AT&T vs Suddenlink: A Full Comparison Between Two Popular Providers

AT&T vs Suddenlink is among the top 10 best internet service providers in the US. 

Both have pros and cons that can make you confused about the 2 ISPs.

Don’t know which ISP should be chosen?

This article is for you.

A full comparison between 2 big internet providers will be disclosed.

Keep reading.

AT&T vs Suddenlink

AT&T vs Suddenlink: which ISP should I choose?

Here is the table of the overall rating of Suddenlink vs ATT under the differences such as internet types, prices, data caps, installation fees, etc.

Take a look.

which ISP should I choose?

AT&T vs Suddenlink: Internet service

In terms of the internet service, whether Cox vs Verizon or Suddenlink vs AT&T provides various internet plans with different prices.

This is suitable for each online demand as well as the financial status of many potential customers.

Here are the internet plans along with respective prices and additional fees.

AT&T vs Suddenlink: Internet plan

AT&T internet plan

Suddenlink internet plan

From the 2 tables above, AT&T has more gig internet plans than Suddenlink.

If you want to see higher internet speed test results and a better virtual experience, AT&T services are a good choice for you. 

With such fast speed of AT&T, you can do more heavy-bandwidth activities such as streaming, playing online games, live streaming, etc.

AT&T vs Suddenlink: Contractions, Equipment fees

It’s not always easy when it comes to the price. 

Whether Mediacom vs Centurylink, Suddenlink vs Xfinity, or AT&T Internet and Suddenlink, all try to do right to minimize the extra charges.

Here are some fees you might encounter when picking one of them.

Installation

AT&T charges a $99 fee for professional installation and does not provide a self-installation option for new customers. 

This fee, however, will be charged only once, and a professional technician will come to your home and install either cable, IPBB, or fixed wireless. 

Depending on the plan, there may also be a $49 activation fee.

Suddenlink Communications charges installation fees as well. 

Standard installation costs $59, while premium installation costs $99 and includes WiFi configuration for up to six devices, hardwiring for one device, and assistance in creating your Suddenlink ID. 

If you order online, you may be eligible for free installation.

Contracts, Equipment fees

Although the majority of AT&T's internet plans require a 1-2 year contract, there is a $59.99 per month deal that does not require an annual contract. 

AT&T's plans include download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and early termination fees ranging from $120-$180. 

Customers should budget $99 for professional installation as well as a $10 monthly equipment fee to lease a modem, router, and WiFi Gateway. 

If you do not return your equipment after your contract expires, you will be charged $150.

You should consider equipment fees before choosing an ISP

Suddenlink Communications offers contract-free internet plans. 

There are no early termination fees because there are no contracts to sign.

Suddenlink Communications offers contract buyouts if you want to switch from another internet service provider before your Suddenlink contract expires. 

You have the option of leasing the Docsis 3.0 Modem purchasing the Suddenlink wireless modem/router for $10 per month or purchasing the Docsis 3.0 Modem for $80.

AT&T vs Suddenlink: Data caps

AT&T's data caps range from 350 GB to unlimited, depending on your plan. 

If you go over your data limit, you'll be charged $10 for every additional 50 GB, with a cap of $100-$200. 

You can pay an additional $30 monthly fee to upgrade to unlimited data.

AT&T just set data caps for the DSL and fixed wireless connection, thus, fiber customers can eliminate any worries about data overage fees.

Depending on the plan you choose, Suddenlink Communications' data caps range from 250 GB to unlimited. 

There are no add-on options for unlimited data. 

If you go over your monthly limit, you'll have to pay an extra $15 for every 50 GB.

AT&T vs Suddenlink: Availability and coverage map

Both AT&T and Suddenlink cover 21 states across the US. 

According to the map below of the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T’s coverage dominates.

In fact, over 40% of the country can use the AT&T internet service while this number of Suddenlink is nearly 6%.

The availability and coverage map of AT&T (red) and Suddenlink (blue)

Where are both 2 ISPs available?

They are Arkansas, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.

When it comes to actual coverage areas, Optimum has coverage across 

• Arizona 

• Idaho

• New Mexico 

• Pennsylvania

• Virginia

• West Virginia

• The northeastern tri-state area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York)

AT&T TV availability map, on the other hand, covers the following states: 

• Alabama

• Florida

• Georgia

• Illinois

• Indiana 

• Michigan 

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Wisconsin

AT&T vs Suddenlink: Pros and cons