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ATT Internet vs Cox
AT&T and Cox are two of the biggest ISPs in the game. Both have an extensive reach in the US and offer dependable internet plans at very competitive prices.
However, AT&T and Cox have a couple of significant differences that will determine which is the better fit for you.
We’ve scoured the web to help you as an internet subscriber decide which ISP you should settle for.
At the end of this review, you should figure out whether to go with AT&T DSL, AT&T fiber or Cox cable internet, depending on your area of residence. Let’s go!
AT&T Internet Vs Cox: Accessibility
ATT Internet Vs Cox – Accessibility
AT&T Internet is available in 22 states across the US which is a bit more than Cox’s 18.
However, there is a bit of overlap in some states where these two ISPs operate, namely Arkansas, California, Louisiana and North Carolina.
AT&T has more coverage in South-eastern US states, whereas COX is more concentrated in North and Midwestern US states.
If you live in an overlap area, don’t assume that AT&T and Cox are available in your exact location; confirm first. Here is the AT&T availability, and here is the Cox availability.
AT&T Internet Vs Cox: Approval Rating
ATT Internet Vs Cox – Approval Rating
AT&T ranked second according to a customer satisfaction report, while Cox ranked fourth. Users ranked them similar in terms of speed and reliability.
Cox users were more satisfied with the ISP’s customer support compared to AT&T users.
Both AT&T had dismal scores in the price category, albeit AT&T outperformed Cox with a 3.5/5 price satisfaction rating compared to Cox’s 3.3/5.
It’s worth noting that AT&T fiber users ranked the company high in all categories compared to DSL customers, especially in the speed category.
Overall, AT&T fiber scored 3.8, while AT&T DSL scored 3.6. So the ratings were AT&T fiber, followed by Cox and lastly, AT&T DSL.
AT&T Internet Vs Cox: Charges
ATT Internet Vs Cox – Charges
Equipment
Cox charges a $13 equipment rental fee for its Panoramic WiFi router. But, you can forego this charge by getting a Cox internet-compatible router.
AT&T is the clear winner in this category because the gateway device rental fee is included in the monthly internet fee.
Both AT&T and Cox offer optional WiFi range extenders that you can connect to your modem to expand the WiFi range. AT&T charges $50 while Cox charges $130 for the range extender.
Installation
Both AT&T and Cox have a one-time professional installation charge of $100.
However, if you subscribe to Cox, you can skip this fee and request a self-installation kit to guide you through the installation process without needing a technician.
AT&T offers a free self-installation kit as well, but unfortunately, it’s not available everywhere. So you’ll need to contact AT&T to see if this option is available in your area.
AT&T Internet Vs Cox: Perks
ATT Internet Vs Cox – Perks
Both AT&T and Cox provide free public WiFi hotspots across most US states.
However, Cox has the upper hand here because while AT&T only has about 30,000 WiFi hotspots, Cox has over three million WiFi hotspots.
To find the best ISP, it’s vital to check the promos running at that moment. Most of Cox’s perks are available to bundle subscribers.
AT&T, on the other hand, has a web-only promo for a $200 gift card when you subscribe to their internet services.
What’s more, AT&T offers a $15 per month discount to first responders, military servicemen with proof of service and students.
Low-income households and senior citizens also get discounts via AT&T’s Access program.
Cox also has a prepaid internet service for low-income households called StraightUp, which allows them to get internet for $10 per month.
AT&T Internet Vs Cox: Pricing and Speeds
AT&T has a relatively extensive fiber network compared to rivals, and the speeds are exceptional in those areas.
However, most AT&T subscribers fall under the DSL internet category, which is stable but slower than fiber or cable internet.
Bundles often make AT&T fiber internet a viable alternative to rivals even though it provides relatively better services than its rivals.
Cox offers fast internet and TV at relatively pocket-friendly prices. While Cox’s internet is a cable (coaxial), it manages to match AT&T fiber speeds in some areas.
Cox is the better option for students because there is no contract to weigh them down. That said, let’s see how the prices and speeds of these two ISPs compare:
ATT Internet vs Cox Comparison Table
| ATT Internet Vs Cox | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Interent Plans and Pricing | Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Type |
| Starter 25 | $30.00/Mo | 25Mbps | 3Mbps | Cable |
| Essential 50 | $40.00/Mo | 50Mbps | 3Mbps | Cable |
| Preffered 250 | $60.00/Mo | 250Mbps | 3Mbps | Cable |
| Ultimate 500 | $80.00/Mo | 500Mbps | 10Mbps | Cable |
| Gigablast | $100.00/Mo | 1000Mbps | 35Mbps | Cable |
| AT&T Internet Vs Cox | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing | Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Type |
| AT&T Internet | $55.00/Mo | 0 - 50Mbps | 0 - 10Mbps | DSL |
| AT&T Internet 75 & 100 | $55.00/Mo | 75 - 100Mbps | 20 Mbps | DSL |
| AT&T Internet 300 | $55.00/Mo | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $65.00/Mo | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | $80.00/Mo | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Internet 2000 | $110.00/Mo | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Internet 5000 | $180.00/Mo | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
Final Thought
To sum it all up, both AT&T and Cox are great internet providers. However, if your area has AT&T fiber, it’s a no-brainer; go with AT&T.
But if you’re torn between AT&T DSL and Cox, you should go with Cox because DSL internet tends to disappoint sometimes.
See Also