AT&T Internet 500 Review – 500 Mbps Fiber Internet Plan

There is a plethora of digital and printed advertisements out there where vague claims have been made by broadband carriers that their internet service is the fastest. It makes one question how fast is a fast internet really? Is there a scale against which we can measure the fastness of our broadband plan or a test that can help us grasp the difference between megabits and gigabits in layman’s terms? 

The answer is, YES. Now we know exactly how to equate a fast internet with our daily online activities such as making video calls, streaming shows, and surfing the web. In this blog, we will highlight what you can do with 500 Mbps internet speed and why AT&T Internet 500 plan fits the equation just right. 

Basically, 500 Mbps internet speeds allow you to make Zoom calls on 300 devices OR stream Netflix shows/movies in 4K quality on 20 devices at the same time. Left you wide-eyed much? Then wait till you find out what AT&T Fiber Internet 500 has in store for you. 

What is AT&T Internet 500?

From the beginning to the present day, AT&T has been at the forefront of the broadband revolution in the United States and around the globe. Consecutively ranked as the best internet service provider in the country and one of the top 3 internet carriers in the world, AT&T has upscaled digital connectivity through its ultrafast fiber internet service. Currently, there are five different plans or tiers for AT&T Fiber internet service that offer varying speeds at different monthly rates. AT&T Internet 500 is a mid-range monthly plan that is perfect for a “well-connected, tech-savvy household”. 

The AT&T Internet 500 plan delivers the same upload and download speeds of up to 500 Mbps. The plan costs $65 per month and users are saved from the stress of unexpected price hikes after 6 or 12 months of service. AT&T Internet 500 is a contract-free plan that comes with unlimited data and free Wi-Fi coverage for the entire house. With the 500 Mbps AT&T Fiber Internet plan, you always stay in the fast lane of network connectivity. 

Pros & Cons  of AT&T Internet 500 Plan

In the table below, we have listed some of the pros and cons of the AT&T Internet 500 plan to help you select the best plan for your household. 

Pros

• Same upload and download speeds of up to 500 Mbps
• Includes unlimited data
• Contract-free service
• 99.9 percent network reliability
• The price does not increase in the second year
• Includes ActiveArmor cybersecurity software
• Includes smart modem+Wi-Fi gateway
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Limited availability throughout the country

Speed

Customers of the AT&T Internet 500 plan get the same upload and download speeds of up to 500 Mbps. The internet speed for this plan is 20 times faster than traditional cable internet. With the blazing-fast speeds of this 500 Mbps internet plan, you can connect up to 13 devices, and enjoy HD quality streaming, audio/video file sharing, casual online gaming, and video conferencing. The lightning-fast speed of AT&T’s 500 Mbps internet plan is perfect for a tech-savvy household. 

Data Caps

AT&T Internet 500 comes with unlimited data. You can enjoy unlimited downloading, endless video calling, and 24/7 web browsing without worrying about running out of data. Since there are no data caps on your AT&T’s 500 Mbps internet plan, you don’t have to fret about paying data overage charges at the end of the billing cycle, or stress about your internet speeds being throttled. You get consistently fast internet speeds at a flat rate of $65 per month.

Installation 

AT&T Fiber internet users can order a self-installation kit at their address. The kit contains all the necessary equipment that you need to set up your AT&T Internet 500 within a few minutes. AT&T does not charge its customers for the self-installation kit and in most cases, you will be asked if you would prefer the DIY setup or a professional installation for your home internet. It can take three to five business days for an AT&T technician to be sent to your home and professionally install the service for you. You might have to pay up to $99 for the installation of this 500 Mbps internet plan.

Perks 

With AT&T Internet 500, you get all the benefits of a first-class service, absolutely free. AT&T ActiveArmor is the ultimate cybersecurity software that proactively safeguards you against malware and online threats. The software enables a data encryption feature on your device to automatically protect your personal and private information from hackers and bots. Moreover, when used with AT&T’s advanced home Wi-Fi router, ActiveArmor shields your private network from being accessed by unwanted parties. You can manually disconnect unrecognized devices from your network and sleep peacefully. 

AT&T ActiveArmor is a much-needed network security software because, in 2022 alone, Americans lost around $3.56 billion in online fraud. And the rate of cyber scams is increasing by 70 percent each year due to the heavy usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in bypassing automated defenses.

Another perk that comes with AT&T’s 500 Mbps Internet plan is the free provision of AT&T All-Fi. The AT&T All-Fi is a compatible Wi-Fi 6 gateway that ensures high-speed internet throughout your home. The internet speed is automatically optimized and equally distributed among all the connected devices for a next-gen Wi-Fi experience. 

