Is switching to AT&T fiber worth it?

Posted on: 07 Aug 2024

AT&T Fiber is a very fast service that has high download speeds, fast upload speed, low latency and consistently reliable internet connection. Some of them still use copper pipes but in many areas they offer up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) via their fiber optic network, which means a significant upgrade in the internet service at your home. But, you think – perhaps it is the right time to switch to AT&T Fiber, the provider you are currently using?

There are several key factors to weigh when deciding if upgrading to AT&T’s fiber internet is the right choice for your household

Speed

Of course, speed is the primary concern when it comes to fiber internet, and it really cannot be argued about. The major advantage of the AT&T Fiber is that it has similar maximum download speed and maximum upload speed in that you get the same Mbps for both downloading and uploading data. Their basic fiber package offers download speeds of at least 300 Mbps, and it goes up to 1 Gbps fiber service, while the most advanced service provides multi-gigabit connectivity up to 5 Gbps in some regions.

To put that into perspective, such bandwidth would allow you to download a full HD movie in less than 30 seconds. To this day, most cable internet packages only offer speeds that are similar to what fiber offers in terms of download but a significantly lower upload speed of 200-400/10-20 Mbps real-world throughput. If you’re currently with AT&T service provider and find that these speeds do not meet your usage, especially when uploading large files or have multiple devices connected, then it warrants an upgrade to AT&T’s next-generation speed.

Availability

AT&T Fiber is still limited to some communities and metropolitan areas only as of the moment. Whole cities such as the Austin, Kansas City, and Raleigh are covered; parts of large cities like Los Angeles & Atlanta are handled too. You can also check it at AT&T’s website using their address lookup tool that will tell you if fiber speeds of up to 1 Gbps are available in your area. Let alone multi-gig plans going up to 5 Gbps which are even less available within supported cities.

If fiber is available at your location, switching most probably is not a big deal. However, if it’s not available yet in your location, then unfortunately you are limited to cable or DSL services for now and will just have to revisit this site at a later date. The full service locations of Internet service Provider is changing as they continue to roll out the fiber network in different parts of the United States.

Reliability

The fiber optic internet is more reliable than the traditional cable and DSL connectivity services for the following reasons. Fiber uses glass cables to transmit data as beams of light, thus offering a strong and purer signal than that of Copper which still offers reasonable speeds after peak hours. This reduced degradation of performance reduces the annoyances that come with communication using the internet such as lag, buffering wheels, and dropouts.

Moreover, fiber lines have added physical toughness and reinforcement to ensure some types of disruption such as storms and accidents do not affect the line. The studies reveal that fiber customers enjoy less interruptions than those customers who are still using the older cable connections. That means if your current provider suffers from network congestion issues or has reliability issues during high-traffic times, then replacing them with AT&T Fiber can be a noticeable improvement.

Price

Of course, the enhanced velocities, capacities, and productivity do not come without a cost. AT&T Fiber’s price is a bit higher comparatively and varies from $60-$90 per month depending on the plan and contracts offered. They do offer some exceptions where you will find that they offer cheaper prices for bundled services if you subscribe to AT&T fiber internet, AT&T wireless service or DIRECTV services.

Even for the long-term options, you should also think about your overall expenses. Fiber, in the long run, may be cheaper than cable internet since performance degradation may lead to a situation where you have to upgrade to the next level in order to meet the demands of your use. Basic wireless improvements such as replacing your Wi-Fi equipment with mesh systems for better range does not come cheap. All in all, fiber internet provides a longer lasting future-proof bandwidth delivery that fits the needs of modern households.

Package Discounts

As stated earlier on, AT&T had incentive arrangements where they give discounts for package deals when acquiring different services. For instance, you can get the wireless phone plans, TV like DIRECTV or AT&T TV, and fiber internet services to avail $10-30 off on total monthly bill. This bonus saving can effectively offset the higher monthly rates that their fibre plans come with.

If you were already planning to add mobile phone lines or change your cable TV subscription, try to get AT&T to offer a package that can match your surfing speed and services. But, there are always contract agreements, and fees for early termination of such engagements. It is always advisable to ensure that you know the contractual terms that require you to use their service for a certain period before you can be allowed to transfer to another service provider or the long-term charges that you might be subjected to once you sign on.

Installation Process

Of course, for being connected to AT&T Fiber one has to use some special equipment. Whenever you place an order for the service, they will have a professional technician to come and install the fiber optic cables from the main street lines to your home without charging any installation fees. This representative will also place the ONT (optical network terminal) box which is where their network meets your inside wiring.

Allow up to 3 hours for the appointment depending on the complexity of the procedure. This implies calling it a day for most households and thereby have no other option than to seek employment. However, the service guarantees that, after initial configuration, the service runs stably and with the expected speed without requiring any additional adjustment. No encountering with connectivity issues, periodic disruptions or slow speed that is inherent in cable infrastructure.

That is still part of the installation process where you are likely to have your Wi-Fi router checked for the best speeds to offer. However, you also have the leeway to buy your own compatible networking equipment if that is your desire. All things considered, AT&T does not leave the process of switching to fiber internet uncontrolled and quite the opposite – it supervises it.

Making the Switch: Is it for You?

Finally – is it reasonable to say that migrating to AT&T fiber internet is the right thing to do? In many cases, yes. If you’re lucky enough to have gigabit or multi-gigabit speeds at your location, their fiber-optic network can represent a revolutionary uplift compared to usual cable internet. For homes where multiple devices are becoming commonplace where they were once the exception, fiber has the near-infinite ability to provide the bandwidth necessary to maintain optimal functionality. It is also possible to offer bundle discounts that help to make the pricing more competitive.

However, how sufficient your current internet service provider is should also play the role of consideration here. If usage demands show that everyday speeds, capacity limits, reliability and Wi-Fi coverage are manageable well – then paying premium rates solely for higher throughput that is rarely used, doesn’t seem like good cents. Determine if your household requires fiber internet capabilities before proceeding with the transition. To sum up, AT&T provides lower tier speeds such as 100 Mbps tiers in some locations if the price is a problem.

For a connective get-together unadulterated, nevertheless, AT&T Fiber is still hard to beat. Further, their respective national fiber rollout remains in full throttle to serve more users. As with any trade-off, it is always wise to look at both the short-term and big-picture implications of the decision to switch. Do a preliminary assessment of usage needs and budget in the specific context of the project. In many households, though, this transition to fiber internet is a wise decision as the modern world requires speed from internet connections. The elevated experience pushing more from devices and streaming can cause daily interactions to be slightly enhanced all-round.

Call (844) 905-5001 to get a new AT&T connection now!

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