While having some pretty impressive features, AT&T also provides several packages with different speed, so depending on the chosen offer, AT&T internet is good for streaming. The most basic internet package is one that offers up to 5 Mbps for download, which is not very suitable for watching high-definition videos as the videos will take time to load. Although the basic plans are slow with speeds of not more than 24.9Mbps, their higher tier plans are ideal for streaming Netflix, YouTube, and other services in HD.
The Factors That Contribute to Streaming Video
There are a few key factors that determine whether an internet connection can reliably handle streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube
- Internet Speed – the FCC states that for streaming with no interruptions and buffering in high standard definition, the user must have a download speed of 5Mbps when using a single device and 25Mbps for multiple connected devices. As the speed of the Interent connection increases, so does the quality of the streaming.
- Data Usage Limits – Most provide a limited amount of data that can be consumed in a one month timeframe. To go beyond each of these limits, it is required to pay overage charges. In terms of pricing the bandwidth caps harm the high streaming usage households. Endless data usage is preferable if you stream often.
- Connection Consistency - While it is crucial to note that connection speed is always crucial, connection reliability cannot be overemphasized. That is why high speeds are not very beneficial if the connection keeps disconnecting or if there is a huge fluctuation in speed.
Below is a breakdown of the various internet plans offered by AT&T alongside their costs:
AT&T currently offers five main residential internet packages
- Internet 5: up to 5 Mbps for $50.00/month
- Internet 25: Up to 25 Mbps for $50 per month.
- Internet 50: 50mbps for $60 per month
- Internet 100: Up to 100Mbps for $60 per Month
- Internet 1000: up to 1000 Mbps rate at $80 per month.
It is important to note that while all the plans offered by AT&T for Internet service Provider have unlimited data, they are best effort with the exception of the Internet 5 plan. This is the meaning behind the fact that while there aren’t any official data limits, AT&T might slow down users’ connections when traffic is heavy.
The internet speed ranges stated describes AT&T’s minimum advertised speeds and not the maximum or even the average speeds offered by the company. This is why the term Internet 100 is “up to 100Mbps” because in some cases depending on the capacity of your local network you may get slower speeds.
Streaming Video still shows that greater speed is a positive trait in the network.
The first of these is the Internet 5 offering that is actually the cheapest among all of ATT’s plans, but it is not fast enough for streaming. Even at its fastest download speed of 5Mbps, the user cannot stream anything that requires a video quality higher than standard definition due to extreme buffering and dropping of frames. Streaming videos with even the second-slowest Internet 25 package would be smoother and much enhanced from the current position.
The streaming perfomance is significantly higher when you are a subscriber to the higher speed plans such as Internet 100 and Internet 1000. The 1000 plan is capable of achieving download speeds of up to 1000Mbps and can support multiple streams of YouTube or Netflix in 4K with no buffering. Of course, not all video streaming platforms like premium ones such as Netflix support 4K streaming at the moment. YouTube for instance currently allows for a maximum video resolution of 1080p full High-Definition.
Streaming Multiple Devices
If your household uses two or more devices for streaming video at the same time, then it is better to strive for even higher speeds. As for the minimum connection speed, Netflix suggests 5Mbps for single device streaming as the bare minimum, 25Mbps for two screen streaming, and more Mbps for more connected devices. The issue here is that when there are multiple streams that are running, in parallel, it can be a real challenge for slower connections. For families with multiple internet-connected devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, or TVs, it is suggested to use plans like Internet 100 or 1000.
Unlimited data plans are highly favoured particularly by those who like to indulge in heavy streaming.
Competition is more cut-throat than it was before, and most plans from AT&T do not have a bandwidth cap unlike many cable internet providers. Such services like Comcast often assign usage limits of 1TB monthly. These are monthly limits which allow heavy streamers to easily go over those and be charged hefty amounts. This is well illustrating by the fact that AT&T company’s unlimited data makes it very advantageous for customers who stream often and do not want to set top video quality. Still, when it comes to “best effort” unlimited data, it may also imply occasional slowing down during the hours of congestion.
The Bottom Line
For typical usage which includes light video streaming that does not allow the use of more than one device at a time, AT&T Internet 25 should suffice. However, to ensure that multiple devices in your home are able to stream High Definition and Ultra High Definition video content, such as through a smart TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, then Internet 100 or 1000 may be more appropriate. To assist with the justification of the upgrades cost, consider how often one streams at present and how they intends to stream more in the future as video services continue to enhance 4K Ultra HD.
Call (844) 905-5001 to get a new AT&T connection now!
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