Spectrum mobile vs AT&T Cell Phone Plans: Which is Better

When it comes to data plans and mobile internet access, carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum Mobile are some top options. While internet speed is important, having them at a fair price is also a consideration. This comparison of Spectrum Mobile vs AT&T cell phone plans aims to help consumers decide on the best option for their needs. AT&T is known for its high-cost monthly plans on average. Spectrum Mobile offers two affordable plan options starting at $15 but requires Spectrum Internet customers. You also need to take into consideration their internet speed details. For more cell phone plans from other top carriers, let’s explore their similarities, differences, and the best option for you.

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Spectrum Mobile Overview

Spectrum Mobile, launched in 2018, is an MVNO on Verizon’s network that offers access to over 500,000 WiFi hotspots nationwide. It offers plans that are $20 cheaper per month than AT&T’s unlimited plan, but for non-Staybridge Internet customers, T-Mobile is a top choice for prepaid and postpaid plans.

MVNOs like Straight Talk also offer lower costs. Spectrum Mobile has no data caps, contracts, or modem rental fees. But can be complicated due to bundled rates that can increase by 50% or more after the first year.

To qualify, customers must be Spectrum Internet customers, sign up for automatic payments, and meet Spectrum’s credit requirements. Despite some improvement areas, Spectrum Mobile is a solid option for those already using Spectrum Internet.

Spectrum Mobile Pros and Cons

Pros:

There are no data caps.
No contracts are required.
Over 500,000 WiFi hotspots across the US help reduce data usage.
All plans include unlimited talk and text.
Pricing is affordable.
Cancellation policies are flexible.
The coverage is reliable, using Verizon’s network.
Speeds are consistent across its service areas.

Cons:

International use incurs high fees.
Upload speeds are slow.
The pricing structure is complicated.
Only two plan options are available.
Customer satisfaction ratings are below average.
You must be a Spectrum Internet customer.
Prices increase significantly after the promotional period.
An additional $20 per month is charged if you cancel Spectrum Internet service.

AT&T Cell Phone Plans Overview

Founded in 1877, AT&T Mobility has its roots in the creation of the telephone. The original AT&T monopoly was broken up in 1982, giving rise to the current AT&T and Verizon, which were originally known as American Telephone and Telegraph.

With speeds of up to 100 Mbps, AT&T’s hybrid-fiber service is branded as “AT&T Internet.” AT&T maintains there are no data caps on higher connections, but for speeds below this, it does.

2020 saw AT&T launch fixed wireless internet in place of its previous, slower DSL service, which it had been selling to new subscribers.

AT&T has been a significant player in cellular communications since the early 2000s. Known as Cingular at first, it changed its name multiple times until becoming AT&T Mobility.

While video, phone, and broadband services are available on the AT&T website, TV and internet package discounts are not available. Those who only require broadband will benefit from this price approach.

Currently, AT&T provides prepaid services in addition to contract postpaid services for its consumers. Here, postpaid services will be the main focus, in contrast to Spectrum, which does not provide prepaid options.

AT&T Pros and Cons

Pros:

AT&T offers extremely fast fiber connections.
Most plans do not have data caps.
TV streaming is included with unlimited plans.
High-speed downloads are available.
AT&T supports eSim compatibility.
Family plans offer numerous advantages.
Discounts are available for multiple lines.
No contracts are required.

Cons:

Service can be slow or unavailable in rural areas.
Plans tend to be more expensive than those of other carriers.
The fiber network has a limited footprint.
Unlimited plans have a low data deprioritization limit.
There are no discounts for bundling services.

Spectrum Mobile vs AT&T: Plan Comparison

Package	AT&T Price	AT&T Speed	AT&T Type	Spectrum Price	Spectrum Speed	Spectrum Type
Entry-Level	–	–	–	Spectrum Internet® Assist: $24.99/mo.*	Up to 50Mbps	(wireless speeds may vary)
Mid-Tier 1	Internet 300: $55.00/mo.*	300Mbps	Fiber	Spectrum Internet® 100: $29.99/mo.*	Up to 100Mbps	(wireless speeds may vary)
Mid-Tier 2	Internet 500: $65.00/mo.*	500Mbps	Fiber	Spectrum Internet®: $39.99–$49.99/mo.† for 12 mos.	Up to 300Mbps	(wireless speeds may vary)
High-Tier 1	Internet 1 Gig: $80.00/mo.†	1,000Mbps	Fiber	Spectrum Internet® Ultra: $49.99–$69.99/mo.‡ for 24 mos.	Up to 500Mbps	(wireless speeds may vary)
High-Tier 2	Internet 2 Gig: $150.00/mo.†	2,000Mbps	Fiber	Spectrum Internet® Gig: $59.99–$79.99/mo.‡ for 24 mos.	Up to 1,000Mbps	(wireless speeds may vary)
Top-Tier	Internet 5 Gig: $250.00/mo.†	5,000Mbps	Fiber	–	–	–
Alternative	Internet Air: $55.00/mo.‡	75–225Mbps	Fixed Wireless/5G	–	–	–

A guide: Can I build Wi-Fi into my home network?

