Is AT&T Internet Air good?
AT&T’s the latest provider to get into 5G home internet, but Internet Air’s not necessarily playing the same game as Verizon or T-Mobile.
With its limited download speeds and lack of discounts, Internet Air won’t be a full-fledged cable internet replacement. But if you’re an AT&T DSL customer ready to cut the cord, Internet Air could be a decent upgrade option.
AT&T Internet Air pros and cons
Pros
- No contracts
- Flat-rate pricing
- Decent download speeds
Cons
- No bundle discounts
- No higher-end download speeds
- Confusing availability
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AT&T Internet Air deals
Internet Air doesn’t have many traditional deals for new customers. But you’ll get standard bonuses like flat-rate pricing and a free combo Wi-Fi router/modem.
AT&T Internet Air plans and prices
Plan | Price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Internet Air | $55.00/mo.* | 40–140Mbps | 5–25Mbps |
*With AutoPay and paperless billing.
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
AT&T Internet Air’s main internet plan simply covers the bare essentials. With download speeds up to 140Mbps, you’ll have enough bandwidth for a small household. But you’ll run into problems if more than a few people need to take Zoom calls or download large files simultaneously.
As a 5G home internet service, Internet Air uses AT&T’s 5G cellular data network to deliver internet service. 5G internet has a lot of upsides—you don’t need wires to run into your home—but its download speeds heavily depend on 5G coverage in your area.
It’s why AT&T’s listed download speeds cover such a wide range of options compared to cable or fiber internet plans. If your average internet speed’s on the lower end of this spectrum, you can take advantage of Internet Air’s seven-day free trial period and get out scot-free.
Basically, Internet Air is AT&T’s replacement for its aging DSL network. It costs the same as AT&T’s current DSL plan and offers nearly the same download and upload speeds. Internet Air is adequate, but you’ll quickly hit its performance ceiling if you need more than the basics from your internet connection.
AT&T Internet Air vs. competition
Plan | Price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Internet Air | $55.00/mo.* | 40–140Mbps | 5–25Mbps | Unlimited | |
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $30.00–$50.00/mo. | 72–245Mbps | 15–31Mbps | Unlimited |
View Plan Read Verizon 5G Home Internet review |
Verizon 5G Home Internet | $25.00–$70.00/mo. | 85–1,000Mbps | 10–50Mbps | Unlimited |
View Plan Read Verizon 5G Home Internet review |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Internet Air covers the basics, but T-Mobile’s and Verizon’s 5G home internet plans cover far more than the basics.
Both providers have positioned their 5G home internet plans as full-fledged cable internet alternatives. With download speeds between 72 and 1,000Mbps, you’ll be set if you’re regularly downloading videos or large files. Plus, T-Mobile and Verizon’s base plan pricing ($50 or $60 per month) is within a stone’s throw of Internet Air ($55 per month).
On top of that, both providers offer huge discounts of up to 50% if you bundle a qualifying mobile plan. By comparison, AT&T doesn’t offer any Internet Air discounts for AT&T cell phone customers.
AT&T Internet Air features
Internet Air covers the expected bases for a home internet plan but also includes some unique features. Let’s break down everything else you’ll need to know about Internet Air.
AT&T Internet Air availability
As with other 5G home internet providers, Internet Air’s coverage map requires a little explanation. Internet Air’s availability varies widely by city since it depends on factors like AT&T’s 5G network coverage in your area.
Adding to the confusion, you’ll need to call AT&T directly or be a current AT&T customer to see if Internet Air is available in your area. When we tried to check Internet Air’s availability online, the site redirected us to an AT&T account login prompt.
AT&T Internet Air hidden fees
Thankfully, Internet Air has no major nickel-and-dime extra fees. Customers don’t have to worry about data caps, equipment fees, contracts, or annual price increases.
AT&T also bundles the AT&T All-Fi Hub, which connects your home to AT&T’s 5G network and doubles as a Wi-Fi router.
AT&T Internet Air customer service
AT&T ranked third in our annual internet customer satisfaction survey. Plus, the provider’s nationwide retail store network makes it easy for you to return equipment and ask questions about Internet Air.
Is AT&T Internet Air worth it?
Internet Air’s technically a 5G internet service like T-Mobile or Verizon 5G Home Internet. But at this early point, pitting Internet Air against its competitors is an apples-to-oranges comparison. Between its muted rollout, modest download speeds, and lack of new customer deals, it feels like AT&T’s simply dipping its toe into the home 5G field.
At the moment, we’d recommend T-Mobile or Verizon over Internet Air because both services offer far more bang for your buck. But if neither service is available in your area, AT&T Internet Air could be a solid option for budget-friendly internet service.
AT&T Internet Air FAQ
What is AT&T Internet Air?
AT&T Internet Air is AT&T’s 5G home internet service. It uses AT&T’s cellular network to connect your home to the internet.
How fast is AT&T Internet Air?
AT&T Internet Air offers internet speeds between 40 and 140Mbps.
How do I set up AT&T Internet Air?
To set up AT&T Internet Air, install your free AT&T All-FI Hub and activate it via your AT&T account.
Is AT&T Internet Air good?
AT&T Internet Air doesn’t have as many features as T-Mobile or Verizon’s 5G home internet plans, but it still has great pricing and solid download speeds for a 5G home internet plan.
Methodology
To evaluate AT&T Internet Air, we spent a week analyzing AT&T’s plans and pricing compared to competitors like Verizon and T-Mobile. We also drew from our existing 5G and customer satisfaction research to see how far your dollar would go on AT&T Internet Air.
Check out our How We Rank page for more information on our methodology.