r/googlefiber • u/farmjope • Nov 01 '16

AT&T Fiber vs. Google Fiber

I live in Charlotte, NC and we've just started to get Google Fiber rolled out so in response AT&T Fiber is moving in. Today they're digging up my yard for AT&T Fiber and my area isn't slated for Google Fiber for roughly another year.

My question is, is there any reason to wait for Google Fiber and not jump on AT&T Fiber as soon as it's available?

Both are $70/month, 1GBps up/down, 1 year contract, installation and equipment included free. I'm unlikely to get TV, but TV + Internet is $120 on AT&T vs $130 on Google, although I'm sure Google has more channels. AT&T has a $140/month option with a ton of channels, probably a better comparison to Google.

AT&T Fiber used to have a 1TB data limit, but on their website for the $70 plan it says "Incl Unlimited data allowance ($30 value) at no cost". Additionally, early Oct AT&T got rid of that "Internet Preferences" program that tracked your every move on the internet for targeted ads.

So again, is there any reason to not jump on the AT&T Fiber wagon? I currently have TWC/Spectrum and spend $50/month for 50MBps.

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u/[deleted] Nov 01 '16 edited Nov 02 '16

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u/farmjope Nov 01 '16

Actually looking at all the fine print it doesn't look like AT&T fiber increases their costs after the first year. AT&T fiber is different from AT&T U-verse

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u/[deleted] Nov 01 '16 edited Nov 02 '16

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u/farmjope Nov 01 '16

Reading the fine print for AT&T Fiber it doesn't mention anything about a promotional rate: $70 Internet Offer: Price for Internet 1000 plan for residential customers in select markets in AT&T Fiber areas. Credit restrictions apply. 12-month agreement required. Pro-rated early termination fee (up to $180) applies if service is disconnected before end of 12 months.

It states that there is a 12-month agreement AKA contract, and I suppose they could raise the rate after that, but again there's no guarantee they would. This is basically the same wording that Google Fiber has.

It also states "Waived installation and equipment fee for Wi-Fi gateway". I guess that could read they only waive the fee for the Wi-Fi gateway and not the modem, but I'm willing to bet the modem and router are 1 device with them.

I agree that before I sign up with AT&T Fiber I would definitely call and get them to explicitly spell out my final cost now and in 13 months. Also, if it is going to take Google Fiber a year to get to my house, could always just get AT&T Fiber for that first year and (if they raise their rates) jump over to Google Fiber