Spectrum mobile vs AT&T Cell Phone Plans: Similarities

Spectrum Mobile and AT&T provide nationwide coverage for 4G LTE and 5G networks. They include some hotspot data with their unlimited plans, allowing you to share your mobile data with several devices.

Neither company includes additional advantages such as streaming services in their cell phone plans. Both have limited international capabilities as compared to other postpaid providers. AT&T’s foreign coverage is more broad than that of Spectrum Mobile, with a focus on Latin America.

Both Spectrum Mobile and AT&T provide early phone upgrades, allowing you to receive the latest smartphones sooner. These characteristics make both alternatives appealing to consumers seeking dependable coverage and straightforward plans with no extras.

Spectrum Mobile vs AT&T Cell Phone Plans: Differences

Spectrum Mobile is an MVNO that rents network infrastructure from Verizon, while AT&T owns its infrastructure and offers unlimited data. Spectrum Mobile plans are only available to Spectrum cable and internet customers, while AT&T offers multi-line discounts and a flat rate per line.

AT&T does not include taxes and fees in its plan pricing, while Spectrum Mobile plans do. Spectrum is a major ISP with over 32 million subscribers, serving 102.7 million customers in almost every state.

AT&T outruns Spectrum Mobile in terms of mobile coverage, covering 14 states and serving 122.8 million people. AT&T offers more plan options and bundling deals for internet and TV services, with AT&T’s bundles offering higher speeds and more options. S

Spectrum Mobile may save customers $20 or more monthly but may sacrifice some perks and customer service quality. Both providers are not perfect, with Spectrum Mobile being only available to Spectrum Internet subscribers and lacking features compared to low-cost alternatives like Straight Talk or TracFone.

Spectrum Mobile vs AT&T Cell Phone Plans Review

Spectrum Mobile and AT&T are two internet service providers that give varied levels of service based on the amount of service available at home. AT&T’s fiber plans start at $55 for 300 Mbps and go up to $250 for 5 Gbps, while Spectrum has fewer options with speeds ranging from $49.99 for 200 Mbps to $109.99 for 940 Mbps. Both carriers have significant overlap in places such as California, Texas, and New York, with AT&T focusing on urban areas.

Spectrum does not charge a modem cost but does charge a WiFi access fee. They also encourage self-installation with lower-cost kits while offering professional installation when needed. Both carriers do not charge early termination fees for their internet packages; however, AT&T’s plans are mostly month-to-month, whereas Spectrum requires a one-month commitment for a reduced price.

Customer satisfaction polls reveal that both AT&T and Spectrum perform well, with AT&T scoring higher in speed, price, and customer service, while Spectrum excels in dependability but scores lower in price satisfaction. AT&T gives savings on wireless contracts when combined with fiber internet, but Spectrum does not provide cheap bundles but does offer lower pricing for TV and internet services for the first year.

AT&T and Spectrum both provide unlimited data on most plans, although AT&T’s Fixed Wireless Internet plan includes a data cap of 350GB and a $10 overage fee for each 50 GB. Spectrum may impose data limitations in the future due to an agreement with the FCC to avoid data caps expiring in May 2023.

In terms of installation, Spectrum provides better bargains with cheaper self-install kits, although AT&T occasionally waives installation fees. Spectrum serves 39% of the US population, with extensive coverage in New York, California, and Texas.

Conclusions Verdict: Which is Better, Spectrum Mobile or AT&T?

AT&T is a better option for individuals or homes looking for fast, symmetrical speeds at a reasonable price without data limitations or commitments. However, their DSL service is poor and unsuitable for the price. Spectrum is a better option, with fast speeds at competitive prices and cost-effective plans. If you already have Spectrum Internet, switching from AT&T to Spectrum is worthwhile because it provides unlimited plans on the nation’s best network for $20 less per month.

When comparing AT&T fiber to Spectrum cable, AT&T provides better service with symmetrical upload and download speeds and is less expensive than Spectrum’s cable options with speeds more than 300 Mbps. However, if you only purchase AT&T’s hybrid-fiber bundle, you would face data caps, making Spectrum’s cable option more enticing.

Keep an eye on Spectrum’s progress; with the appropriate changes, they might become a top bargain in cellular service. If you have access to AT&T’s fiber-optic plans, Spectrum is an excellent choice. Other MVNOs or T-Mobile may offer better value to clients who do not have Spectrum Internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AT&T more affordable than Spectrum?

AT&T can be less expensive than Spectrum if you have access to their fiber-optic plans, which provide greater speeds at lower pricing than Spectrum’s cable plans. However, if just AT&T’s DSL service is available, Spectrum is the best option.

Is Specrum faster than AT&T Internet Speed?

AT&T fiber internet connections are typically faster than Spectrum cable internet speeds. Spectrum’s speeds, on the other hand, are more constant across its service region, and none of their plans include data caps, as opposed to AT&T’s DSL service.