AT&T: Reliable & Affordable Business Internet Solutions

Company Overview

Since their foundation on March 3, 1885, AT&T has undergone various managerial and ownership changes. However, its products and services have hardly changed. Today, the company serves over 100 million customers and is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, with over 241 million subscribers. Their services are divided into two categories: personal and business. Individual services include wireless, internet, data, and media and entertainment through IP-based and satellite television. On the other hand, business services include technology services such as securing and selling telecommunication equipment and wireless solutions.

AT&T is committed to bridging the digital divide by providing low-cost broadband service. They have also excelled in areas like communities, customers, and shareholder governance in the telecom industry. Currently, the company ranks at number 18 in the JUST capital rankings. The company has also established connected learning centers that provide free AT&T Fiber internet and Wi-Fi access. These centers also offer educational tools to underserved students, addressing barriers to connectivity. 

AT&T ranks first in ESG ratings in areas such as innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment value, and quality of products. Fitch Ratings has assigned them a Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of BBB+. The Short-Term IDR and Commercial Paper (CP) ratings are both F2.

Company Features & Services

AT&T provides a wide range of services including:

Wireless services: At their core, the company has established themself as a reliable and secure provider of cell phone services with features ranging from unlimited calls within the US, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and call forwarding. One of their key selling points is their reliable 5G network with nationwide coverage.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): The company allows users with compatible devices to bring them and activate them on their network. This move has seen the business attract more customers since customers do not need to purchase new phones to subscribe to the network.

Cloud-based unified communication: This is an integrated office service for businesses that allows businesses to integrate their phone, video, and messaging services across all devices. This enables companies to access their office from anywhere, making programs like working from home much more efficient.

POTS replacement: This service allows businesses to transition to digital services smoothly by converting their traditional landline signals into Internet Protocol (IP) and converting them to Voice over IP (VoIP). The service makes the management of different services easier since you don’t need dedicated lines connected to the telephone services for services such as voice, fax, alarm lines, and even elevators.

IP toll-free service: This is a voice service that combines the benefits of traditional toll-free service with the efficiency of Voice over IP (VoIP). It allows businesses to provide customers with an inbound VoIP service that delivers toll-free calls directly to the business location. Unlike regular toll-free numbers, where calls are routed through the traditional telephone network, AT&T IP Toll-Free intelligently routes calls over the AT&T Global IP / MPLS Network. Some of the features of this service include:

Call routing: Includes features like time and day manager, area code routing, call allocator, exchange routing, country code routing, and caller recognition routing.

Announcement: Provides call prompter, en route announcements, and courtesy responses.

Redirection: Offers alternate destination routing, next available agent routing, network queuing, and transfer connect.

Control: Allows select routing, routing on demand, and routing control service.

CPE certification program: Wide range of certified equipment with accompanying customer configuration guides.

Class of Service (CoS): Employs MPLS with CoS technology to classify traffic based on application, bandwidth, and latency needs.

Click-to-connect: Enables seamless transition from voice calls to real-time assistance with video, document sharing, and screen sharing.

Call recording: Cloud-based call recording for compliance needs and Voice AI analytics.

Business SIP trunking: This is a service that provides businesses with inbound, outbound, long-distance, and international calling.

Flexible calling plans: Which support both inbound and outbound calling.

Branch office extensions: Share trunks across multiple locations. Which is beneficial to businesses with multiple branches.

Virtual Telephone Numbers (VTNs): Assign local telephone numbers to phones not physically located within a given local calling area. This feature is useful for businesses looking to expand to different localities.

Web-based portal: Access performance reporting, call detail reporting, and e-ordering.
Integration with PBXs: Connect your PBX or cloud-based Microsoft Teams PBX to AT&T’s global network.

Accessories: AT&T offered a wide selection of phones and phone accessories, including smart devices such as watches and AirPods, cases, screen protectors, chargers, and much more.

Internet of Things: The company offers Internet of Things solutions to businesses. Increased connectivity and access to business ecosystems help optimize workflows and enable real-time decision-making. Their services encompass everything from consulting to device certification and support.

Cybersecurity: AT&T offers several cybersecurity services ranging from security consultation to end-point security. In 2024 the company was named as the Frost Radar leader for the global MDR. Their managed detection and response including extended detection and response is geared towards ensuring foolproof security and limiting, preventing, and managing DDoS attacks.

Consulting services: The company’s consulting services include networking consulting, which entails issues such as fiber connectivity and dedicated internet, mobile consulting which relates to wireless connectivity, and IoT consulting.

AT&T ActiveArmorSM: This is a mobile security app provided by AT&T. It helps prevent external software attacks on your device and helps block harmful links and URLs. The service also prevents phishing from the dark web.

