AT&T vs RCN: Which Internet Provider Is Better in 2025?

Choosing the right internet provider is a decision that affects your daily life, from the speed of your video calls to the reliability of your streaming and the responsiveness of your online gaming. In this detailed comparison, we break down AT&T and RCN across every factor that matters: speed, pricing, technology, coverage, customer satisfaction, and more.

Whether you are moving to a new home, looking to switch providers for a better deal, or simply researching your options, this guide provides the data-driven analysis you need to make a confident choice. Both providers have distinct strengths, and the best option depends on your location, internet habits, and budget.

AT&T Overview

AT&T is one of the largest internet service providers in the United States, serving customers across 21 states primarily in the Southeast and Midwest. AT&T Fiber delivers blazing-fast symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, while its fixed wireless 5G service extends connectivity to areas where fiber has not yet been deployed. With a price lock guarantee and no annual contracts, AT&T has positioned itself as a premium yet accessible provider.

Learn more about this provider on our AT&T review page, where we cover all available plans, pricing details, and customer feedback in depth.

RCN Overview

RCN, now operating as part of Astound Broadband, is a cable and fiber internet provider serving select metropolitan areas including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and the Washington DC region.

For a complete breakdown of plans and user reviews, visit our RCN review page.

Speed Comparison: AT&T vs RCN

AT&T advertises download speeds ranging from 300 Mbps - 5 Gbps, while RCN offers 100 Mbps - 1 Gbps. When it comes to raw maximum speed, AT&T holds a clear advantage.

However, advertised maximum speeds tell only part of the story. Real-world performance depends on factors including your distance from the provider's nearest infrastructure, network congestion during peak evening hours, the age and condition of the wiring in your home, and the capabilities of your router and connected devices. We recommend checking speeds available at your specific address before making a decision.

AT&T uses Fiber, Fixed Wireless (5G) technology to deliver its service, which supports symmetrical upload and download speeds on fiber connections. Meanwhile, RCN relies on Cable, Fiber, which delivers symmetrical performance on fiber.

For households with multiple devices streaming, gaming, and video-calling simultaneously, the provider offering more consistent performance and higher upload speeds will generally deliver a smoother experience. Both providers should handle typical multi-device households well.

Pricing Comparison: AT&T vs RCN

AT&T plans start at $55/mo with a price range of $55-$250/mo. RCN offers plans from $24.99/mo with pricing spanning $24.99-$69.99/mo. At the entry level, RCN is more affordable, though the right plan for you depends on the speeds you actually need.

When evaluating pricing, it is important to look beyond the monthly rate. Consider equipment rental fees (routers, modems), installation charges, and whether the advertised price is a promotional rate that increases after 12-24 months. AT&T requires no annual contract, while RCN requires no annual contract.

Data caps can also significantly impact the true value of your plan. AT&T has no data caps on fiber, while RCN has no data caps. For heavy internet users who stream 4K video, download large files, or have multiple users in the household, uncapped data eliminates the worry of overage charges or throttled speeds.

To explore current deals from each provider, use the links below:

• View AT&T plans and pricing
• View RCN plans and pricing

Technology and Coverage

AT&T provides service across 21 states (Southeast and Midwest US), while RCN covers Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, DC. The overlap between these two providers' service areas determines whether you actually have a choice between them at your address.

AT&T relies on fiber-optic technology, which generally provides symmetrical upload and download speeds with lower latency. RCN uses cable (hybrid fiber-coaxial) infrastructure that typically offers strong download speeds but more limited upload performance.

Before committing to either provider, we strongly recommend verifying availability and checking the specific speeds and plans offered at your exact address. Coverage maps show general service areas, but the actual plans and speeds available can vary significantly even within the same neighborhood.

Customer Satisfaction Comparison

Customer satisfaction is an important but often overlooked factor when choosing an internet provider. Based on available customer ratings and industry surveys, AT&T scores approximately 4.0/5 in customer satisfaction, while RCN receives around 3.8/5. AT&T holds an edge in this category.

AT&T receives a J.D. Power score of approximately 733/1000, while RCN scores around 730/1000. These scores reflect overall customer satisfaction with factors including speed reliability, billing experience, customer support interactions, and installation experience.

Keep in mind that customer experience can vary significantly by region. A provider that earns excellent ratings in one city may underperform in another due to differences in local network infrastructure, staffing levels, and customer demand. Reading reviews from customers in your specific area provides the most relevant insight into what your experience might be like.

Pros and Cons: AT&T

Pros and Cons: RCN

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Both AT&T and RCN are solid providers, and the best choice depends on your specific priorities. If maximum speed matters most, lean toward the provider offering faster tiers. If price is your primary concern, compare the entry-level plans carefully. We recommend checking exact pricing and speeds at your address.

Here are our specific recommendations based on common user priorities:

• Best for speed: AT&T (up to 5 Gbps)
• Best for budget: RCN (starting at $24.99/mo)
• Best for customer experience: AT&T (4.0/5 rating)
• Best for unlimited data: AT&T

Ultimately, the best internet provider is the one that delivers reliable service at a fair price to your specific address. We encourage you to check availability for both providers and compare the exact plans they offer at your location.

Explore More Comparisons

Still weighing your options? Check out these related comparisons to see how AT&T and RCN stack up against other providers in your area:

• Att Vs. Xfinity
• Att Vs. Spectrum
• Att Vs. Frontier
• Att Vs. Cox
• Att Vs. Tmobile

You can also explore our guide to the best internet providers or use our availability checker to see every option at your address.