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A few days back, we came across a report on how fiber broadband is transforming Singapore into the City of the Future. The city-state is on its way to upscaling its fiber-optic internet coverage to 100 percent from the current 95 percent. A majority of Singaporean households are upgrading to 10 Gbps fiber internet speeds for $132.6 per month. After looking at these interesting developments from around the world in the realm of internet technology, we decided to deep dive into the expansion of fiber internet networks in our own country. Turns out that AT&T Fiber Internet is single-handedly ensuring that we are halfway there. So, let’s zoom in on the updated plans, prices, and perks for AT&T Fiber Internet to understand and calculate how far we are from 10 Gbps home internet speeds.
American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) was previously known as the American Bell Telephone Company after its co-founder and inventor of the modern-day telephone, Alexander Graham Bell. Since its inception, AT&T has been instrumental in the development and innovation of telecommunications solutions. In 1970, AT&T took it upon itself to revolutionize long-distance, intercontinental calling.
Fiber-optic cables were invented in 1952 in the United Kingdom, but the impurities during the glass manufacturing phase led to the loss of signals during transmission. AT&T commissioned a team of researchers from Corning Inc., and together with the technicians at the AT&T Bell Labs, they made a key breakthrough to reduce the attenuation barrier. A single-mode fiber with a narrow optical core was developed for low-loss signal transmission. Ten years later, fiber-optical cables manufactured from the new Germania-doped silica glass were laid across the Atlantic Ocean to carry around 40,000 intercontinental calls at once. Behold, the stepping stone had been laid for ultrafast internet 30 years later.
Today, AT&T Fiber Internet can deliver lightning-fast, symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 5,000 Mbps or 5 Gbps. AT&T’s vast fiber-optic cable networks extend over 21 states of the USA, covering nearly 18.5 million customer locations in more than a hundred metro cities.
AT&T is the nation’s number one internet service provider. In 2020, it announced its plans to go fully fiber. The slow-speed DSL internet connections were discontinued, and all the resources were redirected to the development and expansion of its fiber-rich network. Currently, AT&T is sponsoring the construction of a Corning plant in Gilbert, Arizona, to double the manufacturing capacity of fiber-optic cables. The long-term partnership between AT&T and Corning is said to make fiber-optic broadband more accessible and affordable in the country. At the moment, only 43 percent of the U.S. population has access to fiber internet as its availability remains restricted across the country.
So, if you are getting AT&T Fiber Internet coverage at your address, then consider yourself lucky because its pros will always outweigh its cons. Let’s look at some of them.
AT&T Fiber Internet services are more affordable than most local fiber internet providers in town. The fastest broadband connection comes with exciting perks like discounts, freebies, and award-winning customer service. And while the gigabit speeds of AT&T Fiber Internet are a sure thing at most zip codes within its 21-state footprint, the 5 GIG speeds are limited to the chosen few.
AT&T’s 100 percent fiber-rich network can deliver five varying speeds that are priced differently to ensure that people from all walks of life can enjoy AT&T’s reliable and high-speed broadband service. AT&T Fiber internet plans start at $55 per month, and customers can rest assured that there will be no price hikes after 6 or 12 months.
| Plans | Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 300 | $55/mo. | 300 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 500 | $65/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 | $80/mo. | 1000 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 | $110/mo. | 2000 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber 5000 | $180/mo. | 5000 Mbps |
AT&T ’s base-level fiber internet plan is called the AT&T Internet 300. It is one of the few entry-level plans in the market that offers starting speeds of 300 Mbps instead of the usual 100 Mbps. AT&T’s 300 Mbps fiber internet plan costs $55 per month and includes a $100 Reward Card with free ActiveArmor cybersecurity software.
During our research for the best fiber internet providers in town, we found that many no-contract internet carriers use promotions to trick their new customers into signing a contract. Subscribers get discounts and gifts if they agree to sign annual contracts. Thankfully this is not the case with AT&T Fiber Internet. Being the nation’s most-trusted internet service provider, AT&T values transparency and lays out all its policies in bold letters.
