Free Guide to AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing

How AT&T Internet Plans Stack Up Against Each Other

AT&T offers several different internet service options, and understanding what separates them matters when you're looking at what might work for your household. The company primarily provides fiber-based internet (called AT&T Fiber) and fixed wireless internet (called AT&T Internet). These aren't the same technology, and that difference affects speed, reliability, and where you can actually get service.

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AT&T Fiber uses fiber-optic cables that run directly to your home or apartment. This technology can deliver symmetrical speeds—meaning your upload speed matches your download speed. AT&T Fiber typically offers plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps, depending on what's available in your area. The 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps tiers represent what most residential customers can access, while the 2 Gbps and 5 Gbps options exist but aren't universally available.

AT&T Internet (fixed wireless) works differently. Instead of cables underground, it uses wireless signals from cell towers to deliver service to a receiver installed outside your home. This technology has expanded significantly across rural and underserved areas where fiber hasn't been built yet. Fixed wireless plans typically offer speeds around 35-150 Mbps, with most users seeing speeds in the 50-100 Mbps range.

The practical difference comes down to what activities require what speeds. A household with one person streaming video and another browsing the web might do fine with 300 Mbps. A family where multiple people work from home, stream 4K video, and game simultaneously would benefit from 500 Mbps or higher. Fixed wireless at 50-100 Mbps works for basic web use and standard streaming but may struggle if several devices are running bandwidth-heavy tasks at once.

Takeaway: Before comparing prices, identify which AT&T internet type serves your address. Fiber and fixed wireless operate on completely different infrastructure, so the one available to you determines which plans you'll actually see.

Understanding AT&T Fiber Pricing and What's Included

AT&T Fiber pricing follows a tiered structure, with your monthly cost depending on the speed tier you choose. As of recent pricing data, AT&T Fiber's base plan (300 Mbps) typically starts around $55 to $65 per month when no promotional offers apply. The 500 Mbps tier generally runs $65 to $75 per month. These prices represent what AT&T calls "everyday prices" but may vary by location and current promotions the company is running.

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One important detail: AT&T often advertises promotional pricing that runs for a set period—commonly 12 months. A plan might advertise at $55 per month for the first year, then increase to $65 or higher after that period ends. The company discloses this in the fine print, but many customers don't notice until their bill jumps. Reading the terms of any offer tells you exactly when and how much your rate will change.

AT&T Fiber plans typically include a modem and router at no additional charge—you don't buy these devices separately. Some plans also include a free month of streaming services like Max (formerly HBO Max), though these offers rotate and aren't permanent parts of every plan. The company sometimes bundles internet with TV service (called AT&T TV) or phone service, which can lower your total monthly cost if you want multiple services from AT&T.

Fees beyond the monthly rate matter to the overall cost picture. AT&T charges an installation fee, typically $99 for fiber installation, though this fee is sometimes waived during promotional periods. There's no equipment fee for the modem and router, but some locations charge a facility fee or may have taxes applied differently. Your actual bill will include these fees plus whatever taxes apply in your area, so the monthly cost ends up higher than the advertised rate.

For those looking at longer commitments, AT&T sometimes offers discounts if you sign a one-year or two-year contract. These locked-in rates protect you from price increases during the contract period but typically include early termination fees if you cancel before the contract ends.

Takeaway: The advertised price isn't your final bill. Factor in installation fees, equipment (if any), taxes, and what happens when promotional pricing expires to understand your true long-term cost.

What AT&T Internet (Fixed Wireless) Plans Cost and Cover

AT&T Internet, the fixed wireless option, operates on a different pricing model than fiber. This service targets areas where fiber infrastructure doesn't exist, so it serves a different purpose in AT&T's lineup. Fixed wireless plans typically start around $55 to $70 per month depending on your location and any current promotions. The speed you receive falls into a standard range rather than tiered options—most fixed wireless customers experience 35-150 Mbps, with typical speeds landing in the 50-100 Mbps range.

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Fixed wireless plans include an outdoor receiver unit that AT&T installs at your location, along with the networking equipment you'll use inside your home. Installation fees for fixed wireless are often lower than fiber—sometimes $0 to $99 depending on whether AT&T is running a promotion. The receiver itself remains AT&T's property, so you don't own or pay for it separately.

One meaningful difference from fiber: fixed wireless service is more weather-dependent. Heavy rain, snow, or ice can temporarily affect your connection quality. This doesn't mean the service stops working, but it may slow down or experience brief interruptions during severe weather. People in areas with frequent heavy precipitation should understand this limitation before selecting fixed wireless.

AT&T also caps data on some fixed wireless plans, though this varies by location. Data caps typically appear as 250 GB per month on standard plans, with higher-tier plans offering 500 GB or unlimited data. Once you exceed your plan's data cap, AT&T may slow your speeds significantly or charge overage fees. If your household uses significant amounts of data—through streaming, video calls, or online gaming—checking whether your plan has a data cap matters considerably.

Fixed wireless plans don't usually bundle with TV or phone service the way fiber plans do, since fixed wireless operates on different infrastructure. However, AT&T sometimes offers promotional perks like streaming service trials or discounts on AT&T mobile plans when you sign up for fixed wireless.

Takeaway: Fixed wireless costs less upfront and reaches places fiber doesn't, but comes with weather sensitivity and possible data caps. Compare these trade-offs against fiber's benefits in your situation.

Installation, Equipment, and Hidden Costs to Factor In

The sticker price on an AT&T internet plan tells only part of the cost story. Several additional charges and fees can appear on your first bill or during your service, and understanding them prevents billing surprises.

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Installation fees represent the first cost layer. AT&T Fiber installation typically ranges from $0 to $99 depending on the complexity of getting fiber to your location and any promotional waiver. If your home requires trenching or extensive work to bring fiber to the address, AT&T may charge higher installation fees or decline service altogether. Fixed wireless installation is generally lower—often $0 to $99—since no underground work is required. These fees appear on your first bill or sometimes as a separate charge.

Equipment fees vary by plan. AT&T's fiber plans include the modem and router at no additional charge. Fixed wireless plans include the receiver unit and indoor equipment. However, if you need additional equipment—like a second router for WiFi coverage in a larger home—AT&T charges $10 to $15 per month for additional devices. You can purchase your own compatible equipment to avoid these rental fees, which makes sense if you plan to keep the service for several years.

Taxes and regulatory fees appear on every bill and vary based on your location. These aren't AT&T charges per se, but they're mandatory additions to your bill. A $55 plan might become $60-$65 after taxes, depending on your state and local tax rates. Some areas also charge "facility fees" or "internet utility fees" that function similarly to taxes.

Promotional pricing periods deserve careful attention. When AT&T advertises a plan at $55 per month, that rate often applies for 12 months, after which it increases to the "everyday price." Your renewal price could be 20-30% higher. Reading the terms and conditions of any promotional offer tells you exactly when your price