AT&T is an excellent choice for fiber internet, offering several affordable plans that make it a top option for gaming. While Frontier Internet also delivers fast fiber speeds, its fiber network is much less extensive than AT&T’s. However, Frontier provides DSL internet as an alternative, whereas AT&T offers fixed wireless internet with speeds comparable to DSL.
- Broader coverage.
- Ultra-fast multi-gigabit speeds.
- Data limitations on DSL and fixed wireless plans.
Comparing Plans and Pricing: AT&T vs. Frontier
Overall, AT&T's fiber network covers more of the US compared to Frontier. Both providers offer alternative internet options where fiber is unavailable: AT&T internet plans provide fixed wireless, while Frontier offers DSL. Although AT&T still has DSL service , it does not offer DSL to new customers, which is similar to Verizon.
AT&T Packages and Pricing
AT&T internet plans no longer offers DSL to new customers and now focuses mainly on fiber and fixed wireless services. It only competes directly with Frontier fiber internet in a few regions, so it's rare to find both available. In areas where they do overlap, both providers offer plans with speeds from 500Mbps to 5,000Mbps, though AT&T is the only one to offer a 300Mbps plan.
Nationally, AT&T and Frontier Internet have broader coverage with their fixed wireless and DSL services, respectively. Direct competition between the two is uncommon, but if you have access to both, AT&T is typically the better option. Its fixed wireless service can reach speeds up to 225Mbps, although it comes with a data cap.
Frontier Packages and Pricing
Frontier primarily offers DSL internet with some fiber options. Its fiber plans are generally more affordable than AT&T's, particularly for multi-gig speeds. Similar to AT&T, Frontier does not increase rates, providing excellent value for the price.
However, Frontier fiber internet availability is limited, so you might end up with its more expensive DSL service. While AT&T's fixed wireless isn't particularly cost-effective for the speeds provided, if you're seeking better value, you might want to consider cable internet options in your area instead.
Additional Charges: AT&T vs. Frontier
Among the two providers, AT&T offers a unique implementation of data caps, but these are only applicable to its DSL plans with speeds of 75Mbps or lower and its fixed wireless service. Fiber plans with AT&T do not have data caps.
On the other hand, Frontier's monthly rates incorporate autopay and paperless billing discounts, meaning opting out of both could result in an additional charge of $7.99 per month.
Customer Feedback: AT&T vs. Frontier
In our latest customer satisfaction survey among 15 national internet providers, AT&T internet plans secure the fourth position for overall satisfaction. Its standout performance lies in price satisfaction, reflecting the value offered considering the speed provided. In fact, AT&T surpasses the national average in pricing satisfaction. Additionally, it ranks within the top five for customer service, reliability, and speed satisfaction, establishing itself as a reliable choice for fiber internet.
While Frontier also offers fiber internet, its satisfaction ratings fall significantly below those of AT&T. Frontier typically ranks in the lower half across most categories, except for price satisfaction, where it secures the seventh position, slightly ahead of Spectrum. Notably, Frontier maintains stable prices for at least four years, distinguishing it from other providers with shorter promotional periods.
Comparison of Internet Types: AT&T vs. Frontier
| Provider | Internet type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T |
|
|
| Frontier |
|
DSL internet utilizes telephone cables to deliver internet connectivity to your residence, typically offering speeds of up to 140Mbps or lower, although certain providers like Windstream can achieve speeds slightly over 200Mbps.
Both AT&T and Frontier offer fiber-to-the-home services, albeit with a somewhat limited coverage, typically reaching around 30% of their respective national markets. Notably, AT&T stands out as the sole provider among the two offering fixed wireless service, facilitating internet transmission to homes where a landline connection is not feasible.
Decision Time: AT&T vs. Frontier
AT&T offers and Frontier plans have limited overlap, mainly serving distinct areas. Both offer high-speed fiber connections, reaching up to 5,000Mbps, making them solid choices for fast internet.
Frontier stands out as the more affordable fiber option, especially with its multi-gig plans. However, recent customer feedback places Frontier in the lower half of satisfaction ratings across four out of five categories. In contrast, AT&T excels in every category, suggesting it may offer better long-term value despite potentially higher initial costs.
For excellent service, reliability, and speed, AT&T is the preferred choice. Frontier Internet shines as the go-to provider for DSL internet, while AT&T's fixed wireless fills in the gaps where wired connections are unavailable.