Does ATT internet require a landline?
As for home internet services, currently, AT&T has several types of connection, from traditional DSL to the newest fiber optic internet. This is a popular query that many potential customers seek an answer to; they are wondering whether they need to have AT&T home internet, they also have to sign up for a conventional landline phone service. The short answer is no, however, AT&T Internet can indeed be ordered without phone service. However, there are a few conditions to this.
Although traditional AT&T DSL-based internet does technically need a phone line to operate optimally. The DSL signal uses the existing copper telephone wires to link your house to AT&T gear afterward on the line. Thus, most packages do make you purchase at the very least local calling to be able to order DSL internet. AT&T's basic phone service would allow you to make outgoing and take some incoming calls even if you don’t have a handset. However, you can still give them a call and request them to disable these features and they will do so out of courtesy. This way you fulfill their technical need of having phone service without actually having to use or pay for the services every month. Forcing the client to have to sign up for phone service just to get internet is inconvenient, but it is one of the ways that they can offer the lower points on some of their slower DSL packages.
If you wish to avoid being put under pressure to subscribe to the landline services as well, the other solution is to switch to one of the newer fiber internet plans that AT&T currently offers and which they are progressively rolling out to more communities annually. Fiber optic internet service differs from traditional DSL as it employs newer wiring and equipment, and therefore, does not require a working phone line. The first tier of AT&T Fiber plan comes with up to 300 Mbps which is a significant upgrade from their 10 Mbps DSL package. Despite it being $20-30 more per month, fiber also enables you to order high-speed internet service without necessarily being forced to get a phone plan along with the internet. There is no phone line for service or billing and you can just have stand-alone fiber optic internet from AT&T.
The only thing worth mentioning about pure data plans through AT&T is that there is a caveat when it comes to the rural areas. In low-density areas at times, a copper phone line is still required to get to the rural customers’ premises even though fiber is present. So just be sure any home address you want AT&T Internet at is eligible for phone-line free Internet before assuming service will not require POTS. If the phone is still technically required then they should enter the address on their order page on their website which will indicate package eligibility and restrictions.
In summary
- The conventional AT&T DSL is radically different from the current fiber-optic services in that one has to order and have the basic telephone service even if one is not using the phone options. It also requests to have these disabled if not required.
- Switching to AT&T Fiber allows you to have Internet with higher speeds without necessarily requiring a phone line or being in a bundle in most cases. No POTS line is required for service or billing purposes.
- The best thing to do is to ensure that the particular home addresses are qualified. Low-density rural areas may still need a phone line even when they are using fiber as a means of accessing the network. However, the majorities of their fiber coverage enable phone-free high-speed Internet by AT&T in all but a few areas.
Thus for anyone who wants to do away with a house phone and rely on only mobile phones, obtaining AT&T fiber optic internet instead of the slower legacy DSL services will enable one to have home internet without having to pay for phone services that are unwanted or unnecessary. About the phone line requirement barrier, this does not exist at most places when one wants to upgrade to faster AT&T fiber optics for home or business.
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.
