AT&T Internet vs Suddenlink: Side by Side Comparison

AT&T Internet offers coverage in 22 states to an estimated 122.8 million people, with its greatest coverage in California, New York, and Florida. It is currently the second-largest IPBB provider in the U.S. AT&T provides fiber, IPBB, and fixed wireless depending on where you live. Customers can opt to bundle their internet service with TV.

Suddenlink Communications is the seventh-largest cable provider in the country, offering coverage in 19 states to an estimated 6.8 million people with its greatest coverage in Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana. Suddenlink Communications provides cable services to its customers as well as TV and phone bundle options.

AT&T Internet vs Suddenlink: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

If you are a new customer, AT&T requires a $99 fee for professional installation and does not offer a self-installation option. However, this fee will only be charged once and a professional technician will come to your home and set up either cable, IPBB, or fixed wireless. There may also be an activation fee of $49 depending on the plan selected.

Suddenlink Communications also charges installation fees. You can choose standard installation for $59, or you can opt for premium installation for $99, which includes WiFi configuration to up to six devices, hardwiring for one device, and assistance in creating your Suddenlink ID. If you order online, you may be able to receive free installation.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Although most of AT&T’s internet plans require a 1-2 year contract, they also have a deal for $59.99 per month that does not require an annual contract. AT&T’s plans offer speeds up to 1000 Mbps, and early termination fees range from $120-$180. Customers can expect to pay $99 for professional installation as well as a monthly equipment fee of $10 to lease a modem, router, and the WiFi Gateway. If you fail to return your equipment once your contract expires, you will be expected to pay $150.

All of Suddenlink Communications’ internet plans are contract-free. Because there are no contracts required, there are also no early termination fees. In fact, if you want to switch over to Suddenlink Communications from another internet service provider before your contract is up, Suddenlink offers contract buyouts. You can choose to lease the Docsis 3.0 Modem or the wireless modem/router for $10 per month or you can purchase the Docsis 3.0 Modem for $80.

Data Caps

Depending on your plan, AT&T’s data caps range from 150 GB to unlimited. If you exceed your data limit, you’ll be expected to pay $10 for each additional 50 GB over with a limit of $100-$200. To upgrade to unlimited data, you can opt to pay an additional monthly fee of $30.

Suddenlink Communications’ data caps range from 250 GB to unlimited, depending on which plan you decide to go with. There are no options to add on unlimited data. If you exceed your monthly limit, you’ll need to pay an additional $15 for every 50 GB you go over.