Are you interested in switching unlimited wireless internet providers? However, you don’t know if to go with EarthLink or AT&T? Both have a wide range of internet plans and plenty of data usage to meet the needs of any lifestyle. But, there are some significant differences between them, including speed and charges for the internet, which can decide the outcome. Learn more about the most suitable provider for your requirements.
Overview
Provider | Internet Type | Download Speeds Up To* | Contracts | Extra Fees |
EarthLink | DSL & Fiber | 1000 Mbps | None | Equipment rental, ETF, Installation fee |
AT&T | DSL & Fiber | 1000 Mbps | 1-year & 2-year | Equipment rental, ETF, Installation fee, data overages |
Comparing Internet Fees
No two internet service providers are alike in terms of plans and fees for the internet. Take a look at the top internet features offered by EarthLink and AT&T below to discover what might be included in the initial and final bill statements.
Data Limits
EarthLink doesn’t impose problematic data limitations or performance issues on its service. However, AT&T has data limitations on specific internet plans. On the other hand, AT&T offers a 1 TB of data allowance each month on its plans with DSL. For most users, this will be enough data available to utilize.
If a customer goes over the limitation, the blocks of 50 GB will be automatically added to your account for an additional fee of $10 per block, plus tax. Additional charges will not surpass $100 per month regardless of how much data you utilize. Unlimited data is available at the cost of $30 per month or automatically applied when you own an active bundle of Internet and TV in a single bill.
Contracts & Termination Fees
EarthLink Internet plans are subject to a 12-month agreement and an early termination fee (ETF) that can be as high as $200. After your 12-month agreement expires, you can contract the same Price for another 12 months or choose to pay month-to-month, or whatever works most for your needs. There are no credit checks required.
Contrary to this, AT&T does not require annual contracts but offers customers the choice to lock in prices by signing one- or two-year contracts. If you terminate the service before the contract expires, you will need to be charged an ETF amount of as much as $180 for a 1-year contract or $360 for a two-year contract ($15 for each month that remains in the contract).
Installation Fees
Both providers provide professional installations. EarthLink has a one-time cost of $79.95, while AT&T has a one-time cost of $99.99. AT&T is slightly more expensive; however, they have rewarded brownie points when they offer online ordering.
Equipment Rentals
In the case of renting a router or internet modem, AT&T and EarthLink are pretty well-matched. AT&T has a monthly cost of $10, while EarthLink costs $9.95. If you’d prefer to save money by using your equipment, each of AT&T and EarthLink does not have a problem with that.
EarthLink Internet Plans
Below are a selection from EarthLink HyperLink TM Internet plans. Pricing and speeds can vary according to your geographical area, but this should give you an idea of the available speeds if you reside within an EarthLink zone.
EarthLink Internet Plans | Download Speed Up To* | Upload Speed Up To* | Starting Price* |
HyperLink 30Mb | 30 Mbps | 1.5 Mbps | $59.95/mo. |
HyperLink 50Mb | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $49.95/mo. |
HyperLink 80Mb | 80 Mbps | 40 Mbps | $69.95/mo. |
HyperLink 140Mb | 140 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $79.95/mo. |
HyperLink 500Mb | 500 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $89.95/mo. |
HyperLink 1 Gbps | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $99.95/mo. |
AT&T Internet Plans
Below is a list of a selection from AT&T Internet plans that will provide you with an idea of the services it provides. Be aware that the speed, Price, and availability depend on the area you live in.
AT&T Internet Plan | Download Speed Up To* | Upload Speed Up To* | Starting Price* |
Internet 25 | 25 Mbps | 5 Mbps | $45/mo. |
Internet 50 | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $45/mo. |
Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $35/mo. |
Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $35/mo. |
Internet 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $45/mo. |
Internet 1000 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $60/mo. |
Availability
Your decision as a consumer is based on the location you reside. Internet service providers operate networks across the US, and not all ISPs have the same coverage. Find out AT&T and EarthLink’s available networks below for more information.
AT&T
At present, AT&T offers service in over 20 states, which makes AT&T one of the biggest service providers across the United States. If you reside within Indiana and New Jersey, where their coverage is best, you’ll likely have access to and enjoy the most extensive selection. Customers also have access to over 30000 wireless hotspots for free.
Earthlink
EarthLink covers more than 35 states which makes it one of the biggest DSL service providers across the US. The company doesn’t provide free WiFi hotspots, but it has good coverage in California, New Mexico, and Texas.
Recap
AT&T provides the most economical internet services. But, EarthLink provides slightly more choices for internet charges. Based on their services, check the lifestyles that each one matches best with.
Budget Shopper
If you’re looking for a plan that fits your price range, AT&T offers some of the most affordable plans we’ve ever seen. AT&T plans range from $5 to $40 less expensive than EarthLink plans, based on your choice. Additionally, they offer one-year and two-year price locks.
Heavy User
Both internet service providers provide comparable download speeds. However, AT&T has higher upload speeds for its most popular fiber plans. If you need fast download speeds for large file uploads to tasks like remote work or content creation, we suggest selecting a plan that offers high upload speeds.
Single-Person Household
Although AT&T provides speedier speeds on specific plans, not all customers require this speed. If you’re a one-person household or occasionally access the internet to check emails or surf the web, EarthLink may be a better choice for you. 50 Mbps at less than $50 is the ideal option for those living the same lifestyle.