Special Feature 

You get paid to switch. When you subscribe to the AT&T Fiber 500 plan, you are given up to $150 in credit on your Visa Reward Card. You can use this credit to shop for other products and services at the AT&T store. Moreover, AT&T covers the full cost of your early cancellation. Say for example that your current service provider is going to charge you a hefty early termination fee for canceling the service mid-term. AT&T will pay that cancellation fee on your behalf and pave the way for a smooth transition. 

Contract

Don’t let annual contracts hold you down. AT&T understands the uncertainties of life. The internet carrier is fully aware that plans change and people move around in search of better prospects. After all, America is a land of opportunities and so why limit yourself? In its effort to increase your freedom, AT&T offers contract-free service. You don’t have to sign a contract to activate your AT&T Internet 500. You can test drive the service for a few days, weeks, or months and walk away if you think it is not what you need. 

The greatest advantage of a no-contract service is that you don’t have to worry about paying an early termination fee upon cancellation. Previously, AT&T used to charge a $180 early termination fee for the premature cancellation of its 12-month service. But that stipulation is no longer applicable to AT&T Internet 500 plan. 

Additional Costs

Although the AT&T Internet 500 plan is available in all 21 states at a flat rate of $65 per month, there are some extra charges that users should be mindful of. For instance, customers will have to pay around $99 for letting a technician install and activate their internet. All new AT&T subscribers are charged a refundable $150 equipment fee as a deposit. Upon service cancellation, you can return the equipment to AT&T and claim your deposit back. 

AT&T does not compromise on late bill payments. You will be charged a fine of up to $9.99 for failing to pay the internet bill on time. Plus, all subscribers must bear the taxes and surcharges imposed by the federal and state government. The total amount for taxes and surcharges does not exceed $15 per month. 

AT&T is a carbon-neutral company. It offers paperless billing to its customers. All those who wish to receive printed internet bills at their addresses must pay an additional $5 per month. 

AT&T Internet 500 Price After 12 Months

The price of AT&T’s 500 Mbps fiber internet plan remains the same after 12 months of service. From the beginning of this year, AT&T has ceased the promo pricing offer on its fiber internet plans. Now, subscribers of AT&T Internet 500 pay a fixed monthly fee of $65 from the beginning until the time rates are adjusted for inflation.   

AT&T 500 Mbps Internet vs Other AT&T Fiber Plans

AT&T co-founded the fiber-optic internet technology back in 1972 along with the researchers from Corning Inc. Being the pioneer of fiber-optic internet service, AT&T was one of the first broadband carriers to rollout lightning fast internet at market competitive rates. In its efforts to expedite fiber internet expansion around the country, AT&T discontinued its slow-speed DSL internet service in 2020. All its resources like the workforce, state-of-the-art facilities, and capital were directed towards the launch of muti-gigabit internet service in more than 50,000 access locations. Currently, AT&T is one of the few, fully fiber-optic, internet service providers in the country that can deliver up to 5-gigabit internet speeds and offer 300 Mbps broadband on their entry-level plans.   

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of AT&T Internet 500 and other AT&T Fiber plans.

Comparison	AT&T Internet 300	AT&T Internet 500	AT&T Internet 1000
Price	$55.00 per month	$65.00 per month	$80.00 per month
Speed	300 Mbps	500 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Connection	Fiber-optic	Fiber-optic	Fiber-optic
Number of Devices	Up to 12 devices	Up to 13 devices	Up to 14 devices
Best For	Multiple users, binge streaming, online gaming, large file downloads	Multi-device streaming, casual gaming, sharing of audio/ video files	Smarthomes, multi-user families, serious gamers, large file transfers
Data Cap	Unlimited Data
Contract	Not Required

AT&T Internet 500 vs 5000

AT&T Fiber’s fastest, 5 GIG plan costs $180 per month and is only available in 70 metro cities within its fiber footprint. You can simultaneously connect up to 20 devices on your AT&T Internet 5000 and experience supersonic broadband speeds, almost 40 times faster than cable internet. The AT&T 5 Gig plan is best for multi-device streaming in 4K ultra HD quality, professional gaming, and instant transfers of huge video files. Whether you have chosen the AT&T 5 Gig plan for running your small online business from home, or for fully automating your mundane chores in your smart home, the 5000 Mbps internet speed of upload and download speeds are perfect for uninterrupted connectivity. 

