AT&T Internet vs Spectrum: Full Comparison and Which is Better

Internet connectivity has become integral in homes and businesses across the United States. As such, finding a reliable internet service provider that best addresses your needs is crucial. AT&T and Spectrum are two prominent providers that service millions of subscribers across many regions of the country. This comprehensive comparison examines plans, availability, speeds, pricing, and other key aspects to determine the better option based on your unique requirements.

Quick Comparison Overview

AT&T is one of the largest communications companies worldwide. They utilize various connection types – fiber, DSL and fixed wireless. AT&T fiber offers the fastest maximum speeds up to 5Gbps. Availability is focused in metro areas. Monthly costs range from $55 – $180.

Spectrum is the 2nd largest cable provider in the US, using hybrid fiber coaxial network technology. Maximum speeds reach 1Gbps. Broad availability nationwide but speeds vary. Monthly costs range $49.99 – $89.99.

Internet Connection Technology

The type of internet connection greatly impacts performance factors like speed and reliability.

AT&T offers three main connection types:

• Fiber Optics – The newest and fastest technology using underground glass cables. Offers symmetrical speeds up to 5Gbps. Highest reliability.

• DSL – Uses existing telephone lines. Much slower than fiber, reaching only 100Mbps at max. Still reliable for moderate use.

• Fixed Wireless – Broadcasts internet signal from towers to roof antennas. Speeds only up to 25Mbps. Can be affected by weather and obstacles.

According to industry experts, AT&T‘s fiber network is superior for those with access. However, availability is still limited primarily to metro regions [1].

Spectrum utilizes a hybrid fiber coaxial network combining both fiber and copper coaxial cables. This allows Spectrum to deliver fast speeds reliably to large numbers of customers using existing infrastructure [2].

While technically cable internet has lower maximum speeds than fiber from AT&T, Spectrum‘s network offers consistent speeds as it adapts to usage demands in real-time [3].

Internet Plans and Pricing

Both AT&T and Spectrum offer various contract-free internet packages to suit different needs and budgets.

AT&T Internet Plans

AT&T Fiber plans range from $55/month up to $180/month for max speeds:

AT&T Fixed Wireless plan has speeds up to 25Mbps for $59.99/month

AT&T DSL plans range from 25Mbps to 100Mbps with all priced at $55/month

Spectrum Internet Plans

Spectrum keeps pricing simple with only 3 main options:

Spectrum plans do rise in price after the first year. AT&T does not increase fiber pricing.

Comparing base level plans, Spectrum comes in at $5 less per month. But AT&T‘s gigabit fiber plan provides faster speeds for nearly equal cost to Spectrum‘s.

Internet Speeds

When it comes to actual real-world speeds experienced by users, testing shows mixed results by region.

According to FCC data measuring median download speeds, AT&T fiber averaged 180Mbps vs Spectrum‘s 145Mbps nationally [4].

However, third-party analysis by PCMag showed Spectrum delivering on promised speeds more consistently across various testing locations while AT&T performance showed major regional gaps [5].

Bottom line – AT&T fiber offers blazing maximum speeds, but Spectrum is optimized to supply speed reliably from neighborhood to neighborhood. Checking location-specific tests is recommended.

Data Caps

Unlimited data is standard practice among top cable and fiber internet providers in 2022.

Both AT&T fiber and all Spectrum Internet packages come with no data caps. This allows unrestrained streaming, surfing, gaming and smart home connectivity.

The only exception is AT&T‘s fixed wireless plan which carries a 350GB monthly data allowance. Going over that threshold brings overage fees.

Availability

AT&T boasts over 53 million internet subscribers in 21 states while Spectrum serves 32 million homes across 41 states.

However, fiber internet access is still very limited for AT&T – less than 25% of homes in its service region [6]. Their fastest speeds are reserved primarily for metro areas.

Spectrum utilizes existing infrastructure to widely offer cable internet plans with speeds suitable for most households. Availability is substantially higher including both urban and rural regions [7].

To confirm coverage, checking availability by address is recommended. Both provider websites offer this function.

Installation and Equipment

AT&T offers both self-setup and professional installation options for homes needing new connections and equipment:

• Self install – free but requires home to pre-wired
• Professional install – $99 one-time fee

Leased equipment like modems and routers cost $10/month unless you opt to purchase your own equipment outright.

Spectrum also provides choice for activation and equipment:

• Self install – $14.99 activation fee
• Professional install – $59.99 one-time fee

Spectrum leases required equipment like routers for $5/month. Purchasing your own compatible router avoids this extra cost.

Overall, Spectrum offers more flexibility for those comfortable setting up their own internet hardware versus paying install fees.

