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AT&T offers internet plans with speeds ranging up to 5,000 Mbps, depending on your location and selected plan. Compared to other internet providers, AT&T is on the more expensive side, with plans starting at $55 per month. However, with AT&T, you get one of the largest networks in the industry, along with great sign-up perks and bundle options. With these key points in mind, we'll discuss the AT&T fiber and fixed wireless internet plans that we believe offer the best value and features for older adults.
AT&T is a familiar telecommunications company in American households, as its roots go back to Alexander Graham Bell's telephone, which was developed in 1876. Since then, they have followed every major evolution of communication technology development and grown into an established company, providing high-speed internet and communication networks in 21 states — with the most extensive coverage in California, Texas, and Florida. They pride themselves on being the largest communications company in the world based on revenue by providing service to over 100 million customers in the United States alone, while also offering services in Latin America. Notably, AT&T provides internet services and connectivity to almost all of the Fortune 1000 companies.1
All of AT&T's Internet plans start at $49.99 per month for the first 12 months plus taxes, fees, and an equipment fee of $10 per month. The difference in each plan is how fast the internet connection is. Your geographic location will determine the availability of internet speed.
Plan | Download Speed | Starting Price | Connection Type | Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Fiber Plans | 300 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps | $55.00 per month | Fiber | Latest and fastest technology, multiple devices can connect, unlimited data use, no contract, not available in many areas |
AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet | 25 Mbps (average) | $69.99 per month | Fixed Wireless | Similar speeds to cable, 350 data cap, no contract, some speeds are only available in certain locations |
Below, we'll take a look at some of our top AT&T internet plan picks for seniors.
AT&T's Internet 300 plan runs on a fast and reliable fiber connection, offering plenty of speed for the average user. The biggest drawback is that AT&T's fiber plans have fairly limited availability compared to the provider's other plans.2 Starting at $55 per month, plus taxes and fees (including $99 for professional installation), it offers solid bang for your buck.
The Internet 300 plan is a good option for older adults who use the internet multiple times a day for a variety of tasks, such as emails, downloading videos and movies, streaming music and television, and making video calls. This plan is superb for older adults who host friends and family often, as several users can be online at once without any issue. With this service, you'll also get unlimited data, so you won't have to worry about overage fees.
Special Offer: Right now, AT&T is offering a $150 AT&T Visa Reward Card if you order an internet plan with a download speed of 300 Mbps or more. This deal is also available to existing wireless customers and offers a $300 reward card.
For comparison, other companies we’ve reviewed, like Xfinity have the same download speed of up to 300 Mbps at a similar price, but in cable form, which is less reliable than fiber. Compared to other fiber internet providers, such as Verizon, with plans starting at $39.99 per month for up to 300 Mbps, AT&T is a bit pricer.
If you live in a location where fiber is not available but you still want an AT&T plan, their fixed wireless internet plans may be another good option. These plans offer an average download speed of 25 Mbps. This is perfect for older adults who want to connect with their family on social networks, download music, or stream movies and television on one or two devices. Again, the speeds available will vary depending on your geographic location, and prices start at $69.99 per month. In terms of value, AT&T's fixed wireless plans are on the pricey side. However, they're still a solid option if AT&T is the main provider in your area.
Savings Tip: AT&T offers a $10 discount on their fixed wireless plans when you bundle with a qualifying postpaid AT&T wireless plan.
AT&T does not currently provide senior-specific discounts or plans for internet service. However, they do have a couple of programs that can provide savings for eligible seniors.
AT&T Access is an internet plan that provides low-cost internet services to low-income households. If you are eligible for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, you are eligible for AT&T Access!3 This includes all of the perks from AT&T, such as free installation and in-home Wi-Fi, no contract, and no deposit. This plan costs $30 per month or less, depending on the speeds available where you live. Download speeds can reach up to 100 Mbps in some areas. Eligibility requirements include participating in one of the following programs:
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a discount of up to $9.25 toward the monthly internet bill for low-income households. Eligibility requirements for AT&T lifeline include:
AT&T provides several perks for their customers, including antivirus software, an AT&T Internet Security Suite powered by McAfee, and Wi-Fi hotspot access in more than 30,000 locations nationwide, so you remain connected when you travel.
Depending on your plan, you may also have access to the AT&T THANKS appreciation program, which provides special offers on AT&T products and discounts on dining, events, and more. For example, part of AT&T THANKS is AT&T Friday Access, an opportunity to win a sizable gift card every Friday, no purchase necessary! Another great way to get the most out of your AT&T plan is to bundle it with TV. We'll get into the details below.
Many older adults use the television for news, information, and entertainment in addition to the internet. If you bundle your TV and internet services with AT&T, you can save on your monthly bill when compared to paying for them separately.
FYI: Are you new to the world of internet plans and providers? Head to our guide to internet for seniors. We cover ways to get the best deals, the top providers, tips for staying safe online, and more!
DIRECTV offers satellite and streaming TV packages with up to 330 channels, depending on the package you choose. These packages can be bundled with AT&T's fiber internet plans, starting at $124.99 per month. You'll also have access to over 40,000 on-demand shows and movies, and you can record your favorite shows to watch later with cloud storage. Whether you're having a movie night with friends or watching a show with the kiddos, adding a DIRECTV STREAM or satellite package to your internet plan really ups the entertainment options available to you.
Quick Tip: Visit our guide to the best internet providers for seniors to compare AT&T to other top providers.
Many of these bundles also come with three months of free access to premium movie channels like SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX. One thing to keep in mind is that bundles require a two-year agreement for DIRECTV. If you're okay with committing long term, the perks are worth it in our book. To learn more about DIRECTV's packages, visit our DIRECTV review.
If you're just looking for a simple internet plan to do basic activities, such as emailing and light web surfing, you may benefit from comparing plans with lower speeds; there's no need to pay for more speed or features than you need. Below is a convenient comparison of basic internet plans from AT&T and other leading providers:
Provider | Price | Speed | Contract Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T Fixed Wireless | $69.99 per month | 25 Mbps (average) | No contract required |
Xfinity Performance Starter+ | $25.00 per month for the first 12 months | Up to 25 Mbps | 1 year |
Cox Internet Starter 25 | $29.99 per month for first 12 months | Up to 25 Mbps | 1 year |
Suddenlink | $35.00 per month for the first 12 months | Up to 50 Mbps | No contract required |
AT&T's internet plans start at $55 per month plus taxes, and available speeds and prices will vary by location. AT&T's fiber internet plans provide value to heavy internet users or older adults who often entertain friends and family. Once you get into AT&T's fixed wireless plans, the value of their plans begins to decrease, as plans from other providers offer the same speeds at lower prices. However, the value of AT&T's fiber plans and the lack of long-term contracts shouldn't be overlooked. Older adults who love to watch TV and movies will find the best value by bundling their services with one of AT&T’s internet and DIRECTV bundles. Although AT&T internet is offered in only 21 states, they are continuing to invest and build their infrastructure to bring their service to more people.
You can find what speeds AT&T offers in your area by going to their website and entering your address.
Yes. You can order a free self-installation kit when you order your AT&T internet service.
AT&T’s fiber internet plans offer unlimited data, while their fixed wireless plans include 350 GB of data per month.
AT&T’s internet plans start at $55 per month plus taxes, fees, and installation.
AT&T has several options to pay your bill. You can pay online and even set up automatic payments through their website. You can also pay your bill by phone, mail, or in person.
AT&T. (2022). Investor Profile.
AT&T. (2022). Coverage Map.
AT&T. (2022). What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?.