Internet Service Providers
Top Companies in 2026
AT&T vs EarthLink
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- Symmetrical speeds on fiber service
- No contracts required
- Included gateway with most fiber plans
- Smart Home Manager app
- Contract-flexible plan options
- Unlimited data availability on many plans
- Legacy ISP experience with modern broadband
- Optional full-service technical support add-on
- Service quality varies by location
- Multi-gig tiers have higher monthly costs
- Prices depend on AutoPay and paperless billing
- Fixed wireless speeds can slow during busy hours
- Inconsistent service experience by connection type
- Limited upfront pricing transparency
- Fewer advanced networking features by default
- Unclear equipment options and ownership terms
AT&T is a long-established U.S. telecommunications provider founded in 1885 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, offering home internet through a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and legacy copper connections that vary by location. Their fiber service is the strongest part of their lineup, delivering symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, multi-gig tiers, and equipment like the All-Fi Hub gateway and optional Wi-Fi extenders to support streaming, remote work, and households with many connected devices. For addresses without fiber, Internet Air provides a fixed wireless alternative powered by their 5G network, allowing customers to get online without extensive installation. They also offer bundling discounts for wireless customers and access to the Smart Home Manager app for easier network control. Customer feedback differs widely across markets, with fiber users generally reporting more consistent speeds than those on older networks. AT&T carries an A+ business rating from the Better Business Bureau, although they are not accredited. If you want a deeper look at their plans, pricing, features, and real-world performance, the full review breaks down what this provider offers and where their service may or may not fit your home’s specific needs.
EarthLink Internet is a long-established internet service provider that has operated in the U.S. market since 1994. They are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and provide internet access to residential and small business customers across much of the country. Unlike providers that rely on a single network, EarthLink delivers service through multiple connection types based on location, including fiber, wireless home internet, and satellite. This structure allows them to reach customers in both well-served metro areas and regions where internet options are more limited. Their offerings are built around flexibility and availability rather than bundled entertainment services. Many plans emphasize unlimited data usage, and select options allow customers to avoid long-term contracts. EarthLink also supplements standard internet service with optional technical support tools and account management resources designed to simplify setup and ongoing use. Customer feedback across major review platforms reflects a mixed but informative picture. Some users highlight stable performance and smooth installations, while others point to pricing clarity and performance variability depending on connection type. From an industry standpoint, EarthLink remains a recognizable legacy ISP that has adapted to modern broadband delivery models rather than exiting the market.
- Customer Service : Fair
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : 21 states
- Customer Service : Good
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : 48 states
- No data caps for Fiber Internet
- Fast multi-gig fiber tiers in select markets
- Internet Air option for homes without wired service
- Ongoing bundle discounts for wireless customers
- Multi-network internet access under one brand
- Strong availability in limited-option markets
- Location-first service model
- Edge-case connectivity coverage
- Desktop Application
- FAQs
- Help Center
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticket
- Desktop Application
- FAQs
- Help Center
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticket
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- 4G
- 5G
- 4G
- 5G
- Android
- iOS
- Android
- iOS