Until recently, our internet options were limited to cable and DSL, but with the advent of fiber internet, we can now access high-speed connection. It is now much easier to connect with others, load websites, upload files, and stream without having to worry about slow speeds during rush hours.
When it comes to choosing the best internet provider, we consider a few things such as speed, availability, price, and reliability. A provider needs to meet all of your internet requirements. Many internet providers operate in the states, but few have made their names in the market. AT&T and Verizon are two of the biggest names in the telecommunication industry, and you might have known about their mobile phone services. But these providers are also considered one of the best home internet providers. Let’s get into the details to see which one is better.
AT&T
AT&T is a US-based company and is a giant in the telecommunication world. It has also coined its name globally as it is one of the largest providers in the world. Over the years, the company has substantially grown its fiber-optic network and uses a combination of fiber and hybrid fiber networks to provide its services. The company also provides other services like fixed wireless internet. It has been phasing out its DSL service since 2020.
Pros:- High-speed fiber connection
- Unlimited data on most plans
- Limited fiber internet availability
- Data caps on fixed wireless internet
Verizon
Verizon is also an American company that offers numerous services, such as fiber, DSL and mobile broadband, TV, and phone services. However, its most important service is Fios, which is a fiber-optic network that provides high speed and reliable connection. It is also one of the largest internet providers in the US.
Pros:- High-speed fiber internet
- Reliable connection
- No contracts
- Limited coverage area
AT&T vs Verizon
Availability
AT&T fiber internet is widely available to more people compared to Verizon Fios. Where Verizon Fios is available only in eight states such as Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia, AT&T fiber internet is available in 21 states. You cannot find AT&T in the Northeast, and you cannot access Verizon Fios anywhere out of the West.
Plans & Pricing
Both AT&T and Verizon offer various fiber internet plans. Where Verizon’s basic plan is a much cheaper option, AT&T provides the fastest internet plans in the US.
AT&T Internet Plans
If you don’t require high-speed AT&T internet plans, then their mid-range plans are a much better choice. AT&T provides six fiber internet plans.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet Up to 75 Mbps | $55/month | Up to 75 Mbps | 1 TB |
| AT&T Internet 100 | $55/month | Up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T Internet 300 | $55/month | Up to 300 Mbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $65/month | Up to 500 Mbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T 1G Internet | $80/month | Up to 1 Gbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T 2G Internet | $110/month | Up to 2 Gbps | Unlimited |
| AT&T 5G Internet | $180/month | Up to 5 Gbps | Unlimited |
Verizon Internet Plans
If we compare the prices of both providers, Verizon Fios’ initial plan is cheaper, its mid-range plan has the same price, and its gigabit plan is a bit more expensive than AT&T. Although Verizon has also recently announced a 2 Gbps plan. However, it is only limited to New York City.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300/300 | $39.99/month | 300 Mbps | None |
| Internet 500/500 | $64.99/month | 400 Mbps | None |
| Fios Gigabit Connection | $89.99/month | Up to 940 Mbps | None |
Additional Fee
Equipment Fee
When it comes to monthly equipment fees, AT&T fiber internet is a winner as it doesn’t charge any equipment fees. On the other hand, Verizon charges a monthly equipment fee of $15, which is waived for its Gigabit subscribers. The subscribers of the other two plans can also avoid this fee. They have the choice to either pay an upfront $300 amount or buy their equipment.
Installation Fee
Both Verizon and AT&T have the same installation fee of $99, which can be waived with online ordering or online promotions.
| Provider | Equipment Fee | Installation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | None | $99 |
| Verizon Fios | $15 (skippable for first 2 plans, waived for gigabit plan) | $99 |
Speed
Although both providers offer high-speed plans, AT&T’s speeds are much higher. AT&T provides internet speeds ranging from 75 Mbps to 5000 Mbps, and Verizon offers 300 Mbps to almost 1000 Mbps internet speeds. You can also get symmetrical upload and download speeds with both providers.
Data Caps
Both providers offer unlimited data. With AT&T, you only have to worry about data caps if you are a customer of fixed wireless or 75 Mbps internet. Otherwise, you can use unlimited internet without worrying about data limits, throttled speeds, or overage fees.
Contracts
Both providers offer contract-free internet plans. This means that they don’t bind you in any agreement, allowing you to cancel your subscription at any given moment without worrying about termination fees.
Special Offers & Discounts
Both providers offer remarkable perks to their customers. Currently, Verizon offers Disney bundles with its plans and 2 TB Verizon cloud storage for some extra money. AT&T, on the other hand, is offering a $100 reward card on online orders. Additionally, you can also access free AT&T hotspots across the nation. Hence, both providers know how to draw in customers with amazing perks.
Customer Service
Customer service is a weak area for all ISPs, considering their low customer scores. However, if we look at the statistics, both Verizon and AT&T rank top in the most ISP rankings. They are currently tied at the top of the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index chart with a score of 71.
AT&T also managed to claim the top position in North-Central and South regions according to JD Power’s US Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study for 2021. AT&T scored 738 out of 1000, and Verizon scored 758. However, Verizon was only monitored in the Eastern region. Hence, we can say that both providers have decent customer service, considering the above-average scores.
Final Take
AT&T and Verizon are two big names in the telecommunication market, and both have their perks. AT&T has an edge considering the availability, higher speed plans, discounts, and no monthly equipment fee. However, it all comes down to what is available in your area. In most cases, you won't have to choose between them, as their coverage areas don’t overlap that much. But if both providers are available at your location, you are one of the fortunate people who have access to the best internet options.
