AT&T is one of the biggest ISPs (internet service providers), offering DSL (digital subscriber line) and fiber internet in 36 states:

• The West (Arizona, California, Idaho,  Nevada, Utah)
• The Midwest (Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Wyoming)
• The South (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia)
• The Northeast (New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio,
• Alaska

Coverage in each state varies considerably between states. For example, AT&T cover 81.7% of Illinois but less than 1% of New Mexico. AT&T’s website has local coverage details.

There are noticeable gaps in national coverage, too. Although AT&T provide services in many midwestern states, their services are only accessible to a tiny fraction of the population, mostly in big cities.

Businesses located in western states like California or the southeast are more likely to have access to AT&T.

Check out our roundup of the Best Business Internet Service Providers

AT&T: Best for gigabit internet with clear pricing

AT&T’s unique strength among ISPs is offering lightning fast gigabit internet (meaning upload and download speeds of up to 1,000 mbps, or 1 gbps) with consistent nationwide prices.

Unlike some of their competitors, prices for gigabit internet are clearly listed online with no requirement to enter a ZIP code to check prices that vary from place-to-place.

There are reasons some ISPs charge higher rates in some areas; installing new fiber-optic cables in some remote areas can be expensive.

However, AT&T has chosen to spread the cost rather than just charging more in those locations.

This transparency and consistent pricing makes it easier for small businesses with locations across the country to plan financially.

It’s also reassuring for customers to know that AT&T isn’t charging higher rates in their area, while just across the state line – or even in the next town over – their prices are lower.

This combination of extremely fast gigabit internet with consistent and transparent pricing nation-wide is great for businesses with:

High bandwidth requirements and locations in multiple states

• Businesses using demanding online calling such as VoIP or video conferencing to communicate between local offices (like New York and San Francisco).
• Sales firms like recruitment agencies using video or voice chat to evaluate potential candidates or connect with clients remotely.
• Media production companies transferring large files like video regularly between locations (for example, sending raw footage from filming locations to editors).

SaaS or cloud-based software products and services

• Tech companies offering CRM (customer relationship management) systems
• Third-party human resources (HR) outsourcing specialists
• Digital accounting or tax support software companies

Each of these types of business benefits from high-speed fiber internet with consistent national pricing.

Not having to juggle different internet plans for each location makes financial planning simple, while all locations benefit from the efficiency that comes with gigabit internet in areas like:

• Reduced upload and download times
• Uninterrupted and higher-quality video conferencing
• Almost instant page loading when browsing the internet

Is AT&T internet expensive?

AT&T offers affordable connections with their plans offering internet speeds of 50 mbps or slower.

However, AT&T’s faster plans are much more expensive than average, even for such high speeds.

AT&T business DSL plans

DSL (direct subscriber line) internet is usually cheaper than fiber. It’s delivered through existing phone lines, meaning installation is often quicker, too.

However, DSL internet is more likely to slow down at busy times and is generally not as fast as fiber.

Unlike fiber, DSL upload speeds are usually significantly slower for uploads than downloads.

Businesses should always carefully consider their needs before deciding between a DSL or fiber connection.

• Internet 25 – $60/mo – 25 mbps download speed
• Internet 50 – $85/mo – 60 mbps download speed
• Internet 100 – $115/mo – 100 mbps download speed
• Internet 500 – $250/mo – 500 mbps download speed

Cost-conscious businesses that can manage with standard internet speeds should consider the Internet 25 plan.

It’s important to note that the speeds listed with AT&T’s plans aren’t guarantees; speeds can vary. For example, the Internet 50 plan provides speeds of up to 50 mbps.

Those with higher internet use across multiple devices might try a faster DSL plan, or one of the fiber internet options:

AT&T fiber internet plans

Fiber internet is newer and most areas don’t yet have the physical fiber-optic cables needed for it. However, businesses located in one of the urban, metropolitan areas that do will likely still have to pay extra to get their building fitted for fiber, which doesn’t use traditional phone lines.

All AT&T’s fiber plans come with the option of a symmetric connection, meaning upload speeds as fast as downloads.

• Business Fiber 25 – $60/mo – 25 mbps download speed
• Business Fiber 50 – $85/mo – 50 mbps download speed
• Business Fiber 100 – $140/mo – 100 mbps download speed
• Business Fiber 500 – $300/mo – 500 mbps download speed
• Business Fiber 1,000 – $500/mo – 1,000 mbps download speed (gigabit internet)

How good is AT&T’s customer service?

AT&T’s customer service is available by phone:

• Mon-Fri: 9.00am – 8.00pm (Eastern)
• Sat: 10.00am – 6.00pm (Eastern)

Customer support isn’t available on Sundays or during major holidays.

AT&T has enjoyed a good reputation for quality customer service, although its customer satisfaction ratings have declined over the last couple of years.

AT&T customer service representatives are polite and knowledgeable enough to resolve most common problems. Specialist technical help is also available if needed.

Pros of using AT&T

• Transparent pricing visible to anyone
• Prices the same across the US
• Some of the fastest internet speeds available
• Coverage in majority of states
• Free self-installation

Cons of using AT&T

• Patchy coverage in midwest and the northeastern US
• Faster plans more expensive than other ISPs