Frontier vs AT&T: Which Internet Provider Should I Choose? [Full Answer]

Sep 26, 2022 - Views: 1304

Rating:4.9 - 51Votes

Each Internet service provider offers different features to attract its customers.

Frontier vs AT&T does too.

If you want to choose a suitable internet plan and are confused between 2 of these ISPs, you're in the right place.

This post will compare 2 ISPs with important aspects that help you make the right decision.

Frontier vs AT&T 

Frontier vs AT&T 

Frontier vs AT&T: overall comparison

Take a look at the table of overall comparison between Frontier AT&T:

 

Frontier

AT&T

Price

$49.99–$149.99/mo

$55.00–$180.00/mo

Speed

500–2,000 Mbps (Fiber speed)

25–5,000 Mbps

Internet type

DSL, fiber

DSL, fiber, fixed wireless

Data cap

None

None–1 TB

Contract

1-year fiber contract

Monthly

Customer rating

3.8/5

3.8/5

Frontier vs AT&T: Pros and cons

Not only often compare AT&T CenturyLink, Frontier vs Cox, or Verizon vs Frontier, but also there is a comparison between Frontier and AT&T.

When placing Frontier internet and AT&T in the same place, AT&T seems to be better than Frontier.

AT&T provides 4 fiber plans at attractive prices and gamers prefer these internet services for their gameplay.

Although Frontier also provides fast fiber speeds, this ISP is not available as much as AT&T.

If fiber isn't available in your area, both primarily provide DSL internet, though AT&T has the advantage in terms of megabits-per-dollar value.

 

AT&T

Frontier

Pros

  • Super affordable Gig plan

  • Hyper-Gig speeds

  • Symmetrical upload and download speeds

  • Symmetrical upload and download speeds

  • Affordable low-tier plans

  • Two-year price lock

Cons

  • Expensive installation fee

  • Fiber not available everywhere

  • Equipment fees

  • Two-year contract

  • Fiber not available everywhere

Who AT&T and Frontier Internet are for?

Generally, both AT&T Frontier internet providers offer 2 main types of internet services: Fiber and DSL.

Fiber connection brings in a speedy experience to users, however, for home internet, most internet users don’t need such a fast speed like that.

A DSL connection is enough.

In this case, the main online activities in your household are streaming, playing online games, and live streaming, you also should consider the AT&T fiber option.

These common activities consume a lot of bandwidth so a 1000Mbps internet plan is ideal. 

Furthermore, you just need to pay about $80 per month for a gigabit plan, is it so great?

AT&T Internet plans

AT&T Internet plans

A DSL package is a good option for households with light internet usage and little to no HD video streaming or gaming. 

Both ISPs provide DSL service, but Frontier internet is the more affordable option on the most basic plan.

Frontier provider has several lower-tiered plans like a 300Mbps plan at $100/ month. 

Frontier internet plans

Frontier internet plans

Frontier vs AT&T: Internet plans and prices

Let’s get right down to it.

Which internet plans do Frontier and AT&T provide?

Both DSL and fiber, AT&T still dominates. 

Moreover, you also select a fixed wireless connection if you choose the AT&T plan.

Frontier

Plan

Price

Speed

Type

Frontier Basic Internet 3-9

$32.99/mo.

9 Mbps

DSL

Frontier Internet 12-25

$39.99/mo.

25 Mbps

DSL

Frontier Internet 45-115

$49.99/mo.

115 Mbps

DSL

Frontier Fiber 500 Mbps 

$49.99/mo.

500 Mbps

Fiber

Frontier Fiber Gig

$74.99/mo.

940 Mbps

Fiber

Frontier Fiber 2 Gig

$149.99/mo.

2000 Mbps

Fiber

Compared to AT&T plans, Frontier has more options for customers with low prices. 

For about 100 Mbps speed, if you choose Frontier, you just need to pay $50 while the AT&T plan costs $55. 

Also, Frontier fiber plans are concerned. 

There are 3 options: 500 Mbps, 940 Mbps, and 2Gbps.

However, Frontier does not currently offer a fiber plan that competes with AT&T's 5,000 Gbps service.

AT&T

Package

Price

Speed

Type

AT&T Internet 300

$55.00/mo.*

300 Mbps

Fiber

AT&T Internet 500

$65.00/mo.*

500 Mbps

Fiber

AT&T Internet 1000

$80.00/mo.*

1,000 Mbps†

Fiber

AT&T Internet 2000

$110.00/mo.*

2,000 Mbps†

Fiber

AT&T Internet 5000

$180.00/mo.*

5,000 Mbps†

Fiber

AT&T Internet up to 75 Mbps

$55.00/mo.#

75 Mbps

DSL

AT&T Internet up to 100 Mbps

$55.00/mo.*

100 Mbps

DSL

AT&T Fixed Wireless

$59.99/mo.**

10–25 Mbps

Wireless

AT&T is primarily a DSL internet provider—at least for now. 