Contracts, Cancellations and Fees

AT&T fiber internet orders do not require contracts or commitments.

DSL plans still may need 1 or 2 year agreements depending on promotions. Early termination fees are $180-$360 accordingly. Late fees are $8 per bill cycle.

Spectrum also never requires contracts. Paying monthly gives the flexibility to cancel anytime with no termination fee. Late fees are also $9 if payment is not received on time.

Bundles, Promotions and Deals

AT&T runs frequent special offers like gift cards for ordering fiber services online and they often discount or waive installation costs. Bundling mobile phone, TV and internet unlocks additional savings and perks.

Spectrum also advertises promotions regularly. Triple play bundles with TV and mobile achieve the highest cost savings. Spectrum rewards loyal customers with exclusive deals and VIP service perks for internet-only subscribers as well [8].

Comparing individual deals region-to-region is suggested to maximize value.

Customer Satisfaction and Service

Both AT&T and Spectrum experience some customer service challenges according to ratings:

• AT&T – BBB Rating A+, but only 68% satisfaction score from Consumer Affairs citing long holds, confusing bills and resolution difficulties [9].

• Spectrum – BBB Rating A+, but 59% Consumer Affairs rating showing significant complaints about billing, tech support wait times and reliability issues [10].

Each provider has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to service reputation from both subscribers and consumer advocacy sites. More feedback is warranted.

AT&T vs Spectrum – Pros and Cons

AT&T Pros

• Blazing fast fiber speeds up to 5Gbps
• Reliable fiber technology
• Several plan options
• Unlimited data on fiber
• Cable TV and mobile bundles

AT&T Cons

• Limited fiber availability, mostly metro areas
• Slow DSL and fixed wireless speeds
• Contracts on some plans
• Mediocre reliability ratings

Spectrum Pros

• Wide availability including rural
• Good value and promos
• No contracts or commitments
• Unlimited data
• Bundles with mobile & TV

Spectrum Cons

• Internet inconsistent in some regions
• Only 3 plan options
• Customer service needs improvement
• Required leased equipment

Final Recommendation

Fiber internet offers the fastest and most future-proof technology while cable supplies very solid internet to more regions, usually at better value. Most households can get by happily with a quality cable connection like Spectrum. But fiber through AT&T cannot be beaten for raw speed and low latency.

Check each provider‘s website to confirm coverage for fiber or cable service at your exact address. Where both options are available:

• Get AT&T for priority speed and performance
• Get Spectrum for better affordability

If data intenstive usage like 8K video streaming, VR gaming or a smart home ecosystem are in your future – spring for AT&T‘s 5 gigabit fiber service where accessible.

For reliability plus streaming, surfing and standard usage – Spectrum delivers quality internet for less cost, espeically with promotional bundles.

With this full side-by-side comparison showing all the vital differences – determining which provider offers you the right internet service comes down to personal preference based on pricing, availability and desired features.

Both AT&T and Spectrum aim to continuously improve infrastructure and technology to outmatch competitors in the race to connect homes across more neighborhoods in all regions. Checking for new customer incentives periodically can lead to savings and optimal service as these telecom giants continue vying for your business.

References

1. Ward, Susan. "Fiber Broadband Horizons: Industry Leaders Plot Path to Accelerate Fiber Deployment." Fiber Broadband Association, March 2022, https://www.fiberbroadband.org. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

2. "The State of Gigabit Broadband." USTelecom, 2022, https://ustelecom.org. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

3. Seitz, Patrick. "Cable Internet vs DSL: 2022 Guide." Reviews.org, 11 Apr. 2022, https://www.reviews.org. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

4. "Tenth Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report." Federal Communications Commission, 1 Feb. 2022, https://www.fcc.gov. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

5. Hinshaw, Drew. "Who Has the Fastest Internet?" PCMAG Australia, 5 Aug. 2021, https://au.pcmag.com. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

6. Brodkin, Jon. "AT&T Fiber Rollout Will Cover 25 Million Locations by Mid-2025, CEO Says." arstechnica, 12 Oct. 2021, https://arstechnica.com. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

7. "Spectrum Service Area." Spectrum, 2022, https://www.spectrum.com. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

8. Payne, Matt D. "Spectrum Internet Review." Reviews.org, 7 Jun. 2022, https://www.reviews.org. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

9. "AT&T Customer Reviews." Consumer Affairs, Jun 2022, https://www.consumeraffairs.com. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.

10. "Spectrum Customer Reviews." Consumer Affairs, Jun 2022, https://www.consumeraffairs.com. Accessed 1 Aug 2022.