Comparison	AT&T Internet 500	AT&T Internet 5000
Price	$65.00 per month	$180.00 per month
Speed	500 Mbps	5,000 Mbps
Availability	Most cities and towns in 21 states	Only in 70 metro cities in 21 states
Connection	Fiber-optic	Fiber-optic
Number of Devices	Up to 13 devices	Up to 20 devices
Best For	Multi-device streaming, casual gaming, sharing of audio/ video files	Multi-device streaming in 4K UHD quality, professional gaming, instant upload of huge files
Data Cap	Unlimited data
Contract	Not required

AT&T 500 Mbps Internet Availability

AT&T Fiber’s 500 Mbps internet service is available in 21 states, mostly in the southeast and mid-west regions. The superfast, symmetrical speeds are being delivered at nearly 18.5 million customer locations across its footprint, including more than a hundred metro cities.

The following 21 states provide full to partial coverage of the AT&T Internet 500 plan.

States with AT&T 500 Mbps Internet Coverage
Alabama	Illinois	Michigan	Ohio
Arkansas	Indiana	Mississippi	Oklahoma
California	Kansas	Missouri	South Carolina
Florida	Kentucky	Nevada	Tennessee
Georgia	Louisiana	North Carolina	Texas
Wisconsin

AT&T Internet 500 vs Competitors

Several other internet carriers in the country offer superfast fiber 500 speeds to their residential customers. While some of these broadband providers run solely on 100 percent fiber-rich networks, others offer a combination of fiber-coaxial cable internet. Often, this bi-cable business model of internet transmission is adopted to make the internet service more accessible and affordable for customers. 

Let’s compare the 500 Mbps Internet plans of some of the most prominent internet service providers with AT&T Internet 500.  

AT&T 500 Mbps Internet vs Frontier Fiber 500 Internet 

Frontier Communications is a Fortune 500 company that provides telecommunications services in 25 states across the United States. Frontier has cemented its place in the broadband market by being the best DSL internet service provider in rural areas. However, Frontier fiber optic internet services are limited to 12 states mostly in the mid-west and mid-Atlantic regions. Frontier Fiber 500 Internet plan is cheaper than AT&T’s 500 Mbps internet plan but the restricted availability and poor customer service are discouraging factors for many 500 Mbps internet users.  

Comparison	AT&T Internet 500	Frontier Fiber 500
Type of Internet	Fiber-optic internet	Fiber-optic internet
Coverage Area	21 states of the USA	12 states of the USA
Price Range	$65.00 per month	$49.99 to $59.99 per month
Upload Speed	500 Mbps	500 Mbps
Download Speed	500 Mbps	500 Mbps
Data Caps	Unlimited data	Unlimited data
Contract	Not required	Not required
Bundle Deals	Available	Available
Promotions	Available ($150 Visa Reward Card)	Available (promo pricing for the first 12 months)
Price Hikes	No	Yes
Additional Cost	Installation fee of up to $99	Free internet installation
	Equipment fee of $150 (refundable)	Equipment fee of $5.00 per month
	Late payment fee of $9.99	Late payment fee of $10
	Taxes and surcharges of up to $15 per month	Taxes and surcharges of up to $6.00 per month
Perks	Included	Included
Customer Service	4.5 out of 5 stars	3.6 out of 5 stars
Contact Provider	Call 877-209-3574 Now!	Call 877-412-0748 Now!

AT&T 500 Mbps Internet vs Kinetic Fiber 500

Kinetic by Windstream is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the residential internet provider’s DSL internet service. With monthly plans starting at $40 per month and offering up to 150 Mbps internet speeds in the often-forgotten countryside, Kinetic’s DSL internet service has become a flagship for low-cost internet in rural America. Unfortunately, the company has not attained parallel success for its high-speed fiber internet. 

The Kinetic Fiber 500 plan is only available in 18 states of the USA. The carrier is largely popular in the south and as the plan is $10 cheaper than AT&T Internet 500, it is the most preferred choice of internet plan for those living on a budget. Overall, Kinetic Fiber 500’s comparatively poor customer service and low availability around the country make it less attractive when compared to AT&T Internet 500. 

Comparison	AT&T Internet 500	Kinetic Fiber 500
Type of Internet	Fiber-optic internet	Fiber-optic internet
Coverage Area	21 states of the USA	18 states of the USA
Price Range	$65.00 per month	$39.99 to $55.00 per month
Upload Speed	500 Mbps	500 Mbps
Download Speed	500 Mbps	500 Mbps
Data Caps	Unlimited data	Unlimited data
Contract	Not required	Not required
Bundle Deals	Available	Available
Promotions	Available ($150 Visa Reward Card)	Available (promo pricing for the first 12 months)
Price Hikes	No	Yes
Additional Cost	Installation fee of up to $99	Installation fee of up to $35
	Equipment fee of $150 (refundable)	Equipment fee of $10 per month
	Late payment fee of $9.99	–
	Taxes and surcharges of up to $15 per month	Taxes and surcharges of up to $20 per month
Perks	Included	Not available
Customer Service	4.5 out of 5 stars	4.0 out of 5 stars
Contact Provider	Call 877-209-3574 Now!	Call 877-412-0760 Now!