AT&T intends to extend its fiber network to 30 million locations by 2025.

When compared to Frontier, AT&T's two DSL plans are relatively more expensive in terms of megabits per dollar. 

Internet speed test results of fiber connection are always faster than that of DSL.

However, if fiber isn't available in your area, AT&T's DSL is also a good option unless you have access to cable internet.

Frontier vs AT&T: Bundle Packages

In terms of bundle packages, both Frontier and AT&T offer bundle packages.

Customers can combine the internet with a phone, and TV.

Bundling can help you save a lot of money. 

In terms of Bundling options, AT&T wins due to its abundance of options and higher ratings.

This is not to say that Frontier is a slouch because it provides such services in rural areas.

AT&T bundle plans with a Direct TV stream

AT&T bundle plans with a Direct TV stream

DIRECTV STREAM combines the advantages of live TV and sports with the convenience of on-demand movies and shows. 

It includes 20 hours of Cloud DVR storage, as well as the ability to watch on a variety of devices. 

Instead of settling for a traditional cable and internet bundle, a DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T Internet bundle will bring you the best online moments

Frontier bundle packages

Frontier bundle packages

If you opt for Frontier, the Home phone bundle and DISH TV are what you should not ignore.

With Frontier Internet plan, you can get clear call quality, stay better connected as well as unlimited nationwide calling.

Similar to DIRECTTV  STREAM of AT&T, DISH TV allows you to record up to 16 shows at once that you can watch anytime for the ultimate entertainment experience. 

 

Internet speed

TV channels

Price

DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT All-Included Package + AT&T Internet

Up to 100 Mbps

160+

$129.99/mo

DIRECTV CHOICE™ All-Included Package + AT&T Internet

Up to 100 Mbps

185+

$134.99/mo

Fiber 500 Mbps + DISH America’s Top 120

Up to 500 Mbps

190

$119.98/mo

Fiber 500 Mbps + DISH America’s Top 120+

Up to 500 Mbps

190+

$134.98/mo

Frontier vs AT&T: Cost, Data, and Value for Money

Price is also an important criterion when comparing 2 ISPs.

Let’s have a look at the comparison under monthly cost, installation fees, data caps as well as additional fees.

Monthly cost

In terms of monthly costs, Frontier outperforms AT&T. 

Frontier communication bill pay is roughly twice as cheap as AT&T's. 

However, when it comes to higher-tiered Internet plans, AT&T has more reasonable offers, but the gap narrows.

In general, Frontier wins in terms of affordability.

Installation fees and other fees

AT&T does not offer self-installation, whereas Frontier internet does. 

This means you can purchase your equipment and install the internet and other utilities. 

Aside from the fact that AT&T does not provide self-installation options, they extend free installation deals to the majority, if not all, of new customers.

People who already own compatible equipment with the provider can avoid the company's rental charges. 

However, if you need to use AT&T equipment, you must pay monthly rental equipment fees. AT&T has the lowest equipment rental fees on the market.

 

Installation 

AT&T

  • Up to $99.00 for pro installation

  • $35.00 for self-installation

Frontier

  • $85.00 for DSL activation

  • Free pro installation*

Data Caps

Data caps are a big factor when it comes to choosing an ISP.

Frontier internet has no data caps on their Internet plans. 

This means that you won’t need to worry about your internet suddenly being throttled just right after you exceed the data cap.

There is only one AT&T plan that includes unlimited data access. 

All of the plans below AT&T's gig plan have data limits. 

Fortunately, AT&T allows users to upgrade to unlimited internet-only plans separately.

 

Data Cap

AT&T

  • No cap for fiber

  • 150 GB for DSL6

  • 1 TB for 75 Mbps or slower

  • 350 GB for fixed wireless plan

Frontier

  • No cap

Customer service

According to a customer satisfaction survey of highspeedinternet in 2021, both AT&T and Frontier got a 3.8 point of the overall rating.

AT&T ranked slightly higher in every category in 2020, for example, scoring 4.09 in speed satisfaction versus Frontier's 3.98. (based on the 2020 customer satisfaction survey). 

In 2021, however, AT&T's speed, reliability, and customer support satisfaction scores were lower, while Frontier did not rank at all.

Indeed, both need to improve customer service to avoid being asked how to block calls on Frontier communications or how to block calls on Frontier landline phone.

 

Overall rating

Speed rating

Price

Reliability

Customer Service

AT&T

3.8

3.8

3.5

3.7

3.8

Frontier

3.8

3.9

3.5

3.8

3.8

Additional Fees

Additional fees

AT&T

Frontier

One-Time Activation

 

$85 ($49 for FiberOptic in NY)

Equipment Rental

$10.00/mo.

