AT&T Internet vs TDS Telecom Internet

AT&T and TDS are reputable internet providers that offer various connection types. With multiple plan options, both providers make it easy to find a plan that suits your speed preferences and budget. For an in-depth comparison of AT&T and TDS, we’ve outlined the key similarities and differences below.

Both AT&T and TDS are fiber internet providers, delivering gigabit download speeds at reasonable prices. The former also offers internet protocol broadband (IPBB), 5G home internet, and fixed wireless internet plans, while the latter has DSL and cable plans in addition to its fiber plans. 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 was first deployed in the U.S.

If we’re strictly looking at who offers the fastest internet plans, AT&T takes the lead, with download speeds reaching up to 5 Gbps versus TDS’s speeds up to 1 Gbps. But, if we’re looking at pricing, TDS’s lowest-priced plan is $39.95 per month, whereas AT&T’s lowest-priced plan will cost you $55 per month.

When you’re a new customer at either AT&T or TDS, you get plenty of deals and freebies. AT&T typically includes deals with its fiber plans, such as reward cards and free subscriptions on select streaming services. TDS 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 sign-up.

TDS Offers More Comprehensive Bundles

While AT&T offers some great internet bundles that combine home phone and wireless plans with internet service, it doesn’t offer TV service. On the other hand, TDS offers internet, phone, and TV service all conveniently in one place, which is why we think they have the upper hand.

AT&T’s Fee Structure Beats TDS When It Comes to Fees

AT&T Offers Free Installation

AT&T’s professional installation costs $99, but you can typically avoid paying this one-time fee when you opt to self-install instead. TDS doesn’t charge installation fees for its non-fiber plans, but if you end up with fiber internet, you’ll have to pay a $49.95 fee.

AT&T Has More Generous Data Caps

AT&T 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 has data caps for some of its plans, depending on the area. You might encounter data caps ranging between 250 and 500 GB per month.

AT&T Beats TDS on Customer Satisfaction

AT&T has an exemplary customer support team. The company has won awards for customer service from J.D. Power and has achieved high rankings in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). TDS has good customer service, but some customers have reported long wait times while waiting for a response.