AT&T offers a range of internet speeds, with their fiber optic internet (AT&T Fiber) being their fastest and most widespread offering.

Here are the typical speeds you can expect from AT&T, depending on the technology available at your location:

• AT&T Fiber (most common and fastest):
  • 300 Mbps (download and upload) - Good for most households with multiple users and streaming.
  • 500 Mbps (download and upload) - Ideal for larger households, serious streaming, and online gaming.
  • 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps) (download and upload) - Their most popular gigabit speed, suitable for heavy internet users, many connected devices, and 4K streaming.
  • 2 Gig (2,000 Mbps) (download and upload) - For intensely connected homes and pro-level use.
  • 5 Gig (5,000 Mbps) (download and upload) - Their absolute fastest plan, available in select areas, designed for cutting-edge technology and maximum performance.
    
  Key advantage of AT&T Fiber: These plans offer symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speeds are as fast as your download speeds. This is a huge benefit for video conferencing, online gaming, and uploading large files.
  
• AT&T Internet Air (5G Home Internet):
  • Typically offers speeds between 90-300 Mbps. This is a fixed wireless internet service delivered over AT&T's 5G network, often available in areas where fiber isn't.
    
• AT&T Internet (IPBB/DSL hybrid):
  • Offers speeds up to 100 Mbps. This uses a combination of fiber and traditional copper lines and is generally slower than full fiber or 5G home internet. In some very limited areas, even lower speeds might be available (e.g., 25 Mbps). AT&T is phasing out pure DSL.
    

Important Notes:

• Availability Varies: The speeds and types of internet service available from AT&T depend entirely on your specific address. AT&T is rapidly expanding its fiber network, but it's not everywhere yet.
• "Up to" Speeds: Advertised speeds are "up to" maximums and can be affected by factors like your equipment, home network, and network congestion. Wired connections generally provide the fastest and most consistent speeds.
  
• No Data Caps or Contracts (on Fiber): AT&T Fiber plans typically come with unlimited data and no annual contracts. Lower-tier "AT&T Internet" plans might have data caps.

Spectrum Internet generally includes the modem at no extra cost, which is the device that connects your home to Spectrum's internet network. However, whether Wi-Fi (wireless internet) is included for free or at an additional cost depends on your specific Spectrum Internet plan and any current promotions.

Here's a breakdown:

• Modem: Spectrum provides a compatible modem with your internet service at no additional monthly charge. You can also use your own compatible modem, but many customers opt for Spectrum's provided modem since there's no rental fee.
  
• WiFi (Router): This is where it varies:
  • Spectrum Advanced WiFi: This is Spectrum's managed Wi-Fi service, which includes a Wi-Fi router.
    
    • Included with Spectrum Internet Gig: If you subscribe to Spectrum's highest speed tier, Internet Gig (1 Gbps), then Spectrum Advanced WiFi (and the router) is typically included at no extra cost.
      
    • Additional $10/month for other plans: For most other Spectrum Internet plans (like Internet Premier or Advantage), Spectrum Advanced WiFi usually costs an additional $10 per month.
      
    • Bundles: If you bundle your Internet plan with Spectrum TV or Mobile, Spectrum Advanced WiFi might be included at no additional cost or at a reduced rate.
      
  • Using Your Own Router: You always have the option to purchase and use your own Wi-Fi router. If you do this, you won't incur the $10/month fee for Spectrum Advanced WiFi. This can be a good long-term cost-saving measure.

In summary:

• Modem: Always included at no extra charge.
• WiFi:
  • Included for free with Spectrum Internet Gig.
  • Costs an additional $10/month for most other plans (unless bundled with TV/Mobile).
  • You can avoid the Wi-Fi fee by providing your own router.

Yes, AT&T does offer prepaid internet options, primarily through mobile hotspots and data-only plans for tablets/hotspot devices. These are different from their fixed-line home internet services like AT&T Fiber or Internet Air, which are typically post-paid.

Here's how AT&T's prepaid internet generally works:

• Mobile Hotspots (Devices): You purchase a mobile hotspot device (like the AT&T Turbo Hotspot) and then add a prepaid data plan to it. These devices create a Wi-Fi signal using AT&T's cellular network (4G LTE or 5G, depending on the device and plan), allowing multiple devices to connect.
  
• Data-Only Plans: AT&T offers prepaid data-only plans specifically designed for tablets and mobile hotspot devices. These plans come with a set amount of high-speed data for a specific period (e.g., 30 days).
  
  • Data Allotments: Plans vary in data caps, such as 15GB, 50GB, or 100GB per month. There are also sometimes annual plans that offer a certain amount of data spread out over 12 months for a lump sum payment.
    
  • No Contract: The key benefit is that these are prepaid, meaning no annual contracts or credit checks. You pay upfront for the data you want to use.
  • Flexibility: You can recharge your data as needed.
    

Important Considerations:

• Data Caps: Unlike AT&T Fiber, these prepaid mobile internet options generally have data caps. If you exceed your data allotment, your speeds will be slowed significantly or cut off until you purchase more data or your next billing cycle begins.
• Speeds: Speeds depend on AT&T's cellular network coverage in your area (4G LTE or 5G) and can vary. They typically won't be as consistently fast or as low-latency as AT&T Fiber.
  
• Not a Replacement for Traditional Home Internet: While useful for portability or as a backup, these prepaid hotspot plans are usually not designed to replace a primary home internet connection for heavy daily usage due to data caps and potential speed fluctuations.