AT&T vs. SBC Wireless

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:{{date_modified_text}}July 7, 2026

Whether you’re researching AT&T vs. SBC Wireless internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

AT&T

Price: $65.00 - $90.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, DSL, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (924)
View Plans

SBC Wireless

Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 100 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

AT&T and SBC Wireless compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with AT&T covering 251,049,052 people nationwide and SBC Wireless serving 35,581. AT&T primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; SBC Wireless specializes in fixed wireless connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of AT&T and SBC Wireless’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Pros & Cons

Pros:

Gigabit speeds available
Widespread national availability
Up-front month-to-month pricing
Wide range of plan options

Cons:

Coverage strength varies within service areas
Performance depends on local infrastructure
Higher speeds require premium pricing

View Plans

Pros:

Supports everyday activities like email and web browsing
Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
Works with smart home devices
Connects multiple devices simultaneously

Cons:

Limited service availability
Limited fiber availability
Coverage strength varies within service areas

View Plans

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Availability

AT&T and SBC Wireless have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | AT&T Available | SBC Wireless Available | No Coverage

AT&T currently offers internet service in 39,788 cities and 2,871 counties across 48 states, reaching approximately 251,049,052 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; and Dallas, TX. By comparison, SBC Wireless serves 35,581 residents in 10 cities and 3 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Bakersfield, CA; Ridgecrest, CA; and Inyokern, CA.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about AT&T and SBC Wireless at your location, use our address search tool:

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Speeds & Technology

AT&T and SBC Wireless utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, AT&T primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 44.5% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 27.9% of their coverage area. SBC Wireless relies on fixed wireless technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, AT&T offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,274 Mbps compared to SBC Wireless’s average speed of 100 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, AT&T delivers faster speeds in 0.87% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 21.45%, and slower speeds in 77.68%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. AT&T’s premium Fiber service reaches 27.9% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, SBC Wireless’s top-tier fixed wireless is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for AT&T, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, SBC Wireless has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent SBC Wireless, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

AT&T Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
Internet 300 (Fiber 300)	$40.00 ($55.00 regular price)	300 Mbps	300 Mbps	Fiber
AT&T Internet (DSL)	$60.00	100 Mbps	20 Mbps	DSL
AT&T Internet Air	$65.00	225 Mbps	10 Mbps	Fixed Wireless
Internet 500 (Fiber 500)	$50.00 ($65.00 regular price)	500 Mbps	500 Mbps	Fiber
Internet 1000 (Fiber 1 Gig)	$48.00 ($80.00 regular price)	1000 Mbps	1000 Mbps	Fiber
Internet 2000 (Fiber 2 Gig)	$93.00 ($145.00 regular price)	2000 Mbps	2000 Mbps	Fiber
Internet 5000 (Fiber 5 Gig)	$123.00 ($180.00 regular price)	5000 Mbps	5000 Mbps	Fiber

Sourced directly from AT&T's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

AT&T Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate AT&T and SBC Wireless based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

AT&T Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(472)

DSL

(289)

Fixed Wireless

(184)

AT&T has an overall rating of 3.63 out of 5, with a total of 945 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into AT&T’s ratings, their Fiber service (50% of reviews) averages 3.85 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our AT&T Internet Reviews page.

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

SBC Wireless has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting SBC Wireless directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

AT&T Service

Fee

Activation Fee

$35.00

Installation Fee

$150.00

SBC Wireless Service

Fee

Not Provided by SBC Wireless

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

AT&T vs. SBC Wireless | Top Cities

AT&T serves 39,788 cities while SBC Wireless is available in 10 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.