Quick Answer: WOW! Internet vs Att
Bottom Line: When comparing WOW! Internet and Att, the best choice depends heavily on your location and internet needs. WOW! Internet offers Cable technology with speeds up to 1.2 Gbps starting at $20/mo, while Att delivers Various service reaching Varies from Contact for pricing. Both providers serve distinct markets with different strengths and limitations.
WOW! Internet is best for: Midwest/Southeast users wanting affordable cable. Att excels at: Users in service area. Your final decision should factor in local availability, speed requirements, budget constraints, and whether you prefer contract flexibility or the specific technology each provider offers in your area.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | WOW! Internet | Att |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1.2 Gbps | Varies |
| Starting Price | $20/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Technology | Cable | Various |
| Data Cap | None | Check with provider |
| Contract Required | No | No |
| Headquarters | Englewood, CO | N/A |
WOW! Internet Overview
Affordable cable in the Midwest/Southeast
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Englewood, CO, WOW! Internet has established itself as a provider specializing in Cable internet services. With maximum speeds reaching 1.2 Gbps and starting prices as low as $20/mo, the company aims to deliver reliable connectivity with no contract commitments.
Key Strengths
- No data caps
- No contracts
- Low starting prices
- Transparent billing
Notable Drawbacks
- Very limited availability
- Fewer speed tiers
- Regional only
Att Overview
Internet service provider
Since N/A, Att has been operating from N/A, focusing on Various internet delivery. The provider offers speeds up to Varies with entry-level pricing at Contact for pricing, and operates with no-contract flexibility.
Key Strengths
- Available in select markets
Notable Drawbacks
- Limited availability information
Call Att: 1-855-850-5977
Speed Comparison: Performance Analysis
Internet speed remains the most critical factor when choosing between providers, as it directly impacts streaming quality, gaming responsiveness, video conferencing reliability, and overall household connectivity. The speed difference between WOW! Internet and Att reveals distinct technology capabilities and infrastructure investments.
WOW! Internet delivers maximum download speeds of 1.2 Gbps through its Cable network infrastructure. This speed tier positions the provider within standard ranges for cable internet. For typical households, these speeds support multiple simultaneous 4K streams, cloud gaming, large file uploads, and video calls without bandwidth congestion. Speed consistency tends to be reliable with this technology.
Att offers peak speeds reaching Varies via Various technology. This speed capability provides solid performance for most use cases. The upload speeds deserve special consideration—fiber connections provide symmetrical or near-symmetrical speeds, while cable typically offers 10-35 Mbps uploads.
When evaluating speed requirements for your household, consider that basic browsing and email need 5-10 Mbps, HD streaming requires 5-8 Mbps per stream, 4K streaming demands 25 Mbps per device, and remote work with video calls needs 25-50 Mbps for reliable performance. Gaming requires low latency more than raw speed, putting fiber and cable on relatively equal footing for responsiveness. Households with multiple users working from home should aim for 100+ Mbps to maintain quality of service across concurrent activities.
Pricing Breakdown: Total Cost Analysis
Understanding the true cost of internet service requires looking beyond promotional rates to include equipment fees, installation charges, price increases after promotional periods, and contract buyout costs. The pricing structures of WOW! Internet and Att differ significantly in their approaches to customer billing and long-term value.
WOW! Internet advertises starting prices at $20/mo, which typically represents promotional pricing that may increase after 12 months. The provider does not require contracts, giving customers flexibility to cancel without penalties. Equipment costs typically involve either a monthly rental fee or an upfront purchase option. Total first-year costs generally range from $300-600 depending on plan selection and promotional availability.
Att starts at Contact for pricing, with installation fees that vary from free for self-install to $50-100 for professional setup. No-contract flexibility allows customers to switch providers without financial penalty. Unlimited data means no surprise overage charges regardless of usage patterns. When calculating three-year total cost of ownership, factor in annual price increases (typically 3-7%), equipment depreciation, and potential service upgrade costs.
For budget-conscious consumers, the provider with no contracts and no data caps offers superior flexibility and predictable monthly costs. Always request written confirmation of monthly charges including all fees, ask about price guarantees beyond promotional periods, confirm equipment costs and return policies, and calculate contract buyout costs if you might move or switch providers. Autopay and paperless billing discounts can save $5-10 monthly.
Coverage & Availability: Geographic Footprint
Service availability represents the primary deciding factor for most consumers—you can only choose providers that actually serve your address. WOW! Internet and Att operate in different geographic regions with minimal overlap, making availability the first qualification in your decision process.
WOW! Internet concentrates its service footprint in specific regional markets, with consistent Cable coverage throughout its service territory. The provider's headquarters in Englewood, CO indicates its primary service regions. Availability varies dramatically even within served ZIP codes—coverage is generally consistent within serviceable areas. Check your exact address rather than relying on ZIP code availability, as infrastructure buildouts occur block-by-block.
Att operates in limited geographic regions. Cable and fiber infrastructure require significant capital investment, limiting expansion to markets with sufficient population density to justify construction costs. Service quality depends on network congestion and infrastructure age in your specific neighborhood.
