AT&T Internet for Seniors
AT&T offers fiber internet plans with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, no contracts, and no data caps.
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SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
AT&T offers internet plans with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps (5 gigs), depending on your location. Compared to most other internet providers, AT&T is more expensive, with plans starting at $55 per month. Still, as a long-time AT&T customer, I can attest to AT&T’s substantial nationwide network, great sign-up perks, and bundling options. The company offers a wide variety of services, which makes them stand out in a hyper-competitive market.
With these points in mind, I’ll discuss AT&T fiber and fixed wireless internet plans that offer the best value and features for older adults. Read on to learn why AT&T is one of the best internet providers for seniors and discover if they’re right for you. We’ll also cover ways to save more with AT&T, either through bundling or affordable plans.
About AT&T
AT&T is a familiar telecommunications company in American households. Its roots date to Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone in 1876. Since then, they have followed every major evolution of communication technology development and grown into an established company. The provider offers high-speed, fiber internet and communication networks in 21 states — with the most extensive coverage in California, Texas, and Florida.
They pride themselves on being the largest communications company in the world based on revenue by providing service to over 190 million customers in the United States alone while also offering services in Latin America. Notably, AT&T is the internet and connectivity provider for almost all Fortune 1000 companies.1
Pros About AT&T Internet
- Fast connection speeds: AT&T offers some of the fastest internet connection speeds on the market (up to 5 gigs).
- Unlimited data: There are no data caps with AT&T’s fiber plans, meaning you can stream, chat, and browse as much as you’d like with no overage fees or decrease in speeds.
- No annual contracts: Not having a contract means you can change your plans as your needs change. Also, if you move, you will not have to pay cancellation charges or early termination fees.
- No promotional pricing: Many providers offer promotional rates that increase after 12 months. AT&T doesn’t do this, so you won’t have to worry about price hikes. Remember that AT&T can change their prices anytime; however, they won’t automatically increase them after the first year.
- Veteran and military discounts: To show their appreciation, AT&T offers up to 25 percent discounts to eligible Veterans and military members as a show of appreciation.
- No price increases: AT&T doesn’t increase prices at 12 months like other providers.
Cons About AT&T Internet
- Available in only 21 states: AT&T currently operates in only 21 states, with California, Texas, and Florida having the most coverage.
- Added fees: Although prices start at $55 per month, AT&T also charges taxes and installation fees, so your bill might be higher than the listed price.
- Limited speeds available: Not all of AT&T’s advertised speeds are available in all locations. Internet speeds depend on your proximity to AT&T centers and service areas. Make sure you check to see the availability in your area.
AT&T Internet Plans at a Glance
Almost all of AT&T’s Internet plans start at $55 per month for the first 12 months, plus taxes, fees, and an equipment fee of $10 per month. The exception is fixed wireless plans. The difference in each plan is how fast the internet connection is. Your geographic location will determine the availability of internet speed and connection type.
Plan | Download Speed | Starting Price | Connection Type |
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AT&T Fiber Plans | 300 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps | $55+ per month | Fiber |
AT&T Internet | Up to 100 Mbps | $55 per month | Broadband |
AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet | 25 Mbps (average) | $59.99 per month | Fixed Wireless |
AT&T offers a variety of internet plans, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Which AT&T Internet Plan Is Best for Seniors?
AT&T Internet 300: Best for Heavy Internet Users and Large Households
AT&T’s Internet 300 plan runs on a fast and reliable fiber connection. These consistent speeds can support over 11 devices at once. The biggest drawback is that AT&T’s fiber plans have somewhat limited availability compared to the provider’s other plans. The starting price is $55 monthly, plus taxes and fees (including $99 for professional installation). That’s some solid bang for your buck!
The AT&T Fiber Internet 300 plan is a good option for older adults who use the internet multiple times a day for many tasks, such as emails, downloading videos and movies, streaming music and television, and making video calls. This plan is superb for older adults who host friends and family often, as several users can be online at once without any issues. With this service, you’ll also get unlimited data, so you won’t have to worry about overage fees.
For comparison, other companies we’ve reviewed (like Xfinity) have the same download speed of up to 300 Mbps at a similar price but in cable form, which is less reliable than fiber. Compared to other fiber internet providers, such as Verizon, with plans starting at $49.99 per month for up to 300 Mbps, AT&T is a bit more expensive. Don’t forget that you can download the free Smart Home Manager app on your mobile device to check for nearby outages and get WiFi help.
AT&T Internet 100: Best for Light Internet Users and Couples
If you live somewhere fiber isn’t available but still want an AT&T plan, the company’s broadband plans may be a good option. These plans offer download speeds up to 100 Mbps, depending on location. It’s perfect for older adults who want to connect with their family on social networks, download music, or stream movies and television on a few devices. You can connect up to 10 devices with this plan, stream videos in HD, and share large files with the family.
