Quick Verdict: Frontier Fiber vs AT&T Internet
Frontier Fiber edges out AT&T for most households thanks to symmetrical upload speeds, no annual contracts, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. AT&T counters with broader nationwide availability and bundling options with DIRECTV and wireless service. If both are available at your address, Frontier Fiber typically delivers better value per megabit, especially at higher speed tiers. Call Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 or AT&T at 1-855-850-5977 to check exact availability and current promotions in your area.
Frontier Fiber vs AT&T Internet: Full Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing between Frontier Fiber and AT&T Internet is a common decision for millions of American households. Both providers have invested heavily in fiber-optic infrastructure over the past several years, making this comparison increasingly relevant as of early 2026. Below, we break down every meaningful difference so you can make a confident, well-informed choice. Pricing and plan availability are subject to change; verify current offers by calling Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 or AT&T at 1-855-850-5977.
| Feature | Frontier Fiber | AT&T Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Plans/Tiers | 3 fiber tiers (500, 1 Gig, 2 Gig) | 4 tiers (300, 500, 1 Gig, 2 Gig + DSL options) |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo | $55/mo (fiber); $55/mo (DSL varies) |
| Max Download Speed | 2,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps (AT&T Fiber) |
| Upload Speeds | Symmetrical (equal to download) | Symmetrical on fiber; much lower on DSL |
| Annual Contracts | No contracts required | No contracts on fiber; some DSL plans vary |
| Data Caps | None (truly unlimited) | None on fiber; 1 TB on DSL plans |
| Equipment Fee | Router included at no extra cost | $10/mo gateway rental (waivable with own equipment) |
| Technology | 100% fiber-optic (GPON/XGS-PON) | Fiber-optic (GPON) + legacy DSL/VDSL |
| Customer Satisfaction | ACSI: 73/100 | ACSI: 71/100 |
When Frontier Fiber Wins
Frontier Fiber is the better choice in several common scenarios. If any of the following describe your situation, Frontier likely deserves your business:
- You prioritize upload speed for remote work or content creation. Frontier offers true symmetrical speeds on every plan. If you regularly upload large files, host video calls, stream on Twitch, or back up data to the cloud, identical upload and download speeds make a meaningful daily difference. AT&T fiber also offers symmetrical speeds, but if only AT&T DSL is available at your address, uploads may be limited to 1-5 Mbps.
- You want the lowest all-in monthly cost. Frontier's $49.99/month entry price for 500 Mbps fiber undercuts AT&T's comparable offering by roughly $5-10/month before fees. Frontier also includes the Wi-Fi router at no extra charge, while AT&T typically charges $10/month for gateway rental. Over a two-year period, those savings add up to $240-$480.
- You refuse to sign a contract. Every Frontier Fiber plan is contract-free with no early termination fees. You can cancel any month without penalty, which is ideal for renters or anyone who may move within a year.
- You want straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Frontier has simplified its billing to eliminate many of the surcharges and miscellaneous fees that frustrated customers in the past. The advertised price is very close to what appears on your bill, which AT&T customers sometimes find is not the case after equipment fees, taxes, and surcharges are added.
- You are in a Frontier Fiber expansion area. Frontier has been aggressively building out fiber across Texas, California, Florida, and the northeast. In areas where they recently deployed fiber, promotional pricing and installation incentives tend to be especially competitive. Call 1-855-981-6281 to check current new-build promotions.
When AT&T Internet Wins
AT&T Internet is the stronger pick in these situations:
- You want to bundle with wireless or TV service. AT&T offers meaningful multi-line discounts when you pair internet with AT&T wireless plans or DIRECTV. If your household already uses AT&T Wireless, bundling can save $10-25/month on your internet bill, a discount that Frontier cannot match since they do not offer wireless service.
- AT&T Fiber is available but Frontier Fiber is not. AT&T's fiber footprint currently reaches more households than Frontier's in many metropolitan areas. If Frontier only offers DSL (legacy copper) service at your address while AT&T has fiber, AT&T is the clear winner. Always verify by calling AT&T at 1-855-850-5977.
- You need the absolute fastest speed tier available. AT&T's top-end fiber plan offers 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps) in select markets, while Frontier currently tops out at 2 Gbps. For power users running a home lab, multiple 4K streams, and large household bandwidth demands simultaneously, AT&T's hyper-gig tier provides more headroom.
- You prefer a larger, more established customer support network. AT&T operates more retail stores and has a larger in-person support footprint. If you value the ability to walk into a local store for troubleshooting or equipment swaps, AT&T's physical presence is an advantage over Frontier's primarily phone-and-online support model.
- You value the AT&T brand ecosystem. AT&T offers perks like HBO Max inclusion (on select plans), AT&T ActiveArmor security, and integration with the broader AT&T account system. If you already rely on AT&T services, keeping everything under one roof simplifies billing and account management.
Plan-by-Plan Matchup
The most useful way to compare these providers is head-to-head at similar price points. Here is how the plans stack up as of early 2026 (pricing subject to change):
Entry Level: Frontier Fiber 500 vs AT&T Fiber 300
Frontier's cheapest fiber plan delivers 500/500 Mbps for $49.99/month with no equipment fee. AT&T's entry fiber tier offers 300/300 Mbps for approximately $55/month plus $10/month equipment rental. Frontier wins on speed, price, and total cost of ownership at this tier. The 500 Mbps plan from Frontier is more than enough for households with 5-8 connected devices, 4K streaming, and video conferencing simultaneously.
Mid Tier: Frontier Fiber 1 Gig vs AT&T Fiber 1 Gig
Both providers offer symmetrical gigabit service. Frontier prices its 1 Gig plan around $74.99/month, while AT&T's comparable plan runs approximately $80/month before equipment fees. Both include unlimited data. Frontier's included router saves another $10/month versus AT&T's rental fee, making it the better value by roughly $15/month at the gigabit level.