Pricing & Plans

AT&T Phone for Business

• Overview: Offers advanced digital phone service with more than 30 calling features
• Features: Crystal-clear sound quality, unlimited calling in North America, and integration with AT&T Mobile devices
• Cost: Starting at $30/month per line, with promotional offers for bundled services

AT&T Business Fiber + Phone Bundles

Overview: Combines high-speed internet with advanced digital phone service Plans:

• 5 Gbps + Phone: $285/month for internet, first phone line free
• 2 Gbps + Phone: $185/month for internet, first phone line free
• 1 Gbps + Phone: $170/month for internet, first phone line free
• 500 Mbps + Phone: $100/month for internet, first phone line free
• 300 Mbps + Phone: $70/month for internet, first phone line free
  Each plan includes unlimited calling nationwide and to Canada, Mexico, and U.S. territories, along with various reward cards and free installation offers

AT&T Business Wireless Plans

• Unlimited Starter: $30/month per line for 6+ lines, includes unlimited data, talk, text, and 5GB of mobile hotspot data
• Unlimited Performance: $35/month per line for 6+ lines, includes all Starter features plus 40GB of mobile hotspot data and higher priority on AT&T’s network during congestion
• Unlimited Elite: $50/month per line for 6+ lines, includes all Performance features plus 100GB of mobile hotspot data and HD video streaming
  These plans also include AT&T ActiveArmor advanced mobile security and unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

Network coverage and reliability

AT&T has extensive coverage across the United States, including rural areas. Their reliable network ensures consistent connectivity for calls, texts, and data.

5G infrastructure

The company’s 5G network is one of the country's most reliable 5G infrastructures, providing faster speeds and lower latency, enhancing the overall mobile experience.

Device selection

AT&T offers a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from the latest models or more budget-friendly options. They also offer flexible payment plans for these devices starting at as low as $0.99 per month.

Business solutions

The company caters to businesses with specialized plans, including digitizing traditional communication networks. These plans prioritize critical communication during emergencies and offer additional features like deployable cell trucks.

International roaming

The company ensures you are connected with access to international roaming options. Whether traveling for business or leisure, you can rest easy knowing you won't miss any important messages.

AT&T fiber integration

By offering clients the option to bundle their fiber with wireless plans, the company has helped them save money and enjoy high-speed internet at home. This seamless integration enhances overall connectivity, whether indoors or outdoors.

FirstNet benefits

For first responders, the company’s FirstNet offers no data throttling anywhere in the US, end-to-end security, redundancy, dedicated support, and deployables like satellite cell trucks for increased capacity.

Disadvantages

Limited high-speed coverage

The company’s wireless home internet service can extend connectivity to more remote locations. However, it doesn’t guarantee access to high-speed internet everywhere. The service primarily relies on their 5G network, which is essentially a smartphone data network. People living in areas where 5G isn’t available are limited to 4G LTE speeds.

Potential for network congestion

AT&T’s service can experience congestion during peak hours or in densely populated areas. When many users share the same cell tower, it can lead to slower speeds and reduced performance. Wired connections, such as fiber or cable, tend to be more consistent in this regard.

Dependence on cell towers

AT&T’s wireless home internet relies on nearby cell towers to create your home network. If there are issues with tower maintenance, outages, or disruptions, your internet service may be affected.

User Reviews

AT&T’s business phone system offerings have received generally favorable reviews across various customer feedback platforms. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), AT&T holds an A- rating. Trustpilot users have given AT&T a 1.3 out of 5, while on G2, the rating stands at 4.5 out of 5. 

Positive feedback

Many customers appreciate AT&T’s business phone system for their personalized care and expert advice. Users have noted the flexibility of the service plans, which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different businesses. Customer satisfaction is frequently highlighted, with reviews praising the reliability and quality of the phone systems, as well as the professional and helpful nature of AT&T’s customer service representatives. This positive feedback underscores the value that AT&T’s services bring to business operations.

Critical feedback

Some customers have raised concerns about issues such as unexpected fees and occasional dissatisfaction with customer support. Common complaints include delays in service activation and difficulties in handling technical problems. There are also mentions of a lack of transparency in billing practices, which has led to frustration among some users. 
Proactive approach

AT&T has demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing negative feedback. The company often responds to complaints by offering detailed explanations and solutions to the issues raised. They strive to resolve customer concerns promptly, ensuring that any misunderstandings or service issues are clarified and rectified. This commitment to customer service helps to maintain trust and reliability among their business clients.

Customer Support

AT&T offers a variety of customer support services. The customer service team is available every day from 8 AM until 9 PM local time. You can dial 611 directly from your AT&T cell phone or directly call Technical Support at +1-800-288-20202. AT&T provides live chat support where you can chat with a customer service representative for assistance.

Conclusion

AT&T is a company that continues to evolve with changes in telephone and communication technology. Their continued evolution has enabled them to offer services catering to both personal and business needs. The company’s comprehensive offerings range from wireless services and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to cybersecurity and cloud-based communications, highlighting their adaptability and commitment to technological advancement. 

AT&T's extensive network coverage, particularly their robust 5G infrastructure, has ensured reliable and high-speed connectivity, which, along with their diverse device selection and business solutions, positions them as a leader in the industry. For potential customers, AT&T's extensive range of services, flexible plans, and strong network infrastructure offer significant advantages. However, it's important to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks before making a decision.

Use our comparison tool to examine different plans before making a decision. Check out our blog for industry trends, expert analyses, and insider tips. Find the top 10 business phone system companies to streamline your decision-making.

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