AT&T has entered the competitive 5G home internet market with Internet Air, offering speeds up to 300Mbps across 48 states as an alternative to traditional broadband services. This significant expansion of AT&T’s internet portfolio comes as the telecommunications giant seeks to compete with established 5G home internet providers T-Mobile and Verizon.
Currently reaching approximately 14.8% of US addresses, AT&T Internet Air delivers wireless broadband through a single plan priced at $60 monthly, with potential discounts available for qualifying AT&T mobile customers. The service promises download speeds ranging from 90 to 300 megabits per second and upload speeds between 8 to 30Mbps, though actual performance varies significantly based on location and network conditions.
Early customer experiences have been notably mixed. While some users report satisfactory speeds and connection quality, others describe the service as merely “a glorified hotspot.” CNET’s own testing revealed potentially disappointing speeds compared to cable internet alternatives, highlighting the service’s inconsistent performance across different locations.
The service includes several attractive features, such as free equipment through the AT&T All-Fi router, which enables simple self-installation without professional assistance. Additional benefits include the absence of data caps, overage fees, or contract requirements. However, AT&T maintains the right to throttle speeds during periods of network congestion, a policy that lacks clear definition regarding implementation.
For rural customers previously limited to slower DSL connections, Internet Air represents a potentially significant upgrade. However, in areas where AT&T Fiber is available, that service remains the superior choice, offering faster speeds and truly unlimited data at more competitive prices.
AT&T’s broader reputation for customer service excellence, demonstrated through high rankings from both the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, suggests potential for strong support infrastructure. However, early feedback specifically for Internet Air has been mixed, with the service ranking last among non-wired internet options in recent J.D. Power surveys.
The service’s performance limitations become particularly relevant for high-demand applications like online gaming. While the advertised speeds should theoretically support gaming activities, the potential for latency issues and speed fluctuations during peak usage times may impact the gaming experience.
Notably, AT&T Internet Air maintains strict location requirements, functioning exclusively as a fixed home internet service. Despite its wireless nature, the service cannot be used as a mobile solution, with equipment restricted to registered service addresses.
As AT&T continues to expand this service across its markets, it faces significant competition from more established 5G home internet providers. T-Mobile offers comparable speeds at a lower price point, while Verizon’s 5G Home Internet provides potential speeds up to 1,000Mbps, also at more competitive rates.
For consumers considering AT&T Internet Air, the absence of long-term contracts provides an opportunity to test the service without significant risk. However, potential subscribers should carefully consider their specific location and usage requirements, as performance can vary dramatically based on these factors.
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