AT&T internet pricing starts at $55 per month for basic speeds, but the actual price you pay depends on your location, the speed tier you choose, and current promotions
AT&T offers internet through two different technologies: fiber (called AT&T Fiber) and DSL (called AT&T Internet). Fiber is faster and more expensive. DSL is slower but available in more places. The monthly cost for fiber ranges from roughly $55 to $85 for residential customers, while DSL typically costs $40 to $60 per month. These are the advertised starting prices, but your bill may be higher or lower depending on what AT&T is promoting in your specific zip code right now.
The price you see advertised online often includes a promotional discount for the first 12 months. After that period ends, the price usually increases. AT&T does not always make this clear upfront, so when you contact them for a quote, ask what the price will be after the promotional period. You should also ask whether there are installation fees, equipment rental charges, or other one-time costs added to your first bill.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T Fiber (the faster option) starts around $55 per month for the lowest speed tier, while AT&T Internet (DSL) starts around $40 per month, but both prices vary by location.
- Advertised prices are usually promotional rates that last 12 months; after that, your monthly bill will increase to the regular price, which AT&T should tell you before you sign up.
- Installation fees, modem rental fees, and taxes are not included in the advertised monthly price and will be added to your bill.
- The only way to know the exact price AT&T will charge you is to enter your address on their website or call them directly, because pricing changes by zip code and by month.
How AT&T's two internet types differ in price
AT&T Fiber uses fiber-optic cables and delivers speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). The entry-level fiber plan is usually $55 per month for 300 Mbps read speed. The mid-tier plan is typically $65 per month for 500 Mbps, and the highest tier is around $85 per month for 1 Gbps. These are the prices AT&T advertises most often, but they explore only during the promotional period.
AT&T Internet (DSL) uses copper telephone lines and delivers much slower speeds — typically 10 to 100 Mbps depending on how far your home is from the telephone pole. The entry-level DSL plan is usually $40 per month for 10 Mbps, and the fastest DSL option is around $60 per month for 100 Mbps. DSL is cheaper because the infrastructure already exists in most neighborhoods, so AT&T does not have to install new cables. However, if your home is far from the telephone exchange, you may not be able to get DSL at all, or the speed may be too slow for video streaming or working from home.
What happens to your price after the first year
The promotional price AT&T advertises is valid for 12 months from the date your service starts. After 12 months, your monthly bill increases to the regular (non-promotional) price. AT&T does not automatically lower your rate again, and the company does not always send a notice before the increase takes effect. Your bill may jump by $10 to $25 per month depending on which plan you have.
Before you sign up, ask AT&T what the regular price will be after the promotional period ends. Write it down or take a screenshot. When your 12 months are almost up, contact AT&T and ask whether they have a new promotional offer for existing customers. Many people are able to negotiate a lower rate or switch to a different plan to reduce their bill. If AT&T will not lower the price, you can cancel and switch to another provider — this is often the fastest way to get a better rate.
Fees and charges added to your monthly bill
The advertised monthly price does not include installation, equipment, taxes, or other fees. AT&T typically charges a one-time installation fee of $99 if a technician needs to visit your home to set up the service. If you already have AT&T telephone service or if the line is already active, installation may be free or reduced. Ask about this when you contact AT&T.
AT&T charges a monthly equipment rental fee of $10 to $15 for the modem and router they provide. You can avoid this fee by purchasing your own compatible modem and router instead, which costs $100 to $200 upfront but saves you money over time. AT&T will also add state and local taxes to your bill, which vary by location but typically add 10 to 15 percent to your total cost.
How to find the exact price for your address
AT&T's pricing varies by zip code because not all areas have fiber service, and the cost to deliver service differs depending on the distance from AT&T's equipment. The only way to know what AT&T will charge you is to enter your street address on their website or call 1-800-288-2020 and speak to a representative.
When you check your address online, AT&T will show you which plans are available in your area and the promotional price for each one. The website should also display the regular price after the promotional period, though you may need to click a link or ask a representative to see it. Write down the address, plan name, promotional price, regular price, installation fee, and equipment rental fee. This information helps you compare AT&T to other providers in your area.
Bundling internet with phone or TV service
AT&T offers discounts if you bundle internet with AT&T telephone service or AT&T TV (now called AT&T TV Now). A bundle typically costs $10 to $20 less per month than buying each service separately. However, bundles lock you into a contract for 12 or 24 months, and canceling early usually results in an early termination fee of $150 to $300. If you think you might move or switch providers within two years, the savings may not be worth the penalty.
Before choosing a bundle, calculate the total cost of each service separately and compare it to the bundle price. Also ask AT&T whether the bundle discount applies during the promotional period only or for the full contract length. Some bundles offer a discount only on the internet portion, while the phone or TV price stays the same.
Comparing AT&T to other providers in your area
AT&T's price is competitive in areas where fiber is available, but in areas served by DSL only, AT&T is often more expensive than cable providers like Comcast or Charter. If your address supports both AT&T Fiber and cable internet, compare the speeds, prices, and contract terms side by side. Fiber typically offers faster speeds and no data caps, while cable is often cheaper for lower speeds but may have data limits.
Use a broadband comparison tool or contact each provider directly with your address to get accurate quotes. Ask each provider the same questions: What is the promotional price and how long does it last? What is the regular price after the promotion? What are the installation and equipment fees? Is there a contract, and what is the early termination fee? Writing down the answers makes it easier to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AT&T charge extra for unlimited data?
AT&T Fiber does not have data caps, so you can use as much data as you want at no extra charge. AT&T Internet (DSL) also has no data caps. However, some AT&T TV bundles may include data limits, so ask about this when you inquire about a bundle.
Can I get a lower price if I call AT&T directly instead of ordering online?
The promotional price is usually the same whether you order online or by phone. However, calling a representative gives you a chance to ask about additional discounts, negotiate the regular price after the promotion, or ask about waiving the installation fee. It does not hurt to ask.
What happens if I move to a different address?
If you move, you will need to cancel your current AT&T service and sign up for service at your new address. You may be charged an early termination fee if you are still under contract. The price at your new address may be different from your current price, even if you are moving within the same city.
Is the advertised price the same for everyone in my zip code?
Pricing can vary even within the same zip code depending on which AT&T network serves your specific address and what promotions are currently running. Two homes on the same street might see different prices. Always enter your exact street address to get an accurate quote.
Can I negotiate the price after I sign up?
Yes. When your promotional period is about to end, contact AT&T and ask whether they have a new offer for existing customers. Many people successfully negotiate a lower rate or switch to a different plan. If AT&T will not negotiate, you can cancel and switch to another provider.