Top Tier: Frontier Fiber 2 Gig vs AT&T Fiber 2 Gig
At the premium end, both offer 2 Gbps download speeds. Frontier prices this at approximately $149.99/month, while AT&T's 2 Gig plan runs around $150/month. Pricing is nearly identical at this tier, and both require compatible equipment to achieve full multi-gig speeds. AT&T also offers a 5 Gig tier that Frontier does not match, giving AT&T the edge for absolute maximum bandwidth seekers.
Key Differences That Matter Most
Equipment and Installation
Frontier includes a Wi-Fi 6 router at no additional monthly cost on all fiber plans, while AT&T charges $10/month for its all-in-one gateway device. Both providers offer professional installation, though Frontier typically offers free installation promotions for new fiber customers. AT&T may charge a $99 installation fee depending on current promotions and whether an existing AT&T line is already present at your address.
Contract Flexibility
Neither provider requires annual contracts on their current fiber plans, which represents a major improvement from both companies compared to historical offerings. However, AT&T occasionally offers promotional pricing that requires a 12-month commitment, so read the fine print carefully before signing up. Frontier's commitment to no-contract service is more consistent across all promotions.
Network Reliability and Technology
Both Frontier and AT&T deploy GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology for their fiber services, meaning the underlying infrastructure is technically comparable. The key difference emerges in areas where AT&T has not yet upgraded from DSL: AT&T DSL customers face significantly slower speeds, data caps, and aging copper infrastructure that Frontier has been more aggressive about replacing with fiber.
Customer Experience
Frontier has made significant strides in customer satisfaction since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021. Their ACSI scores have improved, and many reviewers note faster installation timelines and more responsive customer support. AT&T's customer experience is consistent but sometimes hampered by the complexity of their product lineup, where internet, TV, and wireless interactions can create billing confusion.
Coverage Comparison
AT&T's fiber footprint spans 21 states and covers approximately 24 million locations. Frontier Fiber is available across parts of 25 states, with active expansion underway in Connecticut, New York, Texas, California, Florida, and several other markets. The overlap between the two providers is most significant in Texas, California, Florida, and parts of the Southeast, which is where this head-to-head comparison matters most.
To determine which provider serves your specific address, we recommend checking availability directly. Call Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 or AT&T at 1-855-850-5977 for the most accurate, up-to-date coverage information.
Check Frontier Fiber AvailabilityThe Bottom Line
For most households where both services are available, Frontier Fiber offers the better overall value proposition: lower monthly costs, included equipment, symmetrical speeds, and no-contract flexibility. AT&T Internet is the stronger choice if you want to bundle with wireless or DIRECTV, need access to hyper-gig speeds above 2 Gbps, or simply do not have Frontier Fiber coverage at your address. Either way, both are excellent fiber providers, and you will be well-served by either option compared to cable or DSL alternatives.
Check Frontier Fiber AvailabilityFrequently Asked Questions
Is Frontier Fiber faster than AT&T Internet?
It depends on the tier. Frontier Fiber offers speeds up to 2 Gbps, while AT&T Fiber goes up to 5 Gbps in select markets. However, at comparable price points, Frontier typically offers more speed per dollar. Both providers deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds on their fiber plans, making them both excellent for activities like video conferencing and cloud backups.
Does Frontier Fiber have data caps?
No. All Frontier Fiber plans include truly unlimited data with no caps, throttling, or overage charges. AT&T Fiber plans are also unlimited, but AT&T DSL plans still carry a 1 TB monthly data cap unless you pay an additional $30/month for the unlimited data add-on.
Can I use my own router with Frontier Fiber or AT&T?
Yes, both providers allow you to use your own compatible router. Frontier includes a Wi-Fi 6 router for free, so there is less incentive to buy your own. AT&T requires their gateway for the fiber connection but allows you to use a personal router in bridge mode or IP passthrough to avoid the $10/month equipment fee.
Which provider has better customer service?
As of early 2026, Frontier Fiber has slightly higher ACSI customer satisfaction scores (73/100 vs AT&T's 71/100). Both providers have invested in improving their support experiences. Frontier's simpler product lineup means fewer billing surprises, while AT&T's larger retail store network provides more in-person support options.
Are there installation fees for Frontier Fiber or AT&T?
Frontier frequently offers free professional installation for new fiber subscribers. AT&T's installation fee varies ($0-$99) depending on current promotions and whether existing infrastructure is already at your address. Self-installation kits are available from both providers in eligible areas, typically at no charge.
Which is cheaper overall: Frontier Fiber or AT&T?
Frontier Fiber is generally cheaper when you factor in the total monthly cost including equipment. At the 500 Mbps tier, Frontier saves you roughly $15-20/month versus AT&T's comparable plan with equipment rental. At the 1 Gig tier, the difference narrows to about $15/month. AT&T can close the gap if you qualify for multi-service bundle discounts with wireless or DIRECTV.
Does Frontier Fiber require a contract?
No. All Frontier Fiber plans are month-to-month with no annual contract and no early termination fee. You can cancel at any time without penalty. AT&T Fiber also does not require contracts on standard plans, though some promotional offers may include a 12-month price lock commitment.
For more information about Frontier's fiber plans, speeds, and coverage, visit our Frontier Fiber provider hub or explore Frontier Fiber plan details.
Disclosure: Some of the links and phone numbers on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you click or call. This does not influence our editorial assessments or recommendations. Our comparisons are based on publicly available plan data, independent customer satisfaction surveys, and our editorial team's hands-on research. Pricing referenced is current as of early 2026 and is subject to change. Always confirm current pricing, speeds, and availability directly with the provider before making a purchasing decision.