Choosing an internet service provider can be confusing, right? I‘ve done tons of research on the top contenders, and I want to share what I‘ve learned to help you make the best decision.
Let‘s talk through how fiber optic internet from AT&T compares to cable internet from Comcast Xfinity. I‘ll go deep on the techy differences, then give my take on what matters most in picking your home internet.
First – the basics on fiber optics vs. cable
Before anything else – what do we mean by "fiber" and "cable" internet?
Fiber optic internet uses flexible glass fiber strands, each thinner than a human hair, to transmit data via pulses of light. Fiber can carry insane amounts of data at up to 70-90% the speed of light!
Cable internet relies on copper coaxial cables – like the ones used for cable TV services – to transport data via electrical signals. While fast, coax can‘t match the raw speed and capacity of fiber.
Now let‘s explore the two big brands that leverage these technologies…
All about AT&T Fiber Internet
AT&T has invested billions in fiber optic infrastructure across its 21-state operating territory. Their AT&T Fiber service brings lightning quick, symmetrical broadband internet to homes and businesses via end-to-end fiber.
Here‘s a quick historical recap:
- 1878 – AT&T traces roots to Alexander Graham Bell‘s Bell Telephone Company
- 1995 – Bell affiliates consolidate as AT&T Corp. after antitrust breakup
- 2006 – AT&T Inc. formed through numerous major mergers
- 2014 – AT&T GigaPower fiber launch in Austin evolves to today‘s AT&T Fiber footprint
Over 25+ years as a telecom leader, AT&T now has the biggest fiber network across the midwestern, southeastern and southwestern U.S.
What is Comcast Xfinity?
You‘re probably familiar with Comcast as a cable TV provider – and yes, they leverage that same infrastructure to provide broadband internet access!
Here‘s the fast Facts:
- 1963 – Founded as a small regional cable operator
- 2001 – Comcast brand goes national after acquisitions & mergers
- 2010 – Xfinity created as consumer-facing brand for digital services
- 2023 – Now #1 U.S. cable provider under the Xfinity brand
Comcast uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network that combines fiber backbone transport with local coax cable distribution. This powers their Xfinity internet service available to over 31 million U.S. homes!
How do speeds and plans weigh up?
Now that we‘ve covered the key history and technologies behind each ISP, how do AT&T Fiber and Xfinity compare by the numbers?
I‘ve assembled some handy comparison tables to break things down for you:
AT&T Fiber Plans
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | 300 Mbps up/down | $55/month |
| Internet 500 | 500 Mbps up/down | $65/month |
| Internet 1000 | 940/880 Mbps | $80/month |
| Internet 2000 | 2 Gbps up/down | $110/month |
| Internet 5000 | 5 Gbps up/down | $180/month |
- No data caps, no contracts
- Taxes + $99 install + $10/month equip. fees extra
Xfinity Plans
| Plan | Down/Up Speed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Starter | 75/10 Mbps | $65/month |
| Performance | 200/10 Mbps | $84/month |
| Performance Pro | 400/10 Mbps | $92/month* |
| Blast! | 800/20 Mbps | $97/month* |
| Extreme Pro | 1000/20 Mbps | $102/month* |
| Gigabit Pro | 2000/2000 Mbps | $300/month |
*Price after 12 month promo period. Most plans have contracts, data caps & additional fees.
You can see above that fiber allows AT&T to offer symmetrical (equal) up/down speeds on all tiers. Comcast‘s cable network prioritizes download at the expense of upload capacity.
Comparing availability across the U.S.
Accessibility is another major point. Even the fastest internet doesn‘t help if your address can‘t get the service!
As of 2023, AT&T Fiber covers parts of over 20 states, though concentration varies:
![att fiber availability map]
Comcast Xfinity has the lead on nationwide availability – cable internet infrastructure covers 40 states. Some rural gaps exist, but most metro regions have coverage.
![xfinity availability map]
Check each provider‘s website to search exact address availability details. I‘m happy to help you search!
The low-down data caps and contracts
Two lesser-known aspects that impact internet experiences are throttling/prioritization policies and data caps:
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AT&T Fiber does NOT enforce data caps or overages, no matter how much you stream and download.
-
Xfinity caps data usage at 1.2 TB monthly across ALL plans. Exceeding your cap prompts overage fees or speed slowdowns.
And in terms of being "locked in"…
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AT&T Fiber requires no annual contracts – cancel any time with no termination penalty.
-
Many Xfinity plans impose 12-month contracts with up to $240 early termination fees.
Installation and equipment needs
Getting internet takes professional equipment installation suited for the type of infrastructure:
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AT&T technicians directly connect the fiber optic line into homes to enable promised speeds. Included modem/routers distribute the connection.
-
Comcast leverages existing coaxial cabling to minimize install work A compatible cable modem hooks up service inside.
Both ISPs include the vital networking equipment with service, though added fees apply. I suggest budgeting roughly $150 upfront with either AT&T or Comcast to cover taxes, equipment, and install or activation costs.
Which provider looks better to you?
Now that we‘ve uncovered all the nuts and bolts, I‘m curious – based on the technology, availability, fees and everything else, which of these two providers seems preferable in your mind?
For me, AT&T Fiber is the undisputed champ nearly across the board, thanks to:
- Fiber optic technology enabling unmatched speed potential
- Symmetrical upload and download capacity
- No data caps to ever worry my streaming habits
- No annual contracts binding me in
- Competitive pricing with added value over cable packages
The ONLY thing holding AT&T Fiber back right now is availability – they still have less coverage than the near-nationwide Comcast infrastructure. BUT AT&T is adding millions of customer locations each year.
If I didn‘t have AT&T Fiber available, Xfinity would make total sense as the fallback option. Cable can still deliver solid internet to power our connected lifestyles. Just anticipate the slower uploads and data limits down the road.
Does this help set expectations for your area‘s available providers? Let me know if any other questions pop up! Happy surfing 🙂
