AT&T Review: Everything You Need to Know Before Switching in 2024

Exploring AT&T Internet

Thinking about hopping on the AT&T train in 2024? We’ve got all the juicy details on their internet goodies, especially AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet Air. We’ll also spill the beans on some sweet deals for folks already in their wireless circle.

AT&T Fiber vs. Internet Air

AT&T doles out some standout internet choices: AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet Air. Let’s break ’em down to find your perfect match.

AT&T Fiber

AT&T Fiber brings the thunder with its high-speed internet and killer performance.

This service comes with AT&T Internet Security with ActiveArmor, a digital buddy protecting you from weak passwords and pesky intruders—all for free. For speed demons and those needing rock-solid connections, AT&T Fiber is the way to go.

AT&T Internet Air

AT&T Internet Air is the new kid on the block, using a mix of airwave and land technology. It’s a flexible choice for spots where fiber can’t reach.

Although not as lightning-fast as Fiber, Internet Air serves places missing fiber hookups pretty darn well.

For a deeper dive into how AT&T stacks up against others, check out our AT&T vs. Competitors Coverage.

AT&T Internet Deals for Existing Customers

Already riding the AT&T wireless wave? Good news! Existing AT&T Wireless peeps can cut their monthly internet bill by 20% when they tack on AT&T Fiber or Internet Air (AT&T Deals). Bundling up could be your ticket to some serious cash stashing. Here’s how it looks:

AT&T’s serving up to 11 internet plans at sweet prices, with bundling bonuses up for grabs too (CNN Underscored).

For all the nitty-gritty on plans and savings, swing by our guide on AT&T Deals and Discounts.

Now you should have the lowdown on getting the most bang for your buck with AT&T. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best straighteners for curly hair. Happy internet shopping!

Assessing AT&T Internet Performance

Figuring out if AT&T Internet fits your needs? We’re here to help you suss out download and upload speeds, latency, and how steady the service is, plus how it stacks up for videos.

Download and Upload Speeds

AT&T Internet’s no slouch when it comes to internet speeds in the US. In the last bits of 2023, it zipped through with an average download speed of 244.88 Mbps. That’s some solid speed good enough for streaming, gaming, or anything else that eats up data. They’re not playing around with uploads, either—they clocked the fastest upload rate at 195.64 Mbps.

Latency and Consistency

Latency’s all about how quickly data starts moving after you hit that button. AT&T Internet had a median latency of 22 ms late last year, trailing just a bit behind Verizon and Frontier. This may occasionally bug gamers or those into real-time chats, but it’s still in the ballpark.

When it comes to regular performance, they landed sixth among the major broadband names in late 2023.

Video Score and Reliability

AT&T grabbed an 85.05 in video quality, below Verizon and Frontier, who edged them out a bit. The video score’s all about how smoothly you can stream without that cursed buffering wheel.

Bottom line, AT&T Internet packs some punch with its download and upload speeds and is a steady choice for anyone who values getting those uploads done quick. Check more of AT&T’s quirks and perks over at our AT&T pros and cons page.

If you’re all about shopping around, our piece on best cell phone service provider could give you more to chew on. You might also wanna look at what we’ve got on Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile.

AT&T Phone Upgrade Options

Thinking about switching up your phone with AT&T in 2024? You’ve got options, and we’re here to keep it simple. Let’s break down the choices and help you pick what’s best without the jargon.

Phone Upgrade Deals Overview

AT&T’s phone upgrade deals give everyone a fair shake—whether you’re fresh to the network or a long-time customer. It’s like getting the same birthday cake as your new neighbor, without feeling left out.

Popular Upgrade Offers:

• Samsung Galaxy S24
• iPhone 15
• Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6
• Google Pixel 9

Drop your old phone like it’s hot (or not) with trade-ins, and grab some nice discounts and monthly bill credits. If you’re on a loan-type deal like AT&T Next® or AT&T Next Every YearSM, you’ve got three ways to make your move:

1. Upgrade Eligibility: Pay part of your phone’s price and you’re good to go.
2. Single Payment: Throw down a one-off payment to bolt to the finish line.
3. Pay Off the Balance: Just pay it all off if that’s how you roll, and keep it.

Want to hop into a new phone early? The AT&T Next Up AnytimeSM is your ticket. Pay half your device cost, turn it in, and boom—time for an upgrade.

Monthly Bill Credits

Let’s talk discounts. These monthly bill credits chip away at what you’d have to pay for your phone. It’s like having a little buddy helping cover your tab, though those pesky taxes won’t disappear.

