AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 is the superior choice for users prioritizing speed and customer service, and who are willing to pay a higher monthly price. Astound Broadband Powered by RCN is a more budget-friendly option, especially during the promotional period, but it comes with trade-offs in speed and customer service quality. Availability is a key factor for both.
| Attribute | Astound Broadband Powered by RCN | AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed (Maximum) | Up to 2 Gbps in select areas, with some locations offering up to 5 Gbps. Speeds of 300 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps are more commonly available. | Up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps), single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps |
| Upload Speed (Maximum) | Typically maxes out at 20 Mbps due to the cable connection. However, some plans and locations may offer up to 50 Mbps. Fiber plans can offer symmetrical speeds up to 1.5 Gbps. | Up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps), symmetrical upload and download speeds |
| Price per month | Starting prices vary by location and plan. Some plans start as low as $20/month, while others can range from $30 to $80 per month for internet-only. Bundles can increase the monthly price. Note that promotional pricing usually increases after 12-24 months. | $245.00 (after $10/month discount for AutoPay & Paperless billing) |
| Contract Length | Generally, Astound offers no-contract plans, allowing cancellation at any time without early termination fees. However, contract options might exist with lower introductory rates but include early termination fees. | No term contract |
| Data Caps | No data caps on any of their internet plans. | No data caps, unlimited data |
| Installation Fees | Standard installation can cost around $79.95, but discounts or promotions can reduce or waive this fee. Self-installation is often an option to avoid the fee. | May be waived, otherwise $99; Professional installation fee can be $150 |
| Equipment Fees (Router/Modem) | In some areas, equipment rental is free. In others, it can cost around $10 per month for a modem and Wi-Fi router. You can avoid these fees by using your own compatible equipment. Enhanced Whole-Home Wi-Fi can be added for an additional monthly fee ($5-$13/month). | No equipment fees, Wi-Fi Gateway (modem + router) provided at no additional cost |
| Availability in my area | Available in select areas of New York, Boston, Chicago, DC Metro, DC Anne Arundel, Lehigh Valley, and Philadelphia. To confirm availability, you can check the Astound website or call their customer service line. | Limited availability in select areas, covers just over 8 million households across approximately 100 metro areas |
| Customer Service Rating | Customer service ratings are generally below average. Some sources note difficulty reaching a real person and potential service call fees. | Prompt, friendly service, speak to a tech expert within 5 minutes or schedule a callback |
| Bundling Options (TV, Phone) | Astound offers bundling options with TV and phone services. Bundles can include a variety of channels, streaming options, and unlimited local and long-distance calling. | AT&T phone plans; $20/month discount on all fiber plans with postpaid unlimited wireless plan; Bundling with TV may offer unlimited data |
| Promotional Offers | One month of free internet service, Discounted installation fees (e.g., 50% off), Gift cards, Discounts for bundling with mobile plans, Free modem. | $200 Reward Card for new residential customers purchasing online; Visa Reward Card for new fiber customers ordering online ($50-$150); Cancellation fees paid in full when switching; Military, veterans, teachers, nurses, physicians, and PA-Cs may save 20% and get an additional $75 reward card with promo code THANKYOU75 |
| Technology Used (Fiber, Cable) | Primarily uses a cable internet network. However, it does have DSL and fiber-optic networks in select areas. | Fiber, fiber-optic cables |