AT&T vs. Surf

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

Whether you’re researching AT&T vs. Surf 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)
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Surf

Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 25 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (17)
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AT&T and Surf compete directly in approximately 0.29% of their service areas, with AT&T covering 251,049,052 people nationwide and Surf serving 989,717. AT&T primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Surf specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of AT&T and Surf’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

AT&T vs. Surf | 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

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Pros:

Multi-gig speeds available
Extensive fiber network
Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
Includes standard security features

Cons:

Limited service availability
Higher speeds require premium pricing
May require credit check for service activation

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AT&T vs. Surf | Availability

AT&T and Surf 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 | Surf 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.

Surf is prominent in the East North Central region with service to 468 cities and 295 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 45, Surf primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability.

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

AT&T vs. Surf | Speeds & Technology

AT&T and Surf 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. Surf relies on fiber technology, which comprises 65.8% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 49.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Surf offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 2,935 Mbps compared to AT&T’s average speed of 1,274 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Surf delivers faster speeds in 8.89% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 16.39%, and slower speeds in 74.72%.

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, Surf’s top-tier Fiber is available to 65.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

AT&T vs. Surf | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for AT&T and Surf, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

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

Surf Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
Surf 100	$30.00	100 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Surf 300	$55.00	300 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
5/1 Mbps	$59.95	5 Mbps	1 Mbps	Fixed Wireless
Surf 500	$75.00	500 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Surf 1 Gig	$95.00	1000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber

Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Surf 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. Surf | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, AT&T earns an overall rating of 3.63 / 5 stars from 945 customer reviews, while Surf maintains a 3.86 / 5 rating from 22 reviews. Surf outperforms AT&T by 0.2 points in overall satisfaction. AT&T’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.85 / 5 stars, compared to Surf’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.18 / 5 stars.

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.

Surf Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(17)

Fixed Wireless

(5)

Surf has an overall rating of 3.86 out of 5, with a total of 22 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Surf’s ratings, their Fiber service (77% of reviews) averages 4.18 / 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 Surf Internet Reviews page.

AT&T vs. Surf | 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.

AT&T Service

Fee

Activation Fee

$35.00

Installation Fee

$150.00

Surf Service

Fee

Not Provided by Surf

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. Surf | Top Cities

AT&T serves 39,788 cities while Surf is available in 468 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.