Checking Upgrade Eligibility

Curious if you’re up for an upgrade? The myAT&T platform or app makes it like peeking through a window and seeing exactly what’s yours.

To check your upgrade status or see what you owe:

1. Sign In: Pop into myAT&T or tap the app.
2. Check Options: Eyeball your upgrade status and choices for each line.
3. Upgrade: Ready? Hit that upgrade button if you can.

It’s easy-peasy, keeping everything smooth so you snag the newest toys—or phones, rather—on the block. For extra scoop on cell phone services or plans, peek at our guides on best cell phone service.

Thinking about where AT&T stacks up? Reviews like verizon wireless review 2024 and t-mobile review 2024 give the lowdown, so dive into those for extra insights!

Understanding AT&T Plans

Choosing the right AT&T plan can be a bit like picking the perfect ice cream flavor with too many options. We’ll take a closer look at what AT&T’s unlimited plans offer and chat about prepaid versus postpaid plans.

Unlimited Plans Benefits

AT&T dishes out three main unlimited plans, each crafted like a coffee blend, meant to suit varied tastes. These plans toss out some pretty sweet perks for those of us who live on a diet of data:

These plans are your backstage passes, offering options from just enough to eat at the data buffet to living large with fancy streaming and hotspots galore.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans

Prepaid Plans

AT&T’s prepaid crew is all about freedom—no ties, just you and your phone. Pay up front, then kick back. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their wallet.

Benefits of Going Prepaid:

• No nosey credit checks
• No binding agreements
• Cheaper out the gate
• Hop from plan to plan like a professional frog, with no penalties
• Keep expenses in check

Postpaid Plans

Postpaid plans got a fancy ring to ’em with a monthly bill that knows when to drop by. They pack a few extra treats, like more data and often a helping hand from customer service. But a credit check is part of the deal, and sometimes you get hitched to a contract.

Perks of Postpaid Life:

• Score deals on the shiny stuff
• More data, almost unlimited
• Extras like network VIP access, security boosts
• Regular billing routine

Thinking about jumping into the AT&T pool? Get the whole scoop on these AT&T plans. Don’t forget to peek at the hidden fees and coverage map 2024 to really size things up.

Uncovering AT&T Hidden Fees

When pondering if AT&T is worth the investment, it’s wise to keep an eye out for sneaky fees that could pad your monthly statement more than your favorite pair of socks. Knowing about these fees lets you make a choice that won’t shock you once that bill lands. We’re pulling back the curtain on two wallet-nibblers: the State Cost Recovery Charge and those pesky Equipment Rental Fees.

State Cost Recovery Charge

AT&T asks some of you folks in places like good ol’ Nevada, Ohio, and Texas to fork over a State Cost Recovery Charge. This monthly ding is their way of recouping what they shell out in taxes and other obligations. So, whether you’re in Las Vegas, Cleveland, or Dallas, this fee has your address in its GPS.

Sure, it looks tiny, but let’s be honest, those small numbers can stack up. Think of it as a stealth fee that you don’t want flying under the radar when assessing those AT&T plans.

Equipment Rental Fees

Say hello to the Equipment Rental Fees—those fees that keep buzzing in your pocket even if your devices aren’t. AT&T, like its other tech pals, charges a monthly pinch for anyone using their brand-spankin’ new modems, routers, or gateways. Usually, you’re looking at a $5 to $15 monthly tag. Want to dodge this? Some folks just bring their own gear to the party.

Unlike that one friend who won’t let you pay for your own lunch, AT&T lets you sidestep these fees with your own tech toys—if they play nice, that is. The game gets trickier with things that talk tech compatibility and such. Of late, competitors like T-Mobile Home Internet have nudged AT&T and companies like Verizon Fios to bundle equipment costs into one simple flat fee.

Sneaky fees have a way of blowing up bills faster than you can blow up balloons at a birthday party. Knowing what’s creeping into your charges gives you a clear view of what you’re really getting yourself into. For more on making sense of AT&T’s offerings, check out our sections on AT&T phone upgrade deals and other aggravations masquerading as hidden fees.

AT&T and Customer Satisfaction

AARP and Veterans Discounts

AT&T dishes out some cool discounts for certain groups, making it pretty budget-friendly for lots of folks. If you’re in AARP, you get a sweet 10% off on your phone bill. So, seniors can keep their tech game strong without emptying their wallets (The Senior List). For our veteran pals, there’s a hefty 25% off on unlimited plans, which is a solid deal for those who’ve served. Plus, if you’re into AutoPay and going paperless, there’s another $20 off waiting for you, so it’s even less on the pocket.

