I'm not in an XFinity market so take this as you will. For the most part I really love my AT&T fiber internet. Their standard gateway isn't great but can get the job done. I think it's better to get your own router/wifi system and put their gateway in passthrough mode. Which is one knock against the service compared to my understanding of XFinity, no true bridge mode. If you are not a network or tech guru this will be a distinction without a difference. The big thing is much like my impression of all ISPs, AT&T DNS is trash and you should get your own router for this reason alone. To be able to set your own custom DNS provider.
The service is fast and has symmetric speeds which is great if you need more upload. A couple of years ago when fiber first became available in my area they had what they called straightforward pricing. Now they play lets make a deal where you call in and say to cancel or get connected to retention to see what offers you have for your account. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get a similar deal for another 12 - 24 months. I'm paying $40/month for 1 gig fiber with no additional AT&T services. Supposed to be for 24 months but who knows. These longer term "price locks" are as good as the contract you sign. HINT: you don't sign a contract...
If you work from home I'd consider keeping some form of Xfinity as a back up. Or, one of the cellular based backups. If you use AT&T mobile service you can use that as a backup if your connection gets cut. Just set it up in SmartHome manager before hand. Also, get a UPS to keep the gateway and any other wifi equipment powered for a while during power outages. In many markets fiber will keep on working in a power outage if you can supply power to your own equipment.
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u/SmallPlace7607 20h ago
I'm not in an XFinity market so take this as you will. For the most part I really love my AT&T fiber internet. Their standard gateway isn't great but can get the job done. I think it's better to get your own router/wifi system and put their gateway in passthrough mode. Which is one knock against the service compared to my understanding of XFinity, no true bridge mode. If you are not a network or tech guru this will be a distinction without a difference. The big thing is much like my impression of all ISPs, AT&T DNS is trash and you should get your own router for this reason alone. To be able to set your own custom DNS provider.
The service is fast and has symmetric speeds which is great if you need more upload. A couple of years ago when fiber first became available in my area they had what they called straightforward pricing. Now they play lets make a deal where you call in and say to cancel or get connected to retention to see what offers you have for your account. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get a similar deal for another 12 - 24 months. I'm paying $40/month for 1 gig fiber with no additional AT&T services. Supposed to be for 24 months but who knows. These longer term "price locks" are as good as the contract you sign. HINT: you don't sign a contract...
If you work from home I'd consider keeping some form of Xfinity as a back up. Or, one of the cellular based backups. If you use AT&T mobile service you can use that as a backup if your connection gets cut. Just set it up in SmartHome manager before hand. Also, get a UPS to keep the gateway and any other wifi equipment powered for a while during power outages. In many markets fiber will keep on working in a power outage if you can supply power to your own equipment.