Does AT&T fiber have unlimited data?
AT&T Fiber is also a service provider that provides internet with the use of fiber optic technology. This technology offers download and upload speeds that are extremely fast and can even support up to 1 Gbps. In this case, the speeds are uncapped, however, one major concern that most people have is whether AT&T fiber has an unlimited data plan. But let us cast our lens closer on it.
Broadband Internet: AT&T Fiber Data Plans and Caps
To the consternation of many users, AT&T Fiber has put in place data caps on all its residential tariffs. Internet 100 which is the basic offering to clients comes with 1TB or 1000GB data allowance per month. These include the higher speed Internet 300 and Internet 1000 where you can get a special offer of an unlimited data plan but it comes at an additional $30 per month.
Therefore, none of the AT&T fiber packages offers unlimited data and you can only get the option if you opt for the add-on. Here are the standard data caps on AT&T fiber plans: Here are the standard data caps on AT&T fiber plans:
- Internet 100: Data allowance of 1 terabyte
- Internet 300: has up to 1TB data cap.
- Internet 1000: 1TB data quota
The data limit of 1TB is rather high, which opens a vast opportunity for streaming and downloading high-definition videos. However, the stated cap may not be sufficient as smart homes with multiple users and devices decoding 4K content indicate. Well, in that case, the unlimited data add-on is a plan that should be given priority.
What happens if the data subscription plan is exceeded?
If you consume more data from the AT&T fiber internet connection within a billing cycle, then it will cost you $10 for every extra 50GB beyond the allotted amount. This is rather cumulative if you have a habit of surpassing this limit regularly.
The first two months after you exceed the data allowance, AT&T offers what they call ‘Courtesy Credit’ whereby you will not be charged anything for going over the limit. However, this is not the case and after the specified free amount has been transacted, the charges are incurred.
Further, if you exceed the data allowance for the third time within any 12-month you will be throttled down to a maximum of 100Mbps throughout the rest of the billing cycle. That speed drop is quite limiting for a fiber connection expected to be 9.6 times faster than it is.
You don’t always have to go out there and purchase a new portable media player, there are a few tips that you can use to ensure that you control your data usage in the right manner.
Here are some tips to help manage your monthly data consumption: Here are some tips to help manage your monthly data consumption:
- If you are subscribed to AT&T mobile service, it is recommended that you check your data usage through your account.
- There are measures one can take to limit data usage of each device, these include, Parental controls and Third-party apps.
- Lowering the quality of streamed videos – SD utilizes only 1/6th of the data used by 4K video
- Organise intensive full backups and software updates to occur during the evening.
- Insert “Data Saver” options in applications which include video streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and others.
- Make sure your smartphone is connected to a WiFi network whenever it can instead of using an LTE network
- One should disable the auto-playing of videos and reduce background app refresh on mobile gadgets
In general, it just requires more effort to monitor the consumption when your home simply expects to have as much data as it wants. The following may help and setting some guard rails on this front with caps per device could help simplify things.
Analyzing the Basic Data Plan with an Unlimited Data Add-On
In its current form, the unlimited data add-on costs $30 more per month and is equal to the price of the basic 100 Mbps plan. However, if one wants to be able to use the Internet 1000 which is promised to be extremely fast without fretting about going over the limit, then it could be worth it.
Consider if your household internet usage fits one of these scenarios: Consider if your household internet usage fits one of these scenarios:
1. Yes, the unlimited add-on is necessary:
- If in your home you now have more than 6 devices that are connected to the internet then you are part of this generation.
- You frequently use your device to access Ultra High Definition / High Definition video streams
- You have things connected to the Internet like smart home devices that may use more data.
- You have your job and spend the whole day in virtual meetings on video call
2. No, the 1TB cap should be fine:
- Yes, you are in your home alone or with a couple using the internet occasionally
- This is especially the case since you mainly use the device mostly for general web surfing, social networking, or checking your emails.
- You mostly transmit a limited amount of SD video material
- It’s not like you will be using data heavily for instance in the case of gaming and video streaming.
It allows most heavy data households with fiber speeds to be comfortable without worrying about going over the limit. The additional charges may be slightly higher than the cost incurred when paying per 50GB on the excess of 1TB that is used each month. You can perform a basic analysis of your previous Internet bills to determine if you stand a chance of breaking even.
It has been noted that AT&T Fiber has unlimited data and is available in several locations.
Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that AT&T fiber is not offered to everyone at the moment. So remember to verify from the coverage whether it will cover your address or not before proceeding to join the program.
This add-on, with no specified usage limit, may be subscribed to the Internet 300 plan or the Internet 1000 plan. Therefore, if you need an unlimited amount of data, the Internet 1000 plan gives high, gorgeous gigabit speed to enjoy no limits to data usage.
AT&T fiber plans may cost $100 or more in the upfront installation and equipment fees which may be charged but the plans do not have an annual contract. It will only be necessary after 12 months of use for cancelation if the speeds offered are deemed too much. Oh yes, just ensure to return all the equipment within 21 days to avoid being charged extra equipment non-return fees.
Comparing AT&T Fiber and Cable Internet for Your Home
Like Comcast, AT&T Internet also has a restrictive data allowance plan, 1TB, which may also not be sufficient if you have used over 1.2TB data allowance. Instead, try to find out what there is of any other high-speed service that is available in your locality. Cox and Xfinity are some of the many cable providers in the market that also offer an unlimited data plan.
Fiber internet is usually the most superior because it provides the fastest connectivity now and in the future. However, cable internet nowadays offers better speeds which can reach several hundred Mbps. But if you can lock in an unlimited data plan, cable internet is just what might get the job done at a slightly lower price.
The Bottom Line
It is also important to note that AT&T fiber plans do not come with unlimited data in the same way the major providers do. To get access to unlimited data, you are charged $30 on top of your monthly fee and this option is only available with Internet 300 and Internet 1000.
1 TB offers extremely huge streaming and downloading privileges; nevertheless, the over-limit cost is relatively high. This one is particularly useful if your home has many users who use the internet heavily, and the add-on provides peace of mind as you are not limited by data. Assess the amount of Internet used by your family members and decide whether having unlimited data is essential for your household.
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.
