There are two main categories of home internet service offered by AT&T namely Internet service Provider and AT&T Fiber. It should be noted that although these two options are both part of the AT&T family, there are some distinguishing factors between them that one should be aware of before selecting a specific internet plan.
When comparing AT&T Internet and AT&T Fiber, there is one key difference that defines both services: The technology and setup. AT&T Internet operates on copper telephone lines, an older technology that transmits Internet to homes and offices. On the other hand, AT&T Fiber is a fiber optic network through which the company serves next-generation high-speed broadband through fibre cables directly to the customer’s premise.
Speed
However, if speed is considered, then AT&T Fiber is definitely a lot faster than the DSL connection. On AT&T Fiber, download and upload speeds are simultaneous with the speed of 1 Gigabit per second. That is 10 times faster than the top speed that most AT&T Internet plans offer, which in most cases is only around 100Mbps download. AT&T Fiber offers faster Internet speed that is suitable to handle multiple connected devices and high bandwidth activities such as streaming movies in 4K, gaming and video calling.
Reliability
It should be noted that the offering which is being used by AT&T Fiber is fiber optic cables which seems to offer more consistent connection than DSL. Fiber carries data in the form of light signal within the conduits, thereby reducing interferences over large distances. Copper DSL tends to be affected by outside sources and conditions that cause delay and interference. Regarding connectivity issues that might occur at random, therefore leading to speed fluctuations, users of AT&T Fiber are less likely to encounter them.
Availability
Still, AT&T Fiber has some negatives too; for example, it is less widespread than AT&T Internet, which uses more accessible networks. AT&T has been very active in the rollout of its fiber optic service, focusing on areas experiencing the most demographic growth and high density and neighborhoods that need high speed, reliable internet. However, AT&T Internet might be the only choice that you have in some rural areas where the fiber internet service has not been deployed yet. To get the coverage of your desired address, you will need to check for the coverage.
Cost
However, in general, AT&T Fiber is a bit more expensive than AT&T Internet based on the service and a technological infrastructure that is offered by this provider. Nonetheless, AT&T does attempt to make fiber fairly priced and often gives new subscribers special promotions and deals - sometimes fiber will only cost a little more than Internet for the first year or two. There are also taxes and fees to consider and these will increase the monthly cost as well.
Bundling Options
Basically, both AT&T Internet and AT&T Fiber allow customers to choose bundled offers that combine your internet plan with other AT&T services including home phone, mobile phone and DIRECTV services. Savings can be as much as up to $10 a month off your Internet costs with the added benefit of one bill from AT&T. That said, some bundled promotions may only be applicable for AT&T Internet options or for AT&T Fiber exclusively, so round of eligibility.
Installation Process
There are some basic requirements that must be met for being connected to AT&T Fiber internet which include the need to have an initial appointment where the fiber optic line will be brought to the home and the required networking equipment such as the WiFi gateway/router will be installed. AT&T has standard ‘do it yourself’ instalment kits for Internet using phone outlets, which means that you don’t have to wait for a technician. Neither of these choices will include any long-term commitments, either.
In summary:
- AT&T Fiber makes use of a more advanced technology based on fiber optics while AT&T Internet works on the traditional DSL technology on copper wires
- Fiber, which is much better than cable, offers speed of up to 1 Gigabit per second.
- The level of reliability and consistency of the connection is higher with fiber in comparison with the last one.
- Fiber is not yet very common while AT&T Internet is offered to users to a greater extent.
- While offering slightly less speed and technology, DIRECTV now costs more than AT&T Fiber.
- Both options are also available in packages that can be linked to other services provided by AT&T to qualify for a discount.
- Fiber must be implemented to the extent of wiring while Internet may be set up without requiring the wiring to be done fully.
It will be, therefore, crucial to compare the two with respect to crucial aspects such as the available speeds, the internet requirements in your home, and your pocket. It is known that AT&T Fiber is better than AT&T Internet, but access is more restricted, and the price is, therefore, higher. For markets that do not have fiber coverage, AT&T Internet can be considered as an option for providing basic internet service. The following is a brief comparison of the two internet service providers and their benefits and drawbacks to aid in the determination of which is better suited:
Call (844) 905-5001 to get a new AT&T connection now!
Read More:
Is switching to AT&T fiber worth it?
What are the benefits of AT&T fiber internet?
What type of connection is AT&T fiber?
