Does AT&T charge for installing fiber?
AT&T Fiber is a fiber-optic internet service provided by the American telecommunications company AT&T that provides high download and upload speeds using fiber-optic connections instead of copper cables. An important thing people tend to wonder about when deciding to get AT&T Fiber in their homes is whether there is any installation charge. Now let’s look at the fiber installation process and costs in AT&T more closely.
In conclusion, we can note that at the moment AT&T offers its services in some states only, and even there, fiber installation is not free.
In summary, the answer to the question, ‘Does AT&T charge for installation of fiber internet service?’ is, yes, they do. Still, the cost of fiber installation can go up or down based on your location and any ongoing promotions.
As for the typical price of fiber, AT&T will most likely offer the basic installation service at $99. This entails some fundamental tasks of extending a fiber optic line from their network right to your home and other equipment such as the Optical Network Terminal (ONT).
Nonetheless, it is quite a common occurrence that AT&T Internet fiber installation charges can often be availed as part of promotional deals for new subscribers. This serves as an encouragement for customers to make the switch to AT&T Fiber from their current Internet service provider. Therefore, it is always wise to inquire about any exemptions or discounts whenever joining any of these programs.
AT&T Fiber Connection Process
When you sign up to get AT&T Fiber installed, here is a general overview of what you can expect.
1. Choose when to have your installation done
2. The AT&T technicians will bring a new fiber optic line to your home
3. The ONT box is located within or outside the home to enable the fiber cable coming from outside your home to link with the devices within your home network.
4. The AT&T Wi-Fi gateway modem/router is plugged into the ONT to form your home WiFi network.
5. Technicians also ensure that all the wires are properly connected and all the equipment is functioning as it should.
6. You are now ready to start experiencing some of the fastest fiber optic internet connections possible!
The process usually lasts for 3-5 hours depending on the complexity of the work to be done. However, an adult of more than 18 years does have to be available at home at the time of the fiber installation appointment.
AT&T Fiber: What Comes With The Installation?
The installation fee that AT&T charges is a one-time fee that captures all standard labor and equipment required to get your home connected to its fiber network. Here’s what the $99 installation fee generally includes.
- Bringing fiber optic line into your home
- Mounting the ONT box outside or inside your home
- The ONT box has been connected and tested
- Initial configuration and deployment of AT&T’s Wi-Fi gateway/modem
- Checking connections to confirm adequate speed and connection.
In other words, the installation fee refers to the cost that will enable AT&T to establish its fiber service in your home and prepare it for use from the very first day.
Potential Additional Installation Fees
While the standard $99 installation cost covers most basic installations, there are some situations where you may encounter additional installation fees, such as.
- Longer Installations Requiring Additional Work: Extra costs: if your home fiber installation takes longer/needs more equipment than usual, AT&T may charge extra fees for the additional work. This may involve matters such as stringing much longer fibers, putting in place conduits for buried lines, crossing rough terrains, and so on.
- In-Home Wiring Work: What ATT is providing is running fiber to your house not rewiring the inside of the house itself. Therefore, if any in-wall wiring work is required to connect the devices in the house, then this would be a different service which is not included in the installation fee. However, AT&T does provide in-home wiring services for as low as $99.
- Non-Standard Equipment Installs: While AT&T is responsible for the mounting/installing of their standard WiFi gateway and ONT box if you required non-conventional networking equipment, or if you needed extra equipment such as WiFi boosters, then equipment charges and customization services would be extra.
Thus, while the majority of fiber installations come at the $99 fee, additional charges can be incurred due to additional equipment, wiring, or time taken by the technicians. However, it’s always wise to ask the AT&T sales representative about what is covered and request a list of all the costs involved to avoid any hidden charges.
Is It Wise to Pay for AT&T Fiber Installation?
Since AT&T Fiber offers internet speeds much faster than cable internet or DSL, the majority of consumers consider the $99 installation fee justified. The gap in internet speeds and capabilities is just staggering. We are comparing increasing speed from 50Mbps to 1Gbps and more with the help of fiber optics!
As mentioned earlier, consumers need to bear the installation costs of their internet service provider but it is always advisable to compare these costs when selecting a provider. There are also times when fiber and cable providers give free installation or free installation for the first few months for new subscribers. Therefore, while considering your choices, consider the relative advantages and disadvantages of speeds/pricing/installation costs.
In many locations where it is available, AT&T Fiber is undoubtedly the best internet in terms of speed and technology. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for most houses to pay the one-time $99 installation fee for the ability to enjoy an exceptionally fast and dependable fiber optic connection from AT&T when they need it most. But you should not hesitate to inquire about any offer to waive the charges or provide a free installation of the same.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
