AT&T Business Internet Review and Pricing

Why We Chose AT&T for Symmetrical Speed

The broadband internet industry is highly competitive. A handful of major companies offer similar products and prices, but not all fiber networks are the same. One of the biggest differentiators is upload speed, which tops out at just 35 Mbps with companies like Comcast and Spectrum. Generally speaking, when you come across an advertised speed rating, you’re seeing the faster download speed, but AT&T is one of the few providers to offer the same ultrafast gigabyte fiber and dedicated speeds for both uploading and downloading. The same speed for uploads and downloads is commonly referred to as symmetrical speed.

Upload speeds affect your ability to transfer files and connect to servers, both of which are important for data backup and video conferencing. For media-focused businesses or any enterprise with a large in-office staff, the ability to upload large files without interruption or communicate effectively with video conferencing tools depends on fast upload speeds. That’s why AT&T’s symmetrical service, if it’s available in your area, should be at the top of your list.

You can use tools on AT&T’s website to test how your internet connection is performing. Source: AT&T

Features

You’ll be able to find many of the same connectivity features across the major business internet service providers with similar pricing in select markets. However, there are a few areas where AT&T distinguishes itself from the competition.

Symmetric Upload/Download Speeds

AT&T is unique in its ability to offer dedicated internet and fiber customers plans with the same speeds for uploading and downloading. While most major ISPs offer roughly comparable download speeds in significant markets, the same cannot be said for uploading. Comcast and Spectrum are only able to offer a maximum upload speed of 35 Mbps with any plan, while Verizon’s fastest gigabit fiber connection is limited to 880 Mbps for uploading. With AT&T, however, you’ll get an upload speed that’s just as fast as the download speed — and those speeds could reach as high as 5 Gbps, far outpacing the competition.

24/7 Security Monitoring and Ticketing

AT&T’s dedicated internet and fiber business plans feature 24/7 proactive network monitoring, cyber threat analysis and AT&T ActiveArmor to help block malicious threats from reaching your devices. We like that in the rare event of a server outage, a service ticket is automatically generated on your behalf to begin resolving the issue as quickly and transparently as possible. While some of AT&T’s peers offer security tools, we didn’t come across similar automatic ticketing. [Find out cybersecurity and risk management best practices.]

With ActiveArmor, AT&T can protect your computer network from cyberattacks. Source: AT&T

Static IP Address

With AT&T, a static IP address is a standard feature with the dedicated internet plans and an optional add-on feature with the fiber plans. Static IPs can be purchased in blocks of 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128; however, you will need three static addresses for your base address, gateway and broadcast address, meaning three of your block addresses will not be usable. Still, we like that static IP addresses are automatically included with AT&T’s dedicated internet service, as some providers charge extra for those.

Internet Backup Add-On

AT&T’s fiber customers can add an emergency backup service to their package in case of a power outage. This add-on service for fiber users keeps critical connections active through a battery-powered backup router with up to 24 hours of power. Once your fiber connection is restored, your internet service will automatically revert to its standard configuration.

FYI: AT&T’s 24-hour backup power exceeds other providers we reviewed by 8 hours, another way the company sets itself apart from rivals.

Pricing

AT&T Internet for Business is split between three product categories: dedicated internet, business fiber and wireless broadband internet. Each includes a number of tiers differentiated by speed, price, terms and available features. As with all business ISPs, your specific options and costs will depend on your service address. For the purpose of our review, we gathered pricing information from a qualifying address in Southern California.

Dedicated Internet

AT&T’s dedicated internet plans are available with symmetrical upload and download speeds, but they require a 24-month contract and prices are slightly higher with an AT&T-managed router. Add-on options include an enterprise traffic protector, SIP trunking and a cloud-based solution for voice, fax, text, audio and video communications. We appreciate that the dedicated plans also include a service-level agreement with 99.95 percent reliability and performance objectives for 100 percent uptime, data delivery and latency.