AT&T 500 Mbps Internet vs Spectrum Internet Ultra 

Spectrum by Charter Communications is the fifth-best internet service provider in the country. Commonly referred to as a cable internet carrier, Spectrum uses a hybrid model using both fiber-optic and coaxial cables to distribute high-speed internet over long distances. Spectrum guarantees 99.9 percent reliability and widespread availability in 41 states of the USA. The Spectrum Internet Ultra plan delivers superfast download speeds of up to 500 Mbps and up to 25 Mbps of upload speeds. 

Spectrum Internet Ultra is the best alternative for those who want 500 Mbps internet speeds but don’t have access to AT&T Fiber in their area. However, when compared, Spectrum Internet Ultra cannot match the affordable rates, symmetrical speeds, and first-class customer service of AT&T Internet 500. 

Comparison	AT&T Internet 500	Spectrum Internet Ultra
Type of Internet	Fiber-optic internet	Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable
Coverage Area	21 states of the USA	41 states of the USA
Price Range	$65.00 per month	$69.99 to $99.99 per month
Upload Speed	500 Mbps	Up to 500 Mbps
Download Speed	500 Mbps	Up to 25 Mbps
Data Caps	Unlimited data	Unlimited data
Contract	Not required	Not required
Bundle Deals	Available	Available
Promotions	Available ($150 Visa Reward Card)	Available (promo pricing for first 12 months)
Price Hikes	No	Yes
Additional Cost	Installation fee of up to $99	Installation fee of up to $59.99
	Equipment fee of $150 (refundable)	Equipment fee of $5.00 per month
	Late payment fee of $9.99	Late payment fee of $8.95
	Taxes and surcharges of up to $15 per month	Taxes and surcharges of up to $9.50 per month
Perks	Included	Included
Customer Service	4.5 out of 5 stars	3.9 out of 5 stars
Contact Provider	Call 877-209-3574 Now!	Call 877-410-3834 Now!

AT&T 500 Mbps Internet vs Metronet Fiber 500 

Metronet is a family-owned telecommunications company in the mid-west. The company prides itself in delivering innovative telecommunications solutions (broadband and home phone service) over its 100 percent fiber-rich network. With high availability in 16 states of the USA, Metronet Fiber 500 plan is $5 cheaper than AT&T’s 500 Mbps internet plan. Moreover, Metronet’s award-winning customer service is better than most local fiber internet providers in the country. But because AT&T is a globally recognized company with 1.3 million fiber route miles around the world, it will always be preferred over an independent provider like Metronet.        

Comparison	AT&T Internet 500	Metronet Fiber 500
Type of Internet	Fiber-optic internet	Fiber-optic internet
Coverage Area	21 states of the USA	16 states of the USA
Price Range	$65.00 per month	$49.95 to $59.95 per month
Upload Speed	500 Mbps	500 Mbps
Download Speed	500 Mbps	500 Mbps
Data Caps	Unlimited data	Unlimited data
Contract	Not required	Not required
Bundle Deals	Available	Available
Promotions	Available ($150 Visa Reward Card)	Available (promo pricing for first 12 months)
Price Hikes	No	Yes
Additional Cost	Installation fee of up to $99	Free Installation
	Equipment fee of $150 (refundable)	The equipment fee is included in the monthly internet fee
	Late payment fee of $9.99	Late payment fee of $25.00
	–	Technology Service Fee of $9.95
	Taxes and surcharges of up to $15 per month	Taxes and surcharges of up to $5.00 per month
Perks	Included	Included
Customer Service	4.5 out of 5 stars	4.3 out of 5 stars
Contact Provider	Call 877-209-3574 Now!	Call 877-395-5851 Now!

Conclusion

AT&T Internet 500 plan combines the best of lightning-fast connectivity, network reliability, and affordability to give you an unmatched broadband service. The mid-tier, fiber-rich 500 Mbps internet plan is available for a flat $65 per month service fee in most of the cities and towns across AT&T’s 21-state footprint. The plan includes perks like a $150 Visa Reward Card, free access to ActiveArmor cybersecurity software, and a compatible Wi-Fi 6 gateway. AT&T Internet 500 plan is ideal for lag-free online gaming, buffer-free HD streaming, and glitch-free multi-device video calling. As AT&T aptly puts it, it has “plenty of speed” for “an always connected household”. 

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