AT&T Internet Air (5G Home Internet) Review

AT&T Internet Air is a straightforward, wireless internet solution that’s a great alternative to customers in areas that don’t yet have access to AT&T Fiber. It’s a flat monthly rate of $60, but it's even cheaper if you’re also an AT&T mobile customer, which reduces the rate to $47 per month. It provides unlimited data and an easy self-installation. This makes AT&T Internet Air one of the most affordable and pain-free wireless internet plans. 

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Speeds, reliability, availability | Compare home internet providers | Who should get ATT Internet Air? | Satellite internet considerations | Pros and cons | The final take | FAQ | Methodology

AT&T Internet Air relies on the company’s 5G network, so its performance will depend on your proximity to the network. According to AT&T, Internet Air provides speeds of up to 300Mbps, which is sufficient for most internet uses, such as streaming, working from home, and some online gaming. Latency is rated at 30 to 65ms ping, not the most responsive, but still good enough to avoid most lag. Speeds are comparable to those of 5G competitors T-Mobile and Verizon, the only difference being that they offer multiple plans with varying speeds. 

AT&T Internet Air is available across the U.S., but is still limited to the company’s 5G network, but is still more available to rural locations where wired connections don’t reach. You can check on AT&T’s website to see if you live in a qualifying area.

Here's how AT&T Internet Air stacks up against the competition:

Considering the limitations, AT&T Internet Air is a good fit for moderate internet users who:

• You have existing AT&T cell phone plans to take advantage of the discounted price.
• You live in areas with limited availability of AT&T Internet Air, where fiber or cable internet isn't an option.
• You primarily browse the web, stream occasionally, and don't require the absolute fastest speeds.

• You prioritize speed. If online gaming, downloading large files, or other activities require the fastest possible speeds, look into T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G home internet options, or potentially Starlink, depending on your location and service availability.
• You live outside AT&T's coverage areas. Since availability is limited, you'll need to consider other providers if AT&T Internet Air isn't offered in your area.
• You're a heavy internet user. Suppose you frequently stream, competitively game, or download large amounts of data. In that case, you may benefit from a service with potentially faster and more consistent speeds than AT&T Internet Air can offer in certain situations. Consider cable internet or potentially explore unlimited data plans from fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile or Verizon.

Satellite Internet is another option for accessing wireless internet in rural areas. There are some key differences:

• Latency: Satellite internet has higher latency (signal delay) compared to cable, fiber, or 5G internet. This can make real-time applications, such as online gaming or video conferencing, less responsive.
• Equipment cost: Starlink requires the purchase of a satellite dish and mounting equipment, which adds to the overall cost.
• Visibility: Satellite internet requires a clear view of the northern sky, which may be obstructed by trees or buildings.

Hughesnet is a satellite internet provider offering the lowest-priced plans among the three main options. It does come with priority data caps, which may not be ideal for customers who require unlimited high-speed data. Most of its plans also require a two-year contract, unlike those of AT&T and other satellite providers.

Viasat is more expensive than Hughesnet but requires no contract and offers unlimited data. It still lags in performance compared to AT&T and Starlink.

Starlink is the fastest-growing satellite internet provider and, by far, the highest-performing. It has the lowest latency of all three, comparable to AT&T. However, it is also the most expensive, not just in its monthly plans, but also due to the requirement to purchase the equipment upfront, which typically costs hundreds of dollars.

AT&T Internet Air offers a reliable, simple internet plan. It’s a competitive price for unlimited data and good speeds. If available in your area, it’s a great solution when cable or fiber is unavailable or not within your budget. It’s an even better bargain if you’re an AT&T mobile customer. There are providers with plans that provide faster speeds and have more widespread availability, such as Starlink. However, AT&T offers reliable internet and is an excellent choice when you're in a rural area and need a simple wireless connection.

Remember, it's always a good idea to check for internet service availability and compare plans from all the providers in your area before making a decision.

 AT&T Internet Air advertises speeds ranging from 90 to 300 Mbps. This is faster than DSL and most satellite internet, but slower than other 5G home internet providers.

Reliability depends on the strength of the 5G network in your area. User reviews suggest outages can occur, but not necessarily more often than with other options.

Currently, AT&T Internet Air availability is limited. You can check for service availability on AT&T's website.

 AT&T Internet Air comes with a pre-configured router for self-installation.

No, AT&T Internet Air does not offer unlimited data. However, if your data usage causes severe network congestion, AT&T reserves the right to temporarily slow you down.

AT&T doesn't officially support using your router, but some users report success with compatible routers.

AT&T Fiber offers much faster and more reliable internet speeds than AT&T Internet Air. However, fiber optic internet availability is also limited.

We compile our articles using trusted sources and honest customer feedback. We perform hands-on testing of the services we review and compile proprietary data to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your internet needs.