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

AT&T Internet Air promises a faster, more affordable alternative to DSL, especially for customers in areas without access to AT&T's fiber service. It boasts a flat monthly rate of $55 with no contracts or hidden fees, which drops to $35 for existing AT&T cell phone plan holders with AutoPay and paperless billing. This competitive price, along with unlimited data and a simple self-installation process (AT&T claims you can be up and running in less than 15 minutes with the pre-configured router), makes it an attractive option. However, there are some limitations to consider before signing up.

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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 is a 5G home internet service, so its reliability depends on the strength and stability of the 5G network in your area. While user reviews suggest outages can occur, it's not any more common than other internet providers. Speed-wise, AT&T Internet Air advertises speeds between 75 and 225Mbps, which is sufficient for streaming, gaming, and most online activities. However, these speeds are slower than what other 5G home internet providers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer (upwards of 200Mbps). Real-world speeds may also vary depending on network congestion and your location.

A major drawback of AT&T Internet Air is its limited availability. Currently, 5G coverage is only offered in a handful of major cities across the US. AT&T plans to expand the service in the future, but for now, it's not an option for most people. If you're fortunate enough to live in one of the cities where AT&T Internet Air is offered and don't have access to fiber or cable internet, this might be your best option, especially if you're an existing AT&T cell phone plan holder who can snag the discounted price. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a handy tool to help you identify if you live in an area where AT&T and other providers operate.

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 limited availability areas where AT&T Internet Air is offered and 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. If you constantly stream, competitively game, or download a lot of data, you might benefit from a service with potentially faster and more consistent speeds than AT&T Internet Air can offer in some situations. Consider cable internet or potentially explore unlimited data plans from fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile or Verizon.

While Starlink offers download speeds that are competitive with some 5G home internet options, it's important to consider some drawbacks:

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

Hughesnet and Viasat: These traditional satellite internet providers offer lower speeds and data caps compared to Starlink and 5G home internet options. They might be an option for users in very remote locations with limited choices, but for most users, other internet service providers will likely be a better value.

AT&T Internet Air offers a competitive price point and unlimited data, making it an attractive option for moderate internet users in eligible areas. However, its limited availability and slower speeds compared to some competitors hold it back. Consider your budget, internet usage habits, and location when deciding which provider is the best fit for you.

Here's a quick recap to help you choose:

• For affordability and moderate usage in eligible areas: AT&T Internet Air (with existing AT&T cell phone plan discount)
• For wider availability and potentially faster speeds: T-Mobile Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet
• For the absolute fastest speeds in some areas (and willing to deal with potentially higher latency): Verizon 5G Home Internet (where available) or Starlink (depending on location and service availability)
• For very remote locations with limited options: Hughesnet or Viasat (be aware of data caps and lower speeds)

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 between 75 and 225 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 offers unlimited data. However, if your data usage causes severe network congestion, AT&T reserves the right to slow you down temporarily.

AT&T doesn't officially support using your own 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 real customer feedback. We perform first-hand testing on the services we review and compile proprietary data to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your internet needs.

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