To determine actual availability, enter your service address on both provider websites, as ZIP code checkers often show false positives. Urban and suburban addresses typically have straightforward installation processes. Local municipalities sometimes maintain fiber and broadband availability maps more current than provider websites.
Contract Terms & Policies
Contract requirements, cancellation policies, and terms of service significantly impact long-term satisfaction and financial flexibility. WOW! Internet and Att take different approaches to customer commitments, with meaningful implications for your ability to switch services or negotiate better rates.
WOW! Internet operates without contract requirements, allowing month-to-month service that can be cancelled with 30 days notice and no early termination fees. This flexibility proves valuable for renters, people who might relocate, or customers who want leverage to negotiate retention offers. The provider's pricing typically increases 3-8% annually after promotional periods expire. Equipment remains provider property and must be returned within 30 days of cancellation to avoid $200-300 unreturned equipment charges.
Att provides no-contract service with month-to-month flexibility and standard 30-day cancellation notice. No-contract plans cost slightly more monthly but offer maximum flexibility. Data cap policies do not limit usage, providing truly unlimited data for heavy streaming or large households. Standard equipment policies apply with rental or purchase options.
Even without contracts, verify cancellation notice requirements and equipment return deadlines to avoid surprise charges. No-contract flexibility proves especially valuable for military families, renters, or anyone with uncertain long-term housing plans. Always document your service terms in writing, save promotional offer details and confirmation emails, set calendar reminders for contract expiration dates, and photograph equipment serial numbers before installation as proof of condition.
Local Market Insights
Real-world performance varies significantly based on local network conditions, regional competition, and infrastructure quality. WOW! Internet and Att serve different geographic markets, creating region-specific considerations beyond the providers' national specifications.
In markets where both providers compete, cable networks generally provide better speed-to-price ratios than DSL or satellite. Urban and suburban markets typically have multiple provider options, creating competitive pricing pressure.
Network congestion during evening peak hours (7-11 PM) can reduce speeds by 30-50% in densely populated areas served by cable infrastructure. Local customer reviews on platforms like BroadbandNow, Reddit's r/HomeNetworking, or DSLReports.com often reveal area-specific issues not reflected in official specifications. Urban installation typically schedules within 7-10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which provider offers faster internet speeds?
Att delivers higher maximum speeds, with WOW! Internet reaching 1.2 Gbps and Att offering Varies. Actual speeds depend on your specific plan tier and local network conditions. Both technologies deliver their advertised speeds reliably under normal conditions.
Which is more affordable for budget-conscious users?
Each provider starts at a lower price point ($20/mo vs Contact for pricing), but total cost includes installation fees, equipment charges, and contract requirements. WOW! Internet requires no contracts, providing flexibility without early termination fees. Att operates month-to-month. Both providers offer unlimited data, eliminating overage concerns. Calculate three-year total cost including all fees for accurate comparison.
Do these providers require contracts?
WOW! Internet does not require service contracts, offering month-to-month plans with standard 30-day cancellation notice. Att provides no-contract flexibility. Contract-free service costs slightly more monthly but eliminates cancellation penalties. For renters or people who might relocate, no-contract options provide essential flexibility worth the modest price premium.
Which has better availability in rural areas?
WOW! Internet serves limited rural areas, while Att concentrates on suburban and urban markets. Rural availability varies dramatically by specific location, requiring address-level verification. Check the FCC's National Broadband Map for reported coverage, though municipal fiber projects increasingly serve rural communities.
Are there data caps to worry about?
WOW! Internet imposes no data caps, allowing unlimited usage without throttling or overage charges. Att limits monthly usage to Check with provider, charging additional fees for excess consumption. Unlimited data eliminates usage anxiety, letting households stream, game, and download without monitoring consumption. Cable and fiber unlimited plans truly deliver unrestricted usage.
Which provider has better customer service?
Customer service quality varies significantly by region and individual experience, but general patterns emerge from consumer feedback. Regional providers often deliver more personalized service with local support teams, though smaller scale may mean longer hold times. Cable and fiber troubleshooting follows standard procedures most technicians handle competently. Check recent BBB ratings, consumer affairs complaints, and local Facebook groups for area-specific service reputation. Companies with transparent billing practices and no-contract policies tend to treat customers better, as they can't rely on contract lock-in to retain subscribers.
Can I use my own router with these providers?
Cable internet supports standard DOCSIS modems. WOW! Internet generally allows customer-owned equipment for cable/DSL services, potentially saving $10-15 monthly in rental fees. Att supports bring-your-own-device for standard cable/DSL connections. Using your own router provides better control over network security, advanced features like VPN support, and eliminates monthly rental fees. Ensure any purchased modem appears on the provider's approved equipment list to guarantee compatibility and full-speed support.
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1-855-428-1431Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai is an independent review site that may receive compensation from providers featured on our site. This compensation may impact how and where providers appear, but does not influence our reviews, recommendations, or analysis. We maintain editorial independence and provide unbiased comparisons based on publicly available information, user reviews, and direct provider research. All content is regularly updated to ensure accuracy, though we recommend verifying current offers directly with providers.