AT&T’s 300 Mbps fiber internet plan has 15 times faster upload speeds as compared to the coaxial cable internet. This is because fiber-optic cable internet is the only existing broadband technology that can deliver the same upload and download speeds. So, AT&T Fiber 300’s download as well as upload speeds max at 300 Mbps.
AT&T’s 300 Mbps Internet plan is best suited for families with multiple Internet users. You can perform online tasks like basic web surfing, light streaming, online gaming, and file uploading on 5 separate devices at once.
AT&T Fiber 500 is the second most popular plan in their Fiber product range. At a monthly price of $65, it delivers 500 Mbps upload and download speeds. All first-time subscribers get a $100 AT&T Reward Card that can be used to purchase other products and services at the AT&T store. Customers who sign-up for the AutoPay and paperless billing method get a $5 discount to reduce the internet fee to $60 per month. Along with the unlimited data, subscribers of the 500 Mbps AT&T internet plan get complete web and device security through the ActiveArmor software pack.
Upload Speeds of AT&T Internet 500 are 20 times faster than cable internet, allowing users to stay connected on 10 devices, simultaneously. We recommend the AT&T Fiber Internet 500 plan for medium-sized families, that frequently stream audio-video content and enjoy social media browsing for more than 3 hours a day.
Ahhh! So, you have made it to the most popular internet plan offered by AT&T Fiber. Gigabit connectivity! The mantra of the tech world. Yes. AT&T delivers gigabit connectivity in its finest form. Almost every access point on the AT&T fiber internet coverage map can be promised ultrafast, 1000 Mbps upload and download speeds. And while most local fiber internet providers are giving the same speeds for a monthly rate of $100 and up, AT&T has kept its price fixed at $80 per month, plus taxes. How awesome is that?!
And guess what? This time, new users get $150 in credits on their AT&T Reward Card. But AT&T does not just stop there. It rolls out the entire red carpet for you. When users switch to AT&T Fiber Internet, mid-contract, AT&T covers their cancellation fee in full. Now, if that is not a testament to how highly valued all AT&T customers are, then we do not know what is.
On the AT&T Internet 1000 plan, users can experience upload speeds 25 times faster than cable internet. The gigabit speeds are perfect for working and studying from home. The symmetrical 1000 Mbps of internet speed allow glitch-free Zoom meetings, online gaming, transferring of audio/video files, and unlimited streaming in HD quality.
AT&T Fiber 2000 plan is offered in cities with more than 50 percent availability of fiber-optic internet network. There are around 112 cities where AT&T can effectively deliver up to 2000 Mbps fiber internet speeds. Some of these cities are as follows:
AT&T Internet 2000 costs $110 per month, and users get a $150 VISA Reward Card with full access to the AT&T ActiveArmor cybersecurity software. With upload speeds nearly 35 times faster than cable internet, AT&T Fiber Internet 2000 is ideal for smart homes and small home-based businesses. Professional gamers can live-stream their gameplay to a global audience, and movie buffs can watch blockbuster films in 4K ultra-HD quality.
AT&T Fiber 5000 plan guarantees multi-gigabit connectivity like never before. In January 2022, AT&T rolled out its 5 GIG internet plan in 70 capital cities. Instantly, millions of Americans saw an upgrade on their fiber plans and could now enjoy symmetrical speeds that were 40 times faster than cable internet. The AT&T 5 gig internet plan is available for $180 per month with a cutting-edge Wi-Fi router gateway for a small fee of $10 per month. AT&T’s 5 GIG fiber internet service includes a $150 Reward Card with 6 months of validity and full access to the ActiveAmor security package.
The 5000 Mbps fiber internet plan was designed to meet the needs of professional gamers, small business owners, and large households as you can simultaneously connect up to 25 devices on the network. AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber internet plan is the ultimate guiding tool for a fast-paced life.
