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AT&T vs. Cox Internet Service Providers
AT&T is now fiber-first for new sign‑ups with a 5G fixed wireless option (AT&T Internet Air) where fiber isn’t built, while Cox remains cable-first and is upgrading its hybrid fiber‑coax network with mid‑split/high‑split work and DOCSIS 4.0 prep, plus selective FTTH builds. For most addresses in 2025, your best choice comes down to the access technology offered at your location, upload needs, data policies, and the all‑in price shown on the provider’s required FCC Broadband Consumer Label [pricing, caps, typical speeds, fees] (FCC).
Below, we compare AT&T and Cox using current speed tiers, plan pricing examples, data policies, tech upgrades (fiber, mid‑split/DOCSIS 4.0), and contract norms so you can match the right plan to your address. AT&T Fiber widely markets symmetrical 300 Mbps–5 Gbps tiers with equipment included and no annual contract (AT&T Fiber), and Internet Air typically delivers ~100–300 Mbps depending on coverage (AT&T Internet Air). Cox offers cable downloads up to 2 Gbps in many markets (uploads vary by upgrade status) and symmetrical multi‑gig in select Cox Fiber areas (Cox Internet; Cox Fiber).
AT&T vs. Cox Overview
| AT&T | Cox Communications | |
| J.D. Power Rating* | See latest benchmarks via ACSI; verify current ISP study results on J.D. Power | See latest benchmarks via ACSI; verify current ISP study results on J.D. Power |
| Bundles with | Internet (Fiber or 5G Internet Air), DIRECTV (satellite or via internet), and Phone | Internet, Cable TV, and Phone |
| # of states serviced | Multi‑state footprint; tens of millions of fiber passings reported (see investor updates) | Multi‑state cable footprint with selective Cox Fiber builds |
| Speed range | Fiber: 300 Mbps – 5 Gbps symmetric; 5G FWA (Internet Air): ~100–300 Mbps typical | Cable: 100 Mbps – 2 Gbps download (uploads vary by market upgrades); Cox Fiber up to ~2 Gbps symmetric |
| Internet type | Fiber; Fixed Wireless (5G); limited legacy DSL | Cable (HFC); Fiber in select areas |
| Other features | No data caps on fiber; equipment included on fiber; no annual contract on fiber | Most plans use a 1.25 TB/mo data plan (unlimited add‑on available); equipment rentals; ongoing 10G/DOCSIS 4.0‑aligned upgrades |
| Price range | Fiber examples: 300 ~$55, 500 ~$65, 1 GIG ~$80, 2 GIG ~$110, 5 GIG ~$180 (equipment included; check label) | Market‑specific; cable 300 Mbps commonly ~$50–$70 promo and 1 Gbps ~$80–$120 standard (check label for your address) |
| Contract length | No annual contract on fiber | No‑term options common; some promos have 12–24 mo introductory pricing |
*Use independent indices for satisfaction. See the American Customer Satisfaction Index for ISP benchmarks and consult the latest J.D. Power ISP study for region‑specific results. Plan pricing/terms should be verified on each provider’s FCC broadