Is Verizon or AT&T cheaper?

Posted on: 14 Aug 2024
Is Verizon or AT&T cheaper?

Verizon and AT&T Internet are two of the largest wireless telecommunication service providers in the United States of America. In terms of cost, it is sometimes challenging to decide which one is cheaper since there are so many considerations.

Monthly Plans
However, if one were to compare the cost of Verizon’s monthly rate plans, the carrier is often more costly for the unlimited data plan. For instance, their cheapest and most basic unlimited plan is available at $70 per month for the first line only. Included in AT&T’s unlimited plans are $65/ month for one line of service. However, the speeds and data volumes provided under the plans are not the same.

However, where data limits are low, the pricing may be more equivalent. Both carriers have cheaper plans with only a few gigabytes of data for $30-40 per month, if not less. In general, however, several independent studies indicate that AT&T has lower rates for monthly service, particularly for single-line unlimited data plans.

Device Costs
Another factor is the cost of devices at the time you subscribe to the service. If you decide to sign up a new line with either AT&T or Verizon and take out a contract for the phone for 24-30 months then both of these companies will often have new devices that are available at a reduced cost. These are the monthly costs associated with paying off the device every month and they are relatively similar between the two carriers.

However, when it comes to cost, Verizon appears to be slightly more competitive because they run promotions more often that include free activation fees and bill credits. Thus, Verizon may often counter some of that monthly service plan discount you receive with AT&T rates.

Network Coverage & Performance
Even though coverage and the performance of the networks may not be directly linked to cost, they are fundamental to getting value for the price one pays per month. Multiple tests and reports prove that Verizon provides better nationwide network coverage, especially in areas with low population density. Verizon also often has higher ratings in other areas such as download speed and low latency.

Thus, if you reside or visit regions where AT&T offers weak connection, the additional $5-10 per month for Verizon’s superior network begins to be justified. However, for many suburban and urban customers, the performance of AT&T is as good as Verizon’s, and yet they get those lower rates every month.

Discounts
Both carriers provide standard savings you would anticipate such as lower prices for military, veterans, nurses, teachers, and first responders. There are some other specific AT&T special discounts including employee discounts for some large companies or organizations. For instance, Verizon tends to offer discounts and other privileges that are associated with having multiple lines on the same account as their means of appealing to given groups rather than having a specialized approach.

Ultimately, how much is paid monthly and overall usage depends on the user’s circumstances. Don’t forget any service charges, activation fees, device payment plans, as well as state and local taxes in your region. Plug the details into the carrier’s website or use the chatbots to get real-time quotations based on the data fed in. The only way to compare whether Verizon or AT&T is cheaper and offers the right value for a specific need is by conducting a comprehensive comparison.

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