Again, the speeds available will vary depending on your geographic location, and prices start at $55 monthly. In terms of value, AT&T’s broadband plans offer decent value if 100 Mbps speeds are available in your area.
Senior Discounts for AT&T Internet Plans
AT&T does not currently provide senior-specific discounts or plans for internet service. However, they do have a few programs offering savings to eligible seniors.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward the internet bill for low-income households or up to $75 off your monthly bill for those who live on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligibility requirements for the ACP include:
- Income of 200 percent or less than the federal poverty guideline
- One household member who participates in any of the following programs:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- SSI
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs
Check out our video below to learn more about the ACP.
Access from AT&T
Access from AT&T is an internet plan that provides low-cost internet services to low-income households. If you are eligible for the federal ACP, you are eligible for Access from AT&T! This includes all of the perks from AT&T, such as free installation and in-home Wi-Fi, no contract, and no deposit. This plan costs $30 per month or less, depending on the speeds available where you live. Download speeds can reach up to 100 Mbps in some areas. Those speeds are more than adequate for smaller households or people who only use the internet sparsely. Eligibility requirements include participating in one of the following programs:
- Medicaid
- Lifeline
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Nutritional Access Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (California residents only)
How to Get the Most From an AT&T Internet Plan
AT&T provides several perks for their customers, including antivirus software, an AT&T Internet Security Suite powered by McAfee, and Wi-Fi hotspot access in more than 30,000 locations nationwide, so you remain connected when you travel.
Another great way to get the most out of your AT&T plan is by bundling TV. You can also check out our guide to the internet for seniors, which covers getting the best deals, the top providers, tips for staying safe online, and more.
Did You Know? Scammers can target and steal your information online even with a reliable internet provider like AT&T. Check out our guide to common security slip-ups to avoid on social media to help you stay safe.
DIRECTV and AT&T Internet Bundles
Many older adults use the TV for news, information, and entertainment in addition to the internet. If you bundle your TV and internet services with AT&T, you can save on your monthly bill compared to paying for them separately.
DIRECTV offers satellite and streaming TV packages with up to 330 channels, depending on the chosen package. These packages can be bundled with AT&T’s fiber internet plans, starting at $119.99 per month for the first year, with auto and paperless billing discount. You’ll also have access to more than 80,000 on-demand shows and movies. Additionally, you can record your favorite shows to watch later with cloud storage. Whether you’re having a movie night with friends or watching a show with the kiddos, adding a DIRECTV package to your internet plan drastically ups the entertainment options available.
Many of these bundles also come with three months of free access to premium movie channels like SHOWTIME, Cinemax, HBO Max, STARZ, and EPIX. One thing to remember is that bundles require a two-year agreement for DIRECTV. If you’re okay with committing long-term, the perks are worth it in our book. To learn more about DIRECTV’s packages, visit our DIRECTV review.
AT&T Versus the Competition
If you’re just looking for a simple internet plan for basic activities such as emailing and light web browsing, you may benefit from comparing plans with lower speeds; there’s no need to pay for more speed or features than you need. A few providers offer the same or faster speeds for lower prices. However, they may require a contract or increase speeds after the promotional period ends. Below is a comparison of basic internet plans from AT&T and other leading providers.
Internet Starter Plan Comparison
Provider | Price | Speed | Contract requirements |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T Internet 100 | $55 per month | Up to 100 Mbps | No contract required |
Cox Go Fast | $49.99 per month with a 2-year price lock | Up to 100 Mbps | No contract required |
Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) | $40 per month for the first two years ($35 per month with mobile plans) | Up to 300 Mbps | No contract required |
The Bottom Line
AT&T’s internet plans start at $55 per month, plus taxes. Keep in mind that available speeds and prices will vary by location. AT&T’s fiber internet plans provide value to heavy internet users or older adults who often entertain friends and family. Once you get into AT&T’s fixed wireless plans, the value of their plans begins to decrease, as plans from other providers offer the same speeds at lower prices. One shouldn’t overlook the value of their fiber plans, however. The lack of long-term contracts shouldn’t be understated either. Older adults who love to watch TV and movies will find the best value by bundling their services with one of AT&T’s internet and DIRECTV bundles.
Frequently Asked Questions About AT&T
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How can I tell which AT&T internet plans and speeds are available in my area?
You can find the speeds AT&T offers in your area by visiting their website and entering your address.
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Can I install AT&T myself?
Yes. You can order a free self-installation kit with your AT&T internet service.
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Does AT&T offer unlimited data with their internet plans?
AT&T’s fiber internet plans offer unlimited data, while their fixed wireless plans include 350 GB of data monthly.
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How much does AT&T internet cost after 12 months?
AT&T’s internet plans start at $55 monthly plus taxes, fees, and installation.
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What are AT&T’s bill payment options?
AT&T has several options to pay your bill. You can pay online and even set up automatic payments through their website. You can also pay your bill by phone, mail, or in person.
AT&T. (2022). Investor Profile.
AT&T. (2022). Coverage Map.