Comparison

Enter your zip code below to see if AT&T Internet or Suddenlink offers service in your area.

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: (855) 910-0548
  • Support: (800) 288-2020
(855) 910-0548

$49.99-59.99/mo.

5-1,000 Mbps

Up to 1,000 Mbps

64% 64%

DSL

15th ↑ (+3)

Suddenlink Communications At A Glance

  • Sales: (855) 914-3749
  • Support: (877) 694-9474
(855) 914-3749

$40-80/mo.

100-1,000 Mbps

10-50 Mbps

61% 61%

Cable

21st ↓ (-1)

AT&T Internet Overview

AT&T Internet is a nationwide broadband provider. AT&T offers DSL and fiber Internet service, in addition to television and phone plans.

Suddenlink Overview

Suddenlink is a provider of cable high-speed Internet and TV. They also provide telephone bundles.

AT&T Internet Internet Deals †

  • $49.99 for 1,000 mbps Fiber
    • Download speeds up to 940Mbps w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $69.99.
    • Offer ends 8/31/20. Get a $100 reward card with qualifying online orders and an extra $25 reward card with code SUMMER25 upon checkout.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $49.99 for 100 mbps DSL
    • 10 to 100 mbps depending on location
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $59.99.
    • Get a $100 reward card with qualifying online orders.
    • Setup: Up to $99 installation cost.
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 25 mbps Fixed Wireless
    • Typical download speeds of 25 Mbps w/ a 250 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $69.99.
    • Contract Term: 1 year with up to $120 ETF
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi included.
    • Call (877) 722-3506 to setup service.
Show All Deals (6)
Last updated on 7/21/2020

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

Suddenlink Internet Deals †

  • $40 for 100 mbps Cable
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 10 Mbps ↑ w/ a 250 GB/mo data cap
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • A $3.50 Network Enhancement Fee applies. AutoPay and Paperless Billing reduces price by $5.00.
    • Setup: $59.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 783-3668 to setup service.
  • $60 for 400 mbps Cable
    • 400 Mbps ↓ and 40 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • A $3.50 Network Enhancement Fee applies. AutoPay and Paperless Billing reduces price by $5.00.
    • Setup: $59.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 783-3668 to setup service.
  • $80 for 1,000 mbps Cable
    • Up to 940 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds w/ no data cap.
    • A $3.50 Network Enhancement Fee applies. AutoPay and Paperless Billing reduces price by $5.00.
    • Setup: $59.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (877) 783-3668 to setup service.
Last updated on 7/31/2020

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

AT&T Internet: Datacaps From 250 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 and DSL internet plans to residential users and businesses throughout the US. AT&T also markets several bundled packages that include TV and landline telephone service.

Their DSL offering, formerly known as AT&T U-verse, uses Fiber-to-the-Node technology. In this setup, the fiber cable terminates near the customer address, switching over to telephone, ethernet, and in some cases coax. Hybrid fiber allows them to provide more robust plans than traditionally expected via DSL.[3]

AT&T Fiber to the Home (FTTH) has limited network coverage.

Suddenlink's Technology

Suddenlink leverages hybrid fiber-cable networks to provide Internet service. Although less robust than a fiber network, the Suddenlink hybrid cable-fiber network is optimized to deliver speeds that rival fiber, up to 1,000 Mbps.

Hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) infrastructure works by installing optical fiber as far as major streets, then switching over to TV cables for the “last mile” to customer addresses.[4]

The DOCSIS 3.1 cable upgrade is making gigabit Internet available for many more consumers without expensive updates of existing Suddenlink networks in use.

AT&T Internet Installation

To get AT&T installed, subscribers have two options: professional installation and self-install with a mail kit.

AT&T charges for technician installation. If your home is already serviced, self-installation might help you to save.

Suddenlink Installation

Installing service yourself is straightforward using Suddenlink's included self-install kit. The process involves hooking up the modem to your house’s coaxial outlet, turning on the router, and a few other small tasks.

Professional installation by a techie is the easiest option. Technician appointments are the best choice for TV customers in particular.

Technician installation is sometimes provided free. Costs should be confirmed before ordering service.

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. https://broadbandnow.com/guides/renting-vs-buying-modem-whats-best-budget ↩
  2. https://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/labels-for-broadband-services.pdf ↩
  3. https://www.fcc.gov/general/types-broadband-connections ↩
  4. http://services.eng.uts.edu.au/~kumbes/ra/Access-Networks/hfc/cnethfc.htm ↩
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Last updated on 7/31/2020.