Selecting a reliable internet service provider can often prove to be a daunting task, especially if you have multiple options available in and around your geographic location. So how do you decide who or what will work for you? You carry out some initial research, based upon factors such as speed, promo offers, bundles & plans, and most importantly speed.
If you reside in an area where both, AT&T and Charter Spectrum offer their services, then you should consider yourself lucky. There is no clear answer as to which one of them should be considered as the best; the choice largely depends on your personal preferences. However, we have made an attempt to compare various factors to help you make a rational decision. We will be highlighting each service provider’s plans, prices, contracts, major differences, and much more. So let’s get started.
AT&T
AT&T is a Dallas-based telecommunication company that uses a combination of fiber and hybrid-fiber connections to offer its broadband services. It is the largest ISP in the Americas and provides its services across all the states. The company aims to expand its fiber connection and has phased out its DSL services. AT&T offers its fiber services mainly to urban cities and fixed wireless internet to rural households.
Pros:
- High speeds
- Exceptional customer service
- Many fiber plans
Cons:
- Fiber availability is limited
Spectrum
Spectrum is a Charter Communications brand and the 2nd largest ISP in the U.S, providing its services across 44 states. It is widely known as a cable service provider and uses hybrid coaxial cable to provide high-speed broadband services. It offers good download speeds and prices, and its plans come with additional perks.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reliable speeds
- No data caps
- Free modem
Cons:
- Gigabit plans are expensive
- Poor customer service
AT&T vs Spectrum – Comparison
Services
AT&T offers fiber and fixed wireless services and has phased out its DSL connection. Although a fiber internet connection is more reliable than other internet types, its availability is limited to urban cities due to the lack of infrastructure. Fixed wireless is an ideal alternative for the rural population with limited internet options.
On the other hand, Spectrum is a cable provider. Although cable internet is the 2nd fastest broadband and its latest technology has made its speeds almost on par with fiber internet, it’s susceptible to slowdowns during rush hours.
Pricing & Plans
AT&T
AT&T is known for its high-speed fiber plans, and currently, it offers the fastest internet speeds with its 5G internet. Its superior internet speeds with reasonable pricing let you do anything you want online. It also offers the added perk of a free HBO Max subscription to its new subscribers. For rural households with limited options, AT&T provides fixed internet with speeds up to 25 Mbps. AT&T Internet plans include:
| Packages | Price | Internet Speed |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T internet | $55/month | 75 Mbps speed |
| AT&T internet 100 | $55/month | 100 Mbps speed |
| AT&T internet 300 | $55/month | 200 Mbps speed |
| AT&T internet 500 | $65/month | 500 Mbps speed |
| AT&T 1G internet | $80/month | 1000 Mbps speed |
| AT&T 2G internet | $110/month | 2000 Mbps speed |
| AT&T 5G internet | $180/month | 5000 Mbps speed |
| AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet | $69.99/month | 25 Mbps speed |
Spectrum
Spectrum is known for its simple plans with high speeds. Compared to AT&T, Spectrum has higher prices and limited speed options, but its simple plan options make it easier for you to make your choice. Spectrum is known for not including any hidden fees in its internet plans. Spectrum Internet plans include:
| Packages | Price | Internet Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | $49.99/month | 200 Mbps speed |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $69.99/month | 400 Mbps speed |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $109.99/month | 1000 Mbps speed |
The prices for these plans are not fixed, and they tend to change after the promotional period.
Internet Speed
Both AT&T and Spectrum offer a wide range of internet speeds. Spectrum internet speeds vary from location to location and can be sorted into two tiers; 60 Mbps to 200 Mbps and 300 Mbps to 940 Mbps. The first tier is sufficient for 2 to 3 devices, and you can do your daily internet activities with absolute ease. But with 4 to 5 devices, the second tier is more suitable.
AT&T offers a broader range of speeds, and depending on your location, you get its available internet connection with preferred internet services. This broader speed range from 75 Mbps to 5000 Mbps makes it easier to find a suitable plan for your needs.
Data Caps
Spectrum offers unlimited data and doesn’t enforce any data caps, so you engage in your internet activities and hobbies to your heart’s content without the fear of extra charges.
On the other hand, AT&T offers unlimited data in its fiber internet plans but enforces data caps in its fixed wireless internet. Its fixed wireless plan gives you 350 GB of data per month and charges a $10 overage fee for every extra 50 GB of data.
Contracts
Both Spectrum and AT&T are part of the no-contract internet providers which gives you the leverage to cancel your subscription at any moment without the fear of paying an early termination fee (ETF).
However, you have the option to sign a 1-year agreement for lower prices with AT&T with an ETF of $180. On the other hand, Spectrum’s internet plans come with a promotional price of two years for new subscribers. At the end of the promotional period, these prices are revised and raised to the standard pricing.
Installation
Spectrum’s professional installation fee of $65.00 costs much less than AT&T. With this reasonable price, a professional comes by to set up your internet. Spectrum also gives you the option of self-installation for just $30.00.
AT&T’s installation, on the other hand, is more expensive, with $99 for professional installation and $35 for self-installation. However, AT&T frequently offers deals to waive installation costs.
Bundles
Both Spectrum and AT&T offer TV and phone bundles with their internet plans. AT&T, however, bundles its services with DIRECT TV which is more expensive than Spectrum.
Spectrum offers specially designed triple-play and double-play bundles that offer premium channels with extra perks. Spectrum Triple Play is their most popular bundle deal.
Availability
Spectrum is known for its wide coverage across 44+ states, and AT&T provides its services in all states. Although, both companies have specified the states they operate in, their availability and plans vary depending on the location. Both AT&T and Spectrum are major ISPs in the US.
Customer Service
American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) is usually the most reliable source to evaluate ISPs. Although AT&T ranks slightly better than Spectrum in their rankings, both of their customer services need improvement. According to ASCI’s latest report, AT&T scored 71, while Spectrum scored 63 out of 100..
Conclusion
Fiber internet is a reliable internet connection. So if it is available in your area, go for AT&T fiber internet as it is a better option than Spectrum with its reasonable pricing and high speeds. The unfortunate thing about fiber internet is its limited availability, and we can’t disregard Spectrum either that easily. You can get high internet speeds, unlimited data, and remarkable bundles with Spectrum.
FAQ
AT&T charges about $10 less per month for their phone service, but consumers will most likely see overages on their phone accounts with minimal use. Spectrum phone services cost roughly $30 per month, and those services are quite profitable for them.
AT&T is comparatively cheaper than Spectrum but only if you are in an AT&T Fiber coverage area. If you have only AT&T DSL to choose from, then it is recommended that you look to Spectrum for reasonable prices for fast speeds.
If you have a choice between Fiber and DSL service, go for AT&T Fiber; it gives you faster speeds for a lower price as compared to Spectrum. But Spectrum is definitely better than AT&T’s DSL service.
It is a close call but most users prefer Spectrum out of these two. Even though AT&T’s fiber is fast and reliable, yet fiber is not as widely available as Spectrum’s cable plans. Hence Spectrum can get you top speeds for a good price or a relatively cheap option if you want.