AT&T Fiber Internet is one of the most affordable, fully fiber-optic, internet providers out there. But due to some additional costs associated with the service, some subscribers may prefer to compromise on superfast speeds and stick to their current, budget-friendly internet carrier.
All the new AT&T subscribers can choose between expert installation and self-installation. If you think you have the necessary skills to successfully set up and activate your AT&T Fiber Internet at home or office space, then you can order a self-installation kit when you enroll for the plan. The self-installation kit is delivered to you for free and includes an advanced Wi-Fi gateway along with the necessary cables and plug-ins.
However, if you have a history of messing up technical DIY projects, then it is better to request a professional installation. An AT&T technician is sent to your address within 3 days of enrollment. The professional installation of AT&T Fiber Internet costs $99, and it can take around 4 hours for the service to be activated on your account.
AT&T’s gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds are not compatible with older versions of modems and routers. So, either you can invest around $300 in the purchase of an AT&T-compatible Wi-Fi 6 gateway or lease the equipment from AT&T on a monthly basis. The equipment rental for AT&T Fiber Internet is $10 per month, and upon service cancellation, you must return the equipment. Failure to return the equipment to AT&T will result in a fine of up to $150.
The monthly fees of AT&T Fiber Internet plans are inclusive of taxes imposed by the state and federal governments. The monetary value of these taxes ranges between $5 and $15 per month. In regards to surcharges, all AT&T Fiber Internet customers are charged a late payment fee of $10 per month if they fail to pay their bills before the due date.
AT&T Fiber-optics Internet is available in 21 states of the USA. According to recent reports, the penetration of their Fiber Internet stands at 37 percent, making it the most widely available fiber internet provider in the country. In the second quarter of 2022, AT&T had around 6.4 million active subscribers.
AT&T Fiber-optic internet is accessible in the following 21 states, with a high concentration in the midwest, southeast, and southwest.
| States with AT&T Fiber Coverage | |||
| Alabama | Illinois | Michigan | Ohio |
| Arkansas | Indiana | Mississippi | Oklahoma |
| California | Kansas | Missouri | South Carolina |
| Florida | Kentucky | Nevada | Tennessee |
| Georgia | Louisiana | North Carolina | Texas |
| Wisconsin | |||
We were intrigued as to how AT&T has consistently managed to outperform its competitors by offering fiber internet plans in the same demographic market. To quench our curiosity, we ran multiple comparison tests, the results of which are below:
| ISPs | Availability | Population Covered | Maximum Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 21 states | 39,392,095 | 5000 Mbps |
| EarthLink | 21 states | 33,369,566 | 5000 Mbps |
| Verizon | 9 states | 34,765,005 | 1000 Mbps |
| CenturyLink | 16 states | 12,170,375 | 940 Mbps |
| Xfinity | 40 states | 4,244,569 | 1200 Mbps |
| Google Fiber | 9 states | 3,077,212 | 2000 Mbps |
AT&T offers the fastest fiber internet speeds and covers the largest population.
EarthLink Fiber Internet piggybacks on the AT&T fiber-optic internet network to deliver superfast broadband to its subscribers. Therefore, there are several similarities between the fiber internet service offered by the two providers. However, AT&T Fiber Internet is more popular because of its bundle deals, no-contract service, and customer service excellence.
| Comparison | AT&T Fiber | EarthLink Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $55.00 to $180/mo. | $54.95 to $190/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps | 100 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | 21 states of the USA | 21 states of the USA |
| Population Covered | 39,392,095 | 33,369,566 |
| Contract | Not Required | Required |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Bundle Deals | Available | Not Available |
| Promotional Pricing | Not Available | Not Available |
| Installation Fee | $99 | $80 |
| Equipment Rental | $10/mo. | $15/mo. |
| Customer Service | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 3.7 stars out of 5 |
Xfinity by Comcast is one of the most widely available internet providers in the USA. But Xfinity is mainly a cable internet provider, and its fiber internet service is limited to a few cities across its 40-state footprint. Despite the low price, Xfinity’s fiber internet service cannot compete with AT&T’s fiber internet. Firstly, Xfinity fiber internet customers have to sign an annual contract. Secondly, Xfinity fiber internet speeds top out at 1,200 Mbps, with a data cap of 1.2 TB. Lastly, it lags in delivering the same value to its customers as AT&T Fiber-optic Internet.
| Comparison | AT&T Fiber Internet | Xfinity Fiber Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $55 to $180/mo. | $30 to $80/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps | 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | 21 states of the USA | 40 states of the USA |
| Population Covered | 39,392,095 | 4,244,569 |
| Contract | Not Required | Required |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | 1.2 TB of data |
| Bundle Deals | Available | Available |
| Promotion Pricing | Not Available | Available |
| Installation Fee | $99.00 | $89.99 |
| Equipment Rental | $10/mo. | $14/mo. |
| Customer Service | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 4.6 stars out of 5 |
Verizon Fios is a new contender in the fiber internet arena. It is slowly catching up to other dominant fiber internet providers by rolling out its gigabit, fiber-rich broadband in 9 states of the USA. Verizon Fios’s fiber-optic internet service is quite similar to AT&T Fiber Internet, but because of its limited countrywide availability, it will always rank lower than AT&T Fiber.
| Comparison | AT&T Fiber | Verizon Fios |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $55.00 to $180.00/mo. | $49.99 to $89.99/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps | 300 Mbps to 1000 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | 21 states of the USA | 9 states of the USA |
| Population Covered | 39,392,095 | 34,765,005 |
| Contract | Not Required | Not Required |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Bundle Deals | Available | Available |
| Promotion Pricing | Not Available | Not Available |
| Installation Fee | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Equipment Rental | $10/mo. | Included |
| Customer Service | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 4.5 stars out of 5 |
Tremendous hype was created around the launch of Google Fiber in 2010. Everybody said that this will transform the internet landscape in the USA. Thirteen years on and Google Fiber still remains one of the least subscribed fiber internet services in the country. For starters, Google Fiber is only available in 9 states and offers just 2 plans. Even though its customer service score is a little below AT&T Fiber Internet, the exorbitant $300 installation fee is enough to offend many Americans.
| Comparison | AT&T Fiber | Google Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $55.00 to $180.00/mo. | $70.00 to $100.00/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps to 2000 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | 21 states of the USA | 9 states of the USA |
| Population Covered | 39,392,095 | 3,077,212 |
| Contract | Not Required | Not Required |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Bundle Deals | Available | Available |
| Promotion Pricing | Not Available | Not Available |
| Installation Fee | $99.00 (one-time fee) | $300 (one-time) |
| Equipment Rental | $10.00 per month | Included |
| Customer Service | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 4.6 stars out of 5 |
For decades, CenturyLink internet has been the household name for reliable broadband in the south. Its DSL internet service is available in 36 states of the USA. Unfortunately, the carrier did not have the same success in its fiber internet expansion. CenturyLink’s fiber internet network is limited to 16 states and it only offers a single plan for a flat fee of $70 per month. In contrast, AT&T Fiber Internet offers several options for affordable fiber internet.
| Comparison | AT&T Fiber | CenturyLink Fiber Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $55 to $180/mo. | $70/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps | Up to 940 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | 21 states of the USA | 16 states of the USA |
| Population Covered | 39,392,095 | 12,170,375 |
| Contract | Not Required | Not Required |
| Data Cap | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Bundle Deals | Available | Available |
| Promotion Pricing | Not Available | Not Available |
| Installation Fee | $99 | Included |
| Equipment Rental | $10/mo. | Included |
| Customer Service | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 4.5 stars out of 5 |
AT&T Fiber is continuing to lead the fiber-optic internet revolution in the country. AT&T Fiber Internet plans start at $55 per month and subscribers can enjoy multi-gigabit speeds for next-gen connectivity. AT&T Fiber Internet’s straightforward pricing, no-contract service, and discounted bundle deals make it an undefeated champion in the broadband industry.
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