Does AT&T require a contract for internet?
AT&T sadly offers both contract and non-contract internet services. The service you are seeking will determine whether or not a contract is required.
AT&T Internet – Service, Packages, and Offers
The services offered by AT&T include internet services whereby there are different classes of internet with different speeds. Their current plans and pricing include.
- Internet 25: download speed up to 25 Mbps for $55 per month. No contract.
- Internet 50: Up to 50 Mbps download speeds for $60/month. 12-month contract.
- Internet 100: Up to 100 Mbps download speed for $60 per month. 12-month contract.
- Internet 300: Download speeds up to 300 Mbps for $70 per month. 12-month contract.
- Internet 500: Up to 500 Mbps download speeds for $85/month. 12-month contract.
- Fiber Internet: AT&T Fiber has download speeds that match the upload speeds, and the maximum is 1 Gbps. Pricing is $60-$90 per month according to the package chosen. It is important to note that the majority of fiber plans come with a 12-month contract.
As you can see in the breakdown above, other DSL plans such as Internet 25 are of lower speed, and hence, no contract is signed, and you are free to cancel at any one time. However, the higher-speed cable and fiber internet service do come with the condition that you have to agree to a 12-month or multi-year service contract depending on the promotion.
No-Contract AT&T Internet Options
Should you wish to remain free from any contractual obligations with AT&T Internet, then there are fewer choices available to you but a contract is not necessarily required. Specifically:
- Internet 25 is the only plan that is offered by AT&T that is currently available without signing a contract. They max out at 25 Mbps for speed.
- Another is fixed wireless broadband, which is available on a non-contractual basis in some rural areas with up to 50 Mbps internet speed. A person interested in learning about the possibility of having fixed wireless from AT&T should consult an AT&T sales specialist.
- As of now, there are at times limited-time offers of no-term from AT&T on some fiber-specific plans, so you can try the excellent symmetric gigabit speeds risk-free for a longer period. Some of these deals are seasonal while others are more of a one-time arrangement.
In conclusion, it is possible to receive an internet connection from AT&T Internet without a contract if one is willing to accept a slower connection or if the user is in a rural fixed wireless region. The best fiber speeds will often be associated with a contract that lasts at least one year. Your other option is waiting for short-term promotions on the faster fiber internet plans that come with no strings attached.
Pros and Cons of an AT&T Contract
Signing an internet contract with AT&T has some benefits and downsides to consider.
Advantages
- Lower Monthly Rates: No-contract plans are $5-10 more expensive per month than the corresponding contract plans with similar speeds. On average, eliminating the need to sign a contract can save more than a hundred dollars within a year.
- Faster Speed Options: Currently, the only way to get anything faster than 25 Mbps through AT&T is if you’re willing to sign up for a year agreement. Subscriptions are granted to higher-speed cables and fiber optics.
- Promotional Pricing and Gifts: Contracts usually offer cheaper introductory rates and free installation, gift cards of $100 or more.
Disadvantages
- Cancellation Fees: It is possible to terminate the contract early but it attracts a fee of up to $180 depending on the period remaining to the end of the contract term. This penalty makes it costly to terminate or alter providers before the agreed period is complete.
- Loss of Flexibility: Longer 1 or 2-year contracts tie you to AT&T for the duration of the contract. You can no longer easily move from one provider to the other if better options are available in the market.
- Price Hikes After Promo Periods: Most contract offers come with supersweet introductory rates that increase by $10, $20, or more after one year when the promotion ends.
All in all, it would be a question of whether trading more time for less money is worth the loss of flexibility. It is flexible and has no contracts, so you can switch between AT&T or any other provider in the market. However, contract subscriptions might be the most advantageous if the consumer is certain he or she will not require or desire a switch in providers for some time.
This breakdown perhaps clarifies some of the issues related to contracts for AT&T internet users, therefore facilitating their understanding. Tell me if you want any further explanation or have any queries; then, free will!
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.