None

Broadband Processing Fee (Upon Disconnection)

None

$9.99

Early Termination Fee

$15 for each remaining month

Up to $400

Others

$5.00 (late payment)

  • $85.00 activation fee*

  • $10.00 disconnect fee

  • $9.99 equipment fee for extra devices

  • $5.00/mo. no AutoPay fee

  • $2.99/mo. Paper bill fee

  • $6.99/mo. Internet infrastructure surcharge

Similar internet providers in the market

Asides from Frontier vs AT&T, you still have a lot of options for a suitable internet provider.

You can consider others such as Mediacom vs Centurylink, Xfinity, RCN,...

Xfinity

Comcast Xfinity is actually among the best ISPs in the US because it has covered almost all states in the US.

Xfinity is evaluated to give superfast internet speeds as well as reliable connection, and reasonable prices.

This is an excellent option for you.

RCN

Do you prefer to stay in urban areas? 

If you answered yes, RCN is the best ISP for you. 

Its primary service area is in metropolitan areas. 

The internet speeds are excellent, and the plans are reasonably priced.

RCN internet provider

RCN internet provider

Verizon

If Verizon FiOS is available in your area, there are some attractive deals for you.

All internet plans deliver superior speeds at affordable prices.

You will be able to enjoy symmetrical internet speeds.

Furthermore, there are no contracts. Is it great?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Frontier owned by Verizon?

Frontier Communications ILEC Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2009 by Verizon Communications. 

The company, which was purchased by Frontier Communications on July 1, 2010, serves as a holding company for former Bell System, Contel, and GTE telephone operating companies that were previously owned by Verizon.

2. How to know AT&T fiber available in my area?

AT&T Fios internet service is available in 21 states and more including

  1. Alabama

  2. Arkansas

  3. California

  4. Florida

  5. Georgia

  6. Illinois

  7. Indiana

  8. Kansas

  9. Kentucky

  10. Louisiana

  11. Michigan

  12. Mississippi

  13. Missouri

  14. Nevada

  15. North Carolina

  16. Ohio

  17. Oklahoma

  18. South Carolina

  19. Tennessee

  20. Texas

  21. Wisconsin

Besides, you can visit the website att.com to check whether the AT&T plan is available or not.  

3. How to know Frontier fiber available in my area?

Fontier internet DSL service is available in 25 different states while Frontier fiber is expanded across the US including 

  1. Corona

  2. Fontana

  3. Long Beach

  4. Los Angeles

  5. Sacramento

  6. San Bernardino

  7. Kissimmee

  8. Lakeland

  9. Saint Petersburg

  10. Sarasota

  11. Tampa

  12. Fort Wayne

  13. Saint Paul

  14. Durham

  15. Rochester

  16. Akron

  17. Dayton

  18. Toledo

  19. Garland

  20. Plano

To make sure, visit the website frontier.com to check if our address is suitable to choose Frontier internet.

Closing thoughts

That’s all comparison among Frontier vs AT&T. Hope through this article, you have a right decision for yourself. Stay tuned MySpeed for interesting topics.

Reference:

https://themescene.tv/internet/att-vs-frontier/#AT_T_special_features

https://nationalbroadband.com/frontier-vs-att/

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/att-vs-frontier

https://updater.com/compare/att-vs-frontier

Rating:4.9 - 51Votes

12 Comments

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  1. Alexis Turner

    Does anyone here try AT&T? I am looking for a real feedback

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    1. Waylon Edwards

      I had a business and individual internet service. For bussiness, it took total of 4 hours and 3 consultants to get service requested! Then 2 tech visits and I still dont have it. Horrible

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      1. Georgia Morales

        Really? I switched to another carrier due to high bills and bad customer service. When I started with AT&T, I notice no dropped calls, better customer service and easier bills to understand. The plans were much cheaper than my previous provider.

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  2. Lennox Brooks

    Thanks for another top-quality article! I’m going to give Frontier a try!

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    1. MySpeed

      You’re welcome. Definitely worth a shot

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  3. Colton Gill

    Well, as a person using AT&T for nearly 5 years, I just want to say how can AT&T be worth so much money but have horrible WiFi service. So disappointed

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    1. MySpeed

      Hi, if your experience is “horrible”, you’re probably in an area that AT&T has spotty service

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  4. Andre White

    Kind of off topic but I have a question: Is there any way to increase the strength of a wifi signal? I live in the country using AT&T's Fixed Wireless Internet, have extenders in two different areas, but still find coverage spotty in the house.

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    1. MySpeed

      If this is the case, you can try APs (WiFi access points) instead of Wifi extender

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  5. Joseph Martin

    I’m moving to Texas and my internet options are AT&T and Frontier. Which one do you think is best? I’m from Oklahoma, and I’ve only had AT&T and have never used Frontier. Any thoughts?

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    1. MySpeed

      It depends on what you are looking for. If you want high speed Internet, go for AT&T. But if you just need a budget-friendly Internet plan, my recommendation is Frontier

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      1. Joseph Martin

        Thanks for your reply. I went with Frontier. Hopethat everything goes well and ends well!

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