Mobile phones are not just limited to communication but have evolved into essential tools for information and entertainment. Mobile internet usage has significantly increased with the affordability of mobile technologies. There are great mobile carriers offering unlimited mobile data plans, but with the rising inflation, choosing an appropriate provider is essential for properly managing your expenses.
If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where Spectrum Mobile™ and AT&T Mobile are available, then your choice comes down to an MNO or an MVNO provider. Let’s dive into the main differences between these carriers and explore Spectrum Mobile™ vs. AT&T Mobile in detail.
Pros & Cons – Spectrum Mobile™ vs AT&T Mobile
Spectrum Mobile™
Exclusively available to Spectrum Internet® customers, Spectrum Mobile™ is a service of this telecommunication giant. As Spectrum is an MVNO, it uses Verizon’s infrastructure to provide this service and receives high-priority data, unlike other MVNOs operating on Verizon. So, if you already have Spectrum Internet, you can sign up for this service to get the best internet deals.
Pros
- Wide availability
- Straightforward plans
- Affordable unlimited data plan
- Free unlimited WiFi hotspots
Cons
- Limited to only Spectrum Internet users
- Charges an extra $20 per month if you cancel Spectrum Internet
Affordable Spectrum Mobile Plans, Exclusively Available for Spectrum Internet Customers
AT&T Mobile
AT&T Mobility, also known as AT&T Wireless, is one of the major mobile carriers in the US. In fact, it is the oldest name in the phone business. It uses the world’s popular wireless phone technology, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), to deliver its services and is known for its extensive coverage. It is one of the best carriers offering high 4G download speeds, decent perks, and a strong 5G network.
Pros
- Reliable network
- Nationwide coverage
- Wide range of plans
Cons
- Expensive
- Sparse 5G coverage
Which one is better, Spectrum Mobile or AT&T Mobile?
Availability
Although AT&T is known for its nationwide coverage, Spectrum Mobile™ uses Verizon’s network to deliver its services. And while Verizon and AT&T have an excellent range in metropolitan areas, the former’s 4G coverage in rural areas is better.
On the other hand, AT&T has slightly better 5G coverage, and Verizon’s wide-band 5G is faster. Hence, despite being an MVNO, Spectrum Mobile™ benefits from this extensive and robust network and is available in many parts of the country, including rural areas.
Eligibility
AT&T is a clear winner as it is available for every individual. You can join AT&T’s network with a digital or a physical SIM card.
On the other hand, Spectrum Mobile™ is only available to Spectrum Internet users. Moreover, the company charges an extra $20 monthly if you cancel your Spectrum Internet subscription. To qualify for Spectrum Mobile™ service, you must have the following:
- Spectrum Internet service
- Sign up for Auto Pay
- Meet credit requirements
Plans & Pricing
The best thing about Spectrum Mobile™ is that it offers straightforward and affordable plans. Depending on your activities, Spectrum Mobile™ lets you choose between its cheap unlimited data plan and flexible By-the-gig plan. Each package offers a specific amount of data with unique features. Moreover, it accommodates your requirements by allowing you to add multiple lines to your chosen package. However, remember that the prices of these packages can vary with the location.
Spectrum Mobile™ Plans
| FEATURES | BY THE GIG | UNLIMITED | UNLIMITED PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Price (multi-line) Restrictions | $14/GB per month | $29.99/Line per month For additional lines or 2+ lines added within 30 days of initial service. | $39.99/Line per month For additional lines or 2+ lines added within 30 days of initial service. |
| Plan Price (single-line) | $14/GB per month | $45/Line per month | $55/Line per month |
| All Taxes & Fees Included | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access (req. 5G device) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4G LTE | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Mobile Data | 1 GB included – $14 each additional GB | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full Speed Mobile Data Allowance | After 5 GB/line of data usage speeds reduced to 256 Kbps up/down & data de-prioritized. | After 20 GB/line of data usage speeds reduced to 1 Mbps down/512 Kbps up & data de-prioritized. | After 30 GB/line of data usage speeds reduced to 1 Mbps down/512 Kbps up & data de-prioritized. |
| Call Now | Call Now | Call Now |
AT&T, on the other hand, offers a broad range of plans, including prepaid and postpaid. Like other carriers, it provides multi-line discounts and ways to customize the chosen package. Although it has some of the most expensive options, the prices drop once you exceed three lines. Hence, living in a large household is a suitable option.
AT&T Mobile Plans
| Features | Prepaid 16 GB 12 GB | Prepaid 5 GB | Prepaid Unlimited | Starter Plan | Extra Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price for a single line | $25/month (if you prepay $300) | $30/month | $50/month | $65/line per month | $75/line per month | $85/line per month |
| Price for 2-line | N/A | $50/month | $90/month | $60/line per month | $65/line per month | $75/line per month |
| Unlimited Text to 200+ countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access | – | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Perks
Like other MVNOs, Spectrum Mobile™ also skimps on perks. However, you can receive benefits like unlimited talk and text, free Spectrum WiFi hotspots, and robust 5G speed. It also makes it convenient to switch over by allowing you to keep your existing phone number. Spectrum is transparent about its pricing; you don’t have to worry about unexpected charges.
AT&T, like other major carriers, offers numerous perks with its plans. It provides AT&T ActiveArmor with advanced mobile security, hotspot data, high-speed data, premium channels, and more.
Throttling
You’ll never truly get high-speed unlimited data no matter which carrier you choose. Both Spectrum Mobile™ and AT&T enforce data caps on their plans and throttle your speed once you exceed the set limit.
Phones Offer
Spectrum BYOD allows you to bring your device. It covers all the latest phones from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
AT&T makes this process much easier with a wide variety of phones. This carrier allows you to bring nearly any phone and is also compatible with eSIM. It offers various promotions like free phones or buy-one and get-one-free.
Customer Service
Although it is hard to evaluate the customer service of Spectrum Mobile™ since major reviewers do not cover this service, we can get an idea through the rating of Spectrum Mobile™ App. We can conclude that the customers are satisfied with Spectrum Mobile™ as it has a 4.7 rating on the Apple store and a 4-star rating on Google Play Store.
AT&T is also known for its decent customer service, as it is typically ranked third among major providers. They also offer a variety of channels you can use to reach out to them.
Final Call
AT&T and Spectrum Mobile™ are prominent mobile carriers that offer plans with unique features. Both of them provide different benefits and have their strong points. In the end, if you are already a Spectrum Internet® user, we recommend using Spectrum Mobile™ since this service is more affordable than AT&T.
FAQs
