Does ATT charge for Wi-Fi extenders?
Another fascinating thing that AT&T Internet provides its customers with is several ways to expand the Wi-Fi network. AT&T is one of the biggest ISPs in the United States, and as such it offers instruments that will help customers get good Wi-Fi signal throughout the premises of their homes. Indeed, one of the most common queries customers have is – is there a fee for having Wi-Fi extenders with AT&T? In reply to the question of whether they do it more often, I would say sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t. However, several aspects may determine whether you are required to pay a fee for a Wi-Fi extender from AT&T.
The main options for expanding your in-home Wi-T network with AT&T are
- AT&T Wi-Fi Extenders
- AT&T MicroCells/Network Extenders
- Third-Party Wi-Fi Extenders
- Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
- AT&T Wi-Fi Extenders
Among the products that AT&T has on the shelves is the AT&T Wi-Fi Extender which is a Wi-Fi extender. It functions as a wireless booster that helps amplify the Wi-Fi signals provided by the AT&T WiFi Gateway. How it works: it gets the Wi-Fi signal from your gateway or router then broadcasts the signal to areas of your home that may have limited or no signal such as the basement or backyard.
Generally, for most cases, one AT&T Wi-Fi Extender is given to the customer where s/he requires the same for rectifying the Wi-Fi signals problem at certain points of the house. This can be done by physically visiting an AT&T retail outlet and explaining the difficulties you are having with Wi-Fi or calling AT&T with the help of a technician to determine the current state of Wi-Fi in your home. If they conclude that a new extender is needed to solve the problem of limited connectivity in some of the rooms, they would agree to connect one AT&T Wi-Fi Extender for free.
After the free single AT&T Wi-Fi Extender, any additional AT&T Wi-Fi Extenders would be an additional $99 per device. These can only be utilized with a gateway provided by AT&T and thus not a router from any other company.
AT&T MicroCells/Network Extenders
An additional solution offered by AT&T to strengthen the cellular signal within your dwelling is an AT&T MicroCell or AT&T Network Extender. Unlike Wi-Fi extenders, these devices function slightly differently in that they do not have the capability of extending a wireless signal.
In essence, the AT&T Microcell is a portable cellular tower that connects to your internet service. It enhances the coverage of AT&T mobile phones inside homes where the reception of communication signals may not be optimal. The Network Extender is similar in function but also enables making calls over VoLTE.
This MicroCell was going to cost AT&T clients $199 for the device and $20 per month in access fees. This would be on top of whatever AT&T wireless plan you would be subscribed to if you were to pay this monthly fee.
Regarding the AT&T Network Extender, although the device is provided for free by AT&T, the carrier charges a $10 monthly fee to enable network-extending features as well as VoLTE calls through the device.
Thus, in conclusion, MicroCells and Network Extenders, while being devices that assist in coverage about cellular, not Wi-Fi, are a costly affair in the long run, courtesy of AT&T.
Third-Party Wi-Fi Extenders
Instead of using Wi-Fi extenders that are branded by AT&T, there are also commercial extenders from electronics brands including Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, and so on and these also have matching capabilities of boosting the Wi-Fi signal in your home environment but might need more technical input to integrate with your home network from AT&T.
When opting for a third-party extender the only thing you have to invest in is the cost of the hardware which ranges from $50- $100 depending on the type and the upgraded features. This excludes the basic things that are charged every month unlike what AT&T had on its MicroCell plans.
The flip side is no technical support – if you experience problems in trying to make some of your peripherals work with the AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway, you’re on your own to contact that manufacturer for help rather than getting support from AT&T. Therefore, the compatibility and setup can be a lucky draw based on the experience one has in networking.
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Last but not least, some users prefer to have a brand-new mesh Wi-Fi system to experience the best whole-home connectivity. Google WiFi, Amazon Eero, Netgear Orbi, Linksys Velop, and others are some of the easy-to-install mesh router kits out in the market. These offer to replace your current Wi-Fi configuration with modern and more powerful mesh devices for stable connectivity.
The major heading of this research therefore is – Does AT&T home internet service apply additional charges for installing or activating mesh systems? The answer is no. Unlike the case with most routers where you are likely to incur service fees from your internet service provider when you buy them through your internet service provider, you purchase mesh router kits individually from electronics retailers. I have also found out that there is no problem in integrating mesh systems from any brand with the AT&T internet.
A mesh Wi-Fi System also has its disadvantages; you will incur a higher initial cost of $200-$500 depending on the amount of coverage required and the model purchased. However, what is interesting is that there are no repeat charges or extra items like a fob or subscription to pay for again later. That being said, mesh systems will have a more significant upfront price as they include both base units and satellites but provide a strong Wi-Fi signal without relying on equipment renting and monthly fees to your Internet provider. AT&T also has supporting articles on its website to assist in setting up third-party routers on their broadband contract.
To sum up - The question is: Is Wi-Fi Extender service paid in AT&T? Occasionally, yes, but only when you need additional AT&T branded extenders after the initial one given for free to address Wi-Fi concerns. Monthly access fees are also available for cellular-based such as MicroCells and Network Extenders for an extra charge on the same pricing schedule. Instead of being charged recurring fees, one could use a third-party Wi-Fi range extender, or even opt for a new mesh system, as AT&T will not impose such fees for their usage. Taking into account the initial costs as well as the lifetime fees, it is possible to state that, rule out the specific non-AT&T equipment to get the cheapest extended Wi-Fi on AT&T home Internet.
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