AT&T Internet’s IPBB and fixed wireless plans are mostly available in rural and suburban areas, while fiber and 5G home internet offerings tend to be in the urban landscape. AT&T Fiber offers impressive symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps on a fiber network, but availability varies from city to city. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN’s cable connections are widely available in rural, suburban areas. In addition, it retains an edge when it comes to pricing thanks to cable internet plans that are more affordable than those offered by AT&T.
AT&T vs. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN
Compare AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Internet Service in 2024
7 Plans Available
price range
$55 - $245/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps
- IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless
- Unlimited Data
19 Plans Available
price range
$20 - $350/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps
- Cable, Fiber, Copper
- Unlimited Data
Learn more about AT&T and RCN:
AT&T has 7 plans:
RCN has 19 plans:
Learn more about AT&T and RCN
AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN are among the leading internet service providers (ISPs) in the nation. AT&T offers high-speed internet options that rely on internet protocol broadband (IPBB), fixed wireless, 5G home internet, and fiber connections. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN primarily offers cable internet plans that pair great with bundle options. AT&T and Astound Broadband Powered by RCN share some similarities, but they have key differences that we’ve outlined below.
AT&T vs RCN: Best Deals
Internet Deals
AT&T typically runs ongoing promotions that include reward cards, free equipment, and other perks. On the other hand, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers more affordable prices upfront than AT&T Internet. Its deals sometimes include free installation when you order online.
Pros and Cons By Provider
Pros and Cons By Provider
AT&T Pros
- Extensive coverage
- Multiple fiber plans
- Ongoing promotions
- Reputable customer service
AT&T Cons
- Slow IPBB and fixed wireless speeds
- Fiber is not available in the entire footprint
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Pros
- No required contracts
- Robust bundle options
- No data caps
- Reliable cable network
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Cons
- Prices and plans vary by location
- Limited availability
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Leads With the Best Bundles
Both AT&T and RCN let you combine multiple services as a bundle and save money along the way. AT&T, for example, allows you to combine your internet services with its widespread cellular network for immediate savings. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN offers TV plans in-house, making it more of a full-spectrum bundle provider. In addition, RCN offers more affordable packages for Triple Play bundles featuring TV, phone, and internet services.
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Pulls Slightly Ahead When It Comes to Fees
Both Providers Offer Free Installation
AT&T gives you the option to save money by self-installing most of their internet plans. However, some of its higher-tiered plans will cost you a one-time fee of $99. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN also offers free installation for their internet plans.
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Doesn’t Have Data Caps
AT&T doesn’t impose data caps on its fiber or 5G home internet plans, but it does have a limit of 350 GB per month for its fixed wireless plan and a 1.5 TB data cap for its IPBB plans. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN doesn’t have data caps on any of its plans.
AT&T and RCN Measure Similarly in Customer Satisfaction
AT&T Internet has received praise for being responsive and helpful in its customer service, but complaints about its growing prices are common, as well. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN customers are generally happy with its service, but customers have mentioned difficulty continuing their service when moving.
AT&T vs. RCN Internet Review
We asked BroadbandNow users to review AT&T based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.
BroadbandNow readers submitted 3181 for AT&T. AT&T earned an average score of 3.36 out of 5.
We asked BroadbandNow users to review RCN based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.
BroadbandNow readers submitted 334 for RCN. RCN earned an average score of 3.66 out of 5.