The Hidden Costs of AT&T Internet
We've dug through the fine print to find hidden fees on your AT&T internet plan.
Unlike many internet providers, AT&T’s internet plans come with straightforward prices that don’t raise after a promotional period. (AT&T customers are likely relieved that they don’t have to haggle with their internet provider for lower prices every 12 months.)
Plus, AT&T’s fiber internet prices already include equipment rental, which most providers hide or try to tack on after the fact.
But that doesn’t mean AT&T is entirely free of hidden fees. From late payment penalties to data overage charges, your AT&T bill may include some fine-print expenses if you’re not careful with your internet service.
Let’s dive in and break down what to expect and look for when it comes to hidden fees on your AT&T monthly bill.
AT&T internet plans and prices: no secret rate hikes
| Package name | Price* | Download speeds up to | Connection type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | $55.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber | |
| Internet 500 | $65.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber | |
| 1 Gig Internet | $80.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber | |
| 2 Gig Internet | $125.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber | |
| 5 Gig Internet | $225.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Plus taxes. Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies.
AT&T’s internet plans don’t use promotional pricing, so you don’t have to worry about the prices going up after the first or second year. AT&T prices are still subject to change occasionally, though, so don’t expect to pay these same prices for your entire lifetime.
Also, since AT&T’s internet plans don’t require an annual contract, you won’t have to worry about paying an early termination fee if you have to move or want to switch providers. That flexibility is a big plus when you don’t want to make a long-term commitment.
Hidden costs of AT&T internet plans
AT&T hidden costs tend to fall into three categories: installation, equipment, data fees, and billing fees. Most of these fees can be avoided if you’re careful to return equipment after you end your AT&T service, stay within data limits, and pay your AT&T bill on time.
AT&T installation fee: free self-install, $99 for professional installation
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Self-installation fee | Included |
| Technician installation fee | $99.00 |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change.
Most of the time, it’s a snap to install your AT&T internet. AT&T doesn’t charge you for installation if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and DIY it.
But if you end up needing help from a professional, you’ll have to pay $99 for AT&T’s technician to come out and help.
AT&T equipment fees: Wi-Fi gateway included, Wi-Fi extenders $10/mo.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi gateway fee | Included |
| Wi-Fi extender fee | $10.00/mo. |
| Non-return equipment fee for AT&T Gateway | $150.00 |
| Non-return equipment fee for Wi-Fi extenders | $65.00 per device |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change.
Your AT&T internet requires an AT&T Wi-Fi gateway to connect your home to the internet and set up a wireless network. We’re impressed that AT&T has included the equipment in its normal monthly price—most other providers slap on an extra fee (as much as $14 per month).
If your home is especially large or prone to Wi-Fi dead spots, consider AT&T’s Wi-Fi extenders. Each device adds a $10 a month rental fee to your bill, but even one will increase your Wi-Fi coverage by 1,000 square feet.
And when you eventually leave AT&T service, make sure to return your devices to avoid those hefty non-return fees.
AT&T data overage fee: $10 per 50 GB data
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Data overage on select plans | $10.00 per 50 GB data (up to $100.00/mo.) |
| Unlimited data for select plans | $30.00/mo. |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change.
Many AT&T plans come with unlimited data, but there are a few plans on AT&T’s DSL-hybrid network that have 1 TB data caps.
If you go over your data cap, you’ll have to pay $10 for every additional block of 50 GB data you use. So, if you use 51 GB over your data cap, that’s $20. Yikes! At least the highest amount AT&T can charge you in overage fees is $100 per month.
To avoid these charges, you can pay an extra $30 per month up front for unlimited data. But most people won’t go over 1 TB—we can help you check the math if you’re worried. Plus, as of August 2023, AT&T no longer offers DSL plans to new customers. This means that all AT&T plans now have unlimited data.
AT&T late fee: up to $9.99
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Late payment fee | Up to $9.99 |
| Nonsufficient funds fee | Up to $30.00 per check |
| Payment convenience fee | Up to $5.00 per payment |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change.
AT&T charges up to $9.99 for late payments. And if you pay by check and the check bounces, you may have to pay up to $30. Want to call in and pay over the phone? Expect to pay a $5 fee each time.
AutoPay is definitely the way to go with AT&T—you save $5 per month when you sign up for AutoPay and Paperless bills. These options are such no-brainers that all the prices we show for AT&T on CableTV.com already include this discount.
What do real AT&T customers think about AT&T’s fees?
As part of CableTV.com’s annual Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey, we talked to hundreds of real AT&T customers to get their thoughts on their internet provider. While AT&T is generally a strong performer when it comes to customer service, subscribers are less charitable about AT&T’s fees and prices. Subscribers rated AT&T 10th overall for value compared to the competition.
Although AT&T doesn’t have 12-month price increases, it doesn’t prevent the ISP from occasionally raising prices for its cell phone or internet plans. For customers like one CableTV.com survey respondent, price hikes combined with promos expiring can lead to a huge price hike:
[AT&T's] reliable but expensive. Lost all of my promotions and fees[— my bill] increased from $135 to $211 a month.
AT&T hidden fees FAQ
Does AT&T add taxes and fees?
AT&T may add taxes based on your location. Other fees to look out for on your AT&T internet service include installation, equipment, data overage, and late payment fees.
Does AT&T raise prices after 12 months?
Your AT&T Fiber plan has straightforward pricing that won’t jump after 12 months of service. And while AT&T Fiber may raise its prices occasionally, it tends to make those announcements in advance
Does AT&T charge extra fees?
AT&T Fiber prices are fairly transparent thanks to its included equipment and self-installation fee. Though, you may run into some expenses if you forget to pay your bill or return your equipment.
Why is my AT&T bill so high?
If you’re shocked to see a hefty AT&T bill, it could be due to data overage fees or additional charges like taxes. We recommend looking at your billing statement in detail through the AT&T online account management portal. Then, visit our AT&T Customer Service guide for ways to contact an AT&T rep.
