How to Switch to AT&T Internet from Spectrum | AT&T Internet
How to switch to AT&T from Spectrum
The process of changing internet providers is much easier than one may think. Read on to learn how AT&T Fiber compares to Spectrum. We also provide tips for smoothly switching your internet provider from Spectrum to AT&T and answer other common questions from shoppers just like you.
Why switch to AT&T Fiber from Spectrum?
Let’s review some of the main differences between both internet service providers (ISPs). This will help you better understand how Spectrum’s internet service (sometimes called Charter Internet) compares to AT&T’s home internet plans and help you decide the best internet provider for your needs.
- Availability and coverage: The speed tiers offered by either company depend on availability in your area. Both companies have extensive nationwide reliable internet coverage. Currently, AT&T has fiber internet in 21 states, and our fiber footprint is always growing, connecting new areas with AT&T Fiber to deliver exceptionally fast and reliable internet service. Check availability at your address to see if AT&T Fiber is available at your location. Places where AT&T Fiber internet isn’t yet available will likely have access to AT&T Internet or the new AT&T Internet AirSM. Learn more about the differences between cable and fiber internet and about AT&T Internet Air.
- Pricing: Both companies offer a variety of price tiers based on the speed plan. This allows you to find an internet plan that fits your budget. In addition, with AT&T internet there’s no price increase at 12 months. With Spectrum, non-promo pricing kicks in 12 - 24 months after joining.
- Multi-gig capabilities: Both companies offer a range of speed tiers, yet AT&T’s infrastructure supports multi-gig speeds up to 5 GIG. Check for the fastest internet speed available at your location
- Download and upload capabilities: Unlike Spectrum’s internet service, where upload speeds are slower than the download speeds, AT&T Fiber internet offers equal upload and download speeds. Why is this important? Fast upload capabilities are especially important for sharing information, creating content, video conferencing, and using cloud computing.
The choice is simple
AT&T Fiber | Spectrum | Xfinity | |
|---|---|---|---|
Fastest speed available | 5 GIG Internet | 1 GIG Internet | 2 GIG Internet |
100% fiber network | |||
Equal upload & download speeds | |||
Unlimited internet data included | |||
No annual contract | |||
Equipment fee included |
What should I know before switching internet service providers?
There are several great reasons to switch your internet service from Spectrum to AT&T.
There’s no annual contract for AT&T Fiber internet
When you sign up for AT&T Fiber internet service, you won’t be locked into an annual contract.
No surprise price increase at 12 months
Unlike other internet service providers, your AT&T internet bill will not increase at 12 months.
Deals and promotions
Get the added convenience and savings of having your internet and wireless service from one provider. Wireless and internet are billed separately. Learn more about how the bundle discount works. Check out other great deals from AT&T
Free Spectrum equipment return
You’ll need to return Spectrum’s leased internet equipment to them (just drop it off at any The UPS Store location, and they’ll pack it up and ship it for free). AT&T provides its own advanced equipment designed to work seamlessly with its internet network. Learn more about AT&T internet equipment
Installation
Installing AT&T internet service is simple and easy, with two options available:
- New AT&T customers joining AT&T Fiber internet: Unless your house already has fiber cables installed (say from previous residents), all new customers need an AT&T technician to install it professionally at no cost if you order online.
- New AT&T customers joining AT&T Internet (non-Fiber):
- Option #1: Install it yourself using the self-install kit. Self-install is a good option if your residence recently had AT&T services and you’re comfortable setting up your equipment. Learn more about setting up your home internet with the AT&T Smart Home Manager app
- Option #2: Have a technician professionally install it for free.
Here’s what to expect from the technician’s visit:
- The technician ensures the installation is done correctly and the internet works smoothly.
- The duration of the technician’s visit is about four to six hours.
- During the visit, the technician will determine the best location to install the AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway in your home. Then, the technician will check to see if you need a new fiber service line set down and extended inside the home to the gateway. The new fiber service line is usually buried shortly after the installation.
- Keep in mind that someone at least 18 years of age will need to be present for the installation, as the technician may need access to your backyard and inside your house.
Learn more about what to expect from a technician installation in this video
How to determine if AT&T internet service is right for me?
Now that we’ve covered the main differences between both companies' internet services, we recommend factoring in the following to determine if AT&T home internet is right for you.
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Find out if AT&T internet service is available in your area: First, you’ll want to find out if AT&T is available in your area. You can check this by entering your address in AT&T’s tool to see the results. As mentioned earlier, if AT&T Fiber internet service hasn’t yet arrived in your area, you’ll likely have access to AT&T Internet or AT&T Internet Air. AT&T is diligently working on reaching new areas, so if you want to get notified when AT&T Fiber arrives at your location, visit https://www.att.com/internet/fiber-is-coming/
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Determine the maximum speed available in your area: If AT&T is available in your area, we'll offer you the best speed at the best price possible at your address. Our fiber network has two varieties, with one capable of up to 1 GIG and the other capable of up to 5 GIG. This means, some fiber-eligible customer locations will be limited to 1 GIG. Spectrum, on the other hand, only offers speeds up to 1 GIG as their broadband network is a hybrid of fiber and coaxial cable internet network.
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Evaluate your internet use habits and needs: It’s important to understand your internet usage habits and needs to accurately determine which network and speed would be most beneficial to you. If you have access to Spectrum cable internet and AT&T Fiber internet, consider the following:
- Cable internet is ideal for everyday browsing, streaming, and downloading.
- Fiber internet is more beneficial if you rely on symmetrical download and upload speeds for activities like streaming in 4K, gaming, content creation, and cloud backup. Another benefit is that fiber offers greater bandwidth, allowing more users and devices to connect simultaneously.
If you’ve determined that AT&T internet service is available in your area, follow these steps to switch from Spectrum to AT&T:
- First, cancel your Spectrum internet plan. Call Spectrum customer service at 1.833.267.6094 and choose a cancellation date.
- Next, pick an AT&T home internet plan available at your location based on your pricing preferences and usage needs. Learn more about AT&T home internet plans
- Lastly, call our agents at 855.396.8868 to order your AT&T home internet and set a date and time for installation.
The reviews are in
Lightning fast
Exceptionally fast internet, no problems. And for the speed, very reasonably priced.
-Mikeydude
Loving it
Best internet service we’ve ever had. No regrets in switching to AT&T Fiber!
-Paula
Excellent Internet Service
The set up was a breeze. The connection is so far good. There was a follow up call from AT&T personnel checking about the connectivity. I would definitely recommend this internet service.
-Anish555
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