Spectrum vs. AT&T – Which Way to Go?
Choosing the right internet service provider for your home is monumental. An internet connection has become way more than a luxury. It facilitates almost every aspect of a person’s life, be it travel, work, education, entertainment, or anything else.
However, choosing the right internet service provider is not an easy feat. There are loads of internet service providers in the country that claim to offer sensational internet services at reasonable rates.
While there may be several internet service providers that can be considered, we are here today to talk about two of the big ones, Spectrum and AT&T. Both of these internet service providers cover a large area across the United States, and constantly battle each other to become number one.
Fortunately, we are here to clear the confusion, as we discuss almost every aspect of their services. Thus, enabling consumers to make an informed decision for themselves. So, let’s get started:
Types of Internet Offered
First, let us talk about the types of internet services that each provider offers to the users. If we consider Spectrum internet, it offers a hybrid fiber-coaxial network for the users. Meaning the connectivity provided to the users is with the help of a network that consists of both coaxial cables and fiber-optic cables. As a result, the users can enjoy fiber-like internet speeds in the connection.
In contrast, AT&T internet plans include several internet technologies namely, fiber-optic, wireless, broadband, and a few others. Each internet technology offered by AT&T enables users to enjoy different levels of internet speeds. And all of them perform differently depending upon the regions they are being used in.
Spectrum Internet Plans
Spectrum offers several internet plans that consumers can benefit from. Depending upon the region you are in, you may opt for the plans discussed below:
Spectrum Internet®
The most basic standalone internet plan that you can subscribe to here is this one. Even this plan will allow you to access download speeds as high as up to 200 Mbps. The upload speed offered here goes as high as up to 10 Mbps. The minimum starting price you would have to pay here currently is $49.99 per month. After the introductory period is over, you will be subject to a price change.
Spectrum Internet® Ultra
This next standalone internet plan by Spectrum will provide access to download speeds as high as up to 400 Mbps. And the upload speed is capped at a maximum of 20 Mbps. We would not be lying if we say that this connection can easily support simultaneous connections, non-stop binge-watching, online gaming, and more. For this, you will have to a pay minimum starting price of $69.99 per month.
Spectrum Internet® Gig
The strongest standalone internet plan by Spectrum will allow you to access download speeds as high as up to 1000 Mbps. This mind-boggling download speed is further backed up by an upload speed of 35 Mbps. No matter how many games you might want to play or how many seasons you might want to watch, the internet speed will not fail you here. This plan currently costs a minimum of $109.99 per month at the start.
AT&T Internet Plans
Next, let us tell you about the standalone internet plans offered by AT&T. Here they are below:
High-Speed Internet
The high-speed broadband internet offered by AT&T is offered at a starting minimum price of $45 per month. Based on the region you are in, you may access download speeds that go as high as up to 100 Mbps. This download speed is further backed up by an upload speed that goes as high as up to 20 Mbps. Here, you may enjoy an ample monthly data allowance of 1 TB or even enjoy virtually unlimited data if you are willing to pay for it.
Fiber-Optic Internet 300
The fiber-optic internet 300 plan will enable you to access download speeds as high as up to 300 Mbps. And since this is a fiber internet service, you may access the same upload speed of 300 Mbps on your network. And here, you may access unlimited monthly data allowance. The price for this plan starts at a minimum of $35 per month.
Fiber-Optic Internet 500
Next, we have the fiber-optic internet 500 plan. As the name suggests, this plan will provide you with symmetric download and upload speeds up to 500 Mbps. And again, this plan comes with an unlimited monthly data allowance, so that you may enjoy unlimited binge-watching, high-performance gaming, and much more. This plan, though, will cost a minimum of $45 per month at the start.
Fiber-Optic Internet 1 Gig
The most powerful plan offered by AT&T is the 1 Gig fiber-optic plan. And this plan will enable you to enjoy download speeds up to 1 Gbps, along with the same amount of upload speed. This plan would be much better suited for people living in smart homes or those depending on the internet to make a living, such as professional online gamers.
Bundling Options
Both of these internet service providers offer several bundling options. Both have amazing Double Play and Triple Play plans that users might subscribe to, based on their needs. By bundling your services, you would be able to save crucial dollars each month as the service offered here come at relatively cheaper rates as compared to those in standalone packages.
Price Comparison
Both, AT&T and Spectrum internet, offer a variety of plans that cater to the different internet needs in the country. If you are a family of hardcore internet users then AT&T fiber might be more reasonable for you. However, if AT&T fiber is not available in your region, then you might want to turn to the service offered by Spectrum.
Which is Faster?
Both internet service providers offer phenomenal internet speeds to the users. While Spectrum may offer Gigabit speeds on the network, you have to remember that it is not a fiber-optic connection and you will have to compromise on the upload speed. AT&T, on the other hand, offers both broadband and fiber-optic connection, and the fiber-optic connections will not only provide you with blazing-fast download speeds but the same upload speeds as well.
Data Caps
Spectrum keeps subscribers free from data caps in all the plans offered. No matter what plan the user may have subscribed to, they can still enjoy limitless downloads and streams without the fear of consuming the data completely.
AT&T, though, offers a data cap in some of the plans offered, but they are still more than sufficient. Even the basic broadband internet connection comes with 1 TB monthly data which is amazing. And if you opt for fiber-optic internet plans, then you may enjoy unlimited data throughout.
Value-Adding Features
Both, AT&T and Spectrum offer several value-adding features to their subscribers. If we consider only the prominent ones, both service providers offer freedom from contracts, in-home Wi-Fi, a money-back guarantee, and countless other benefits to all of their customers. And since the security of the customers is important for both service providers, both of them offer dependable security tools that make online browsing safe and secure.
The Final Verdict
Choosing the right internet service provider for your home depends upon the number of people and the type of usage in your home. Now that we have discussed different aspects of the internet offered by both providers, you can hopefully make an informed decision.