But wait, there’s more! AT&T’s Signature Program throws in discounts for:

• Students
• Employees
• Military folks
• Teachers
• Healthcare workers

These savings chop down the bill and bring extra perks for those who qualify.

Customer Service and Satisfaction Rankings

When picking a mobile provider, how they treat us and our happiness with the service is the real deal. AT&T’s been leveling up their customer service game lately. From various customer satisfaction checks, here’s how they stack up:

AT&T lets you mix and match unlimited plans when you have two or more lines on one account. So, you can pick what fits you best without ditchin’ the family plan deal.

Check out Verizon’s review for 2024 and the T-Mobile 2024 scoop for a side-by-side on customer happiness.

For more personal takes, swing by our customer reviews section and see what others are saying.

Coverage and Network Maps

Choosing a phone carrier is a bit like picking out a new pair of jeans—it’s all about the fit. When deciding if AT&T’s up your alley, how well it connects you to the world is a biggie.

AT&T vs. The Other Guys

Think of AT&T like the Goldilocks between Verizon and T-Mobile. Verizon’s the king of 4G LTE, while T-Mobile proudly waves its gigantic 5G flag. AT&T, on the other hand, gives you a solid mix of both, without pushing one too hard over the other.

Now, let’s talk maps. Those fancy coverage maps you see in ads? Sometimes they’re more Picasso than Polaroid. Senator Chuck Schumer even asked the FCC to peek behind the curtain on whether those maps are as true as they claim to be.

Sometimes, what really throws a wrench in your signal strength is local stuff, like whether the town is cool with more cell towers. Places like Hudson Valley, NY, have zoning rules that keep these new towers at bay, no matter how much the carriers want to beef up their networks.

FCC’s “Broadband Nutrition Labels”

Ever been tricked by a label on a food package? Well, the FCC aims to stop that happening with your network choice by rolling out these “Broadband Nutrition Labels.” They dish out the nitty-gritty on coverage, helping folks know exactly what they’re signing up for. You get the scoop on everything from speed to those sneaky data caps and hidden fees.

Curious about getting the most from your wireless plan? Peek at our insights on AT&T Phone Upgrade Options and unmasking AT&T Hidden Fees.

When you stack coverage maps from different carriers side by side, don’t forget those labels. They act like a referee making sure everything’s fair. Look for these labels when choosing whether you’re going prepaid or postpaid.

Picking the right network has the power to make your digital life a dream or a nightmare. Dive into the coverage maps, decode the FCC’s labels, and see if AT&T ticks all the boxes for you. To scope out the competition, check out our reviews on other big names: Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and Sprint Mobile.

AT&T Security Breach and Data

If you’re thinking about jumping ship to AT&T in 2024, staying in the loop about security hiccups and safeguards is key. We’re breaking down the nitty-gritty of two main topics: the security breach that rocked AT&T customers back in July 2024, and what AT&T’s doing to keep your data on lock.

July 2024 Security Incident

Flashback to July 2024, when AT&T ran into a sticky situation—a security breach that left its cellular users’ privacy out in the open. The kerfuffle, stretching over five long months in 2022, resulted in unauthorized downloading of call and text logs to some sneaky third-party site (U.S. News). The good news? The breach didn’t spill the beans on the actual talk or text content. Still, it logged those numbers you were in touch with.

For anyone shopping around, like comparing AT&T to big dogs like Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile, knowing what’s under the hood security-wise is a smart move.

AT&T Internet Security Features

Even with the past slip-up, AT&T is strutting some impressive internet security features to cover its back—and yours. Top of the list is AT&T’s ActiveArmor, dishing out solid protection for AT&T FIBER folks. It packs in several tools crafted to keep your data safe and sound while you roam the web (AT&T Newsroom).

Check Out What AT&T’s ActiveArmor Offers:

• Weak Password Sniffer: Spot those crummy passwords and give you a head’s up to boost security.
• Personal Info Protection: Shields your critical info from sneaky data thieves.
• Intrusion Stoppage: Keeps uninvited guests from barging into your network.
• Safe Surfing: Stops you from wandering into sketchy corners of the internet.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the features:

These goodies make AT&T’s plans a heavyweight contender when you’re sussing out the best cell phone plans for 2024. Stack these up against what other players, like T-Mobile, bring to the table to figure out if AT&T’s your best bet.

Getting a handle on how AT&T deals with security mishaps and how it protects your data helps you choose wisely.