AT&T Internet vs TDS Telecom

Both AT&T Internet and TDS Telecom are fiber internet providers, delivering gigabit download speeds at reasonable prices. The former also offers IPBB and fixed wireless internet plans, while the latter has DSL and cable plans on top of its fiber ones. Choosing a provider may sometimes come down to the connection type and its availability in your area. Fiber is harder to come by than cable or DSL, but not as much as when it first got deployed in the U.S.

If we’re strictly looking at who offers the fastest internet plans, AT&T Internet takes the lead, with download speeds reaching 5 Gbps versus TDS Telecom’s 1 Gbps. But, if we’re looking at pricing, AT&T Internet’s lowest-priced non-fiber plan is $55 per month, whereas TDS Telecom’s lowest-priced non-fiber plan is $29.95 per month for the same download speeds.

When you’re a new customer for either AT&T Internet or TDS Telecom, you get plenty of deals and freebies. AT&T Internet typically includes deals with its fiber plans such as reward cards and free subscriptions on select streaming services. TDS Telecom usually offers a few months of its internet service for free on top of guaranteed special pricing. When you decide on a provider, check to see what promotions are currently available so you can apply them during signup.

Where AT&T Internet shines is its extremely fast gigabit download speeds – one of the fastest in the market. Another advantage is that AT&T Internet has extensive coverage across the U.S., with its non-fiber plans covering 21 states. Meanwhile, its fiber plans cover 21 states. The only downsides are data caps on its non-fiber plans and a high professional installation cost.

TDS Telecom offers multiple connection types, including DSL, cable, and fiber. This opens up more room to choose a specific plan that meets your needs. The provider’s fiber plans are also reliably fast, so if you prioritize speeds, consider aiming for higher speed plans. Where TDS Telecom may fall flat is its limited availability and significant cost variability by location.

AT&T Internet vs. TDS Telecom: Packages Compared

AT&T Internet partners with DIRECTV to offer TV packages that include internet and TV services for one discounted price. Each bundle typically comes with hundreds of channels and premium networks, making it the ideal choice for traditional TV enthusiasts. TDS Telecom also offers a TV package with its own TV service, but it doesn’t have as many channels as AT&T Internet.

AT&T Internet vs. TDS Telecom: Extra Fees and Contracts

Neither AT&T Internet nor TDS Telecom require contracts for their internet plans. That means no early termination fees to worry about. That said, each provider has equipment fees you need to be aware of, especially non-return equipment fees which are usually costly.

Installation

AT&T Internet charges a one-time $99 professional installation fee, which can be waived depending on bundle promotions. TDS Telecom doesn’t charge professional installation for its non-fiber plans, but if you end up with fiber internet, you’ll have to pay a one-time $49.95 fee.

Data Cap

AT&T Internet doesn’t impose data caps on its fiber plans but it does for its fixed wireless plan, which has a monthly 350 GB data cap. TDS Telecom has data caps for some of its plans, depending on the area. You might encounter data caps ranging between 250-500 GB per month.

AT&T Internet vs. TDS Telecom: Customer Satisfaction

AT&T Internet has an exemplary customer support team, whereas TDS Telecom customers usually have to wait long periods of time before someone from the team responds.