Business Fiber

The fiber internet connections are available across five plans with symmetrical maximum speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Separate enterprise solutions for businesses with multiple locations are also available. We like that the fiber plans don’t require an annual contract. Available add-ons include internet backup, voice service and cybersecurity software.

Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband offers low- and high-speed internet access through cellular networks with a hotspot or router where service is available. In many cases, speeds will slow after you reach a monthly data threshold that varies with each plan. With this product, AT&T offers discounts for autopay and paperless billing, which are reflected in our pricing chart. The routers are available starting at $12.78 per month. [Learn how to set up a hotspot and Wi-Fi for your business.]

Implementation

The implementation for AT&T’s products is usually completed within two weeks. On average, new AT&T business internet customers have their service up and running within one-and-a-half weeks, according to the product specialist we spoke with during our research. Installation usually costs $100, but the fee is often waived as part of a promotional offer.

Once the order is placed, new customers can set an appointment for installation. You can also expect to receive an email reminder about your installation and a call to register your internet so it’s ready to go on your appointment day. You’ll also receive a reminder call the day before your installation and a follow-up call the day after to make sure you’re satisfied with the installation process and internet service.

Customer Support

Support for AT&T Internet for Business is available 24/7 over the phone, chat and email. AT&T also has a self-service small business support center online, with troubleshooting tools you can use for your internet equipment and community forms where you can find information about local outages.

During our investigation, we spoke with AT&T business product specialists who were able to address all of our questions and concerns in a timely manner. We like that potential customers who want to sign up over the phone will get help identifying the optimal internet speed with the appropriate plans and terms depending on their type of business, number of employees, total locations and data consumption requirements. You can even video chat with a virtual expert for live shopping assistance. It’s also impressive that AT&T has held J.D. Power’s top ranking from 2018 to 2022 among large enterprises in Business Wireline Satisfaction Studies of customer satisfaction.

Prospective customers can get live shopping assistance from an AT&T representative over the phone or via video chat. Source: AT&T

Limitations

While AT&T’s fiber plans don’t require a long-term contract, its dedicated internet plans do. That’s a departure from competitors like Verizon, which offers flexible billing with the option for flat-rate plans, usage-based plans and a combination of the two with dynamic network management that allows self-service bandwidth adjustment.

For another comparison, AT&T’s dedicated service-level agreement of 99.95 percent falls short of Verizon, which guarantees performance and 100 percent availability. While a difference of 0.05 percent may not seem significant, any interruption in performance or service at an inopportune time could have significant financial implications for some businesses.

Also, just because AT&T’s symmetric internet speeds are stellar doesn’t mean you’ll actually be able to access them. If you operate a business in an area without fiber or reliable high-speed cable internet options, you may want to consider a satellite provider like Viasat or a wireless 5G business internet provider like Verizon instead. Learn more about satellite options in our Viasat review.

Methodology

In looking for the top internet service providers for businesses, we researched a number of vendors and analyzed their available internet speeds and types, add-on services, bundle deals, installation process, customer support options, limitations, and, of course, pricing. As part of this process, we participated in demos and spoke with product specialists when possible. Our examination led us to conclude that AT&T’s fiber and dedicated internet plans lead the industry with the best symmetrical speeds, making the company ideal for media-focused businesses or any company with demanding upload and download requirements.

Bottom Line

We recommend AT&T Internet for Business for …

• Media-focused companies and larger enterprises that want ultrafast symmetrical fiber speeds to keep work flowing smoothly.
• Any business that already uses other AT&T services.
• Organizations that cannot risk being interrupted by power outages.

We don’t recommend AT&T Internet for Business for …

• Rural businesses that likely won’t have access to the best features and speeds.
• Business owners looking for an internet plan backed by a service-level agreement or guarantee who don’t want their options limited to a top-tier dedicated internet plan.
• Companies interested in a satellite internet connection.