The Hidden Costs of AT&T TV and Internet

It’s fun to watch Sherlock on TV, but you probably don’t want to be him just to figure out your AT&T TV and internet bill. No worries—we’ve pulled out our magnifying glass, sorted through the fine print, and figured it all out for you.

Data effective 8/18/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*w/24-mo. agmt. Prices higher in 2nd year.

AT&T no longer offers cable TV—AT&T TV is a live-TV streaming service.

You can still get some of your favorite channels—ESPN, HGTV, and Disney Channel are all available on the basic ENTERTAINMENT package. But AT&T TV has fewer filler channels than most cable TV packages (bye bye, Stingray music channels, we won’t miss you).

However, your TV experience will be dictated by your internet connection. Streaming TV can clog up your bandwidth. And if your internet is acting up, you’ll have problems watching TV too. We think that’s the pits.

Data effective 8/1/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*For 12 months with a 1-yr agreement plus taxes and equipment fee

Available speeds for AT&T internet vary widely by area, but it prices every plan at a promotional price of $49.99 per month. That certainly makes things less complicated, but if you can only get AT&T Internet with 10 Mbps in your area, it’s kind of a bummer to think about someone in a neighborhood far, far away getting AT&T Fiber with 1,000 Mbps for the same price.

After the first year, your price will increase. Currently, AT&T Internet plans outside of the promotional period are $59.99 per month, and their much faster cousins—AT&T Fiber plans—raise to $69.99 per month.

Data effective 8/18/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*For 12 months with a 1-yr agreement, paperless billing, and Autopay

Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges

You know what they say about death and taxes. Your AT&T plan will come with tax surcharges on services and equipment based on the requirements of where you live. You may also need to pay a broadcast fee of up to $5.99 per month. This covers what your local stations charge AT&T to broadcast their channels.

There’s also an optional fee you should be aware of—unlimited data allowance on internet. That’s $30.00 per month, and you really shouldn’t bother with it. AT&T has 1 TB data caps on most stand-alone packs, which is industry standard and more than most people will use. And if you’re getting Internet 1000 or bundling with TV, you’ll get unlimited data at no extra charge anyway.

Data effective 10/2/18.

Data effective 10/2/18.

Data effective 10/2/18.

Data effective 10/2/18.

AT&T Late Fees

Out of all AT&T’s hidden fees, this one is the most straightforward. Miss a payment and you’ll be charged a late fee of up to $10.00 per bill.

AT&T Cancellation Costs

AT&T’s contracts last one year. If you need to bow out before then, AT&T will slap you with some hefty early termination fees. You’ll have to pay $20.00 for TV service and $15.00 for internet service for each month remaining on your agreement.

Another word of caution: be sure to return your equipment on time or else you’ll receive fines on that too.

For an affordable entertainment package, the AT&T Double Play with U-Family and Internet 100 is an excellent choice.

U-Family’s channel lineup includes popular channels like Disney Channel, HGTV, Nickelodeon, and Discovery Family. HD programming and the Total Home DVR come included.

Internet 100 has high speeds for streaming online videos and supporting smart home devices. Your Wi-Fi Gateway also comes included, which means more savings for you.

If you need a different channel lineup or more internet speed, AT&T has plenty of options, but U-Family + Internet 100 does a lot for such an affordable package.

Final Take: AT&T’s included perks make up for its hidden fees.

If you’re someone who just wants things for free without being bogged down with buckets of fees, AT&T is here for you. By including equipment and HD programming at no extra cost, AT&T gives its packages great value. Sure, things can get pricey if you choose to get a bunch of channel packs or cancel before your contract ends, but AT&T shoots pretty darn straight for the territory.

And trust us, it’s worth upgrading from the U-Basic package. You’ll get a way better value. And let’s be honest, you deserve it.

If you’re not sure AT&T offers service in your area or want to compare it to other providers, we can help with that. Enter your zip code below to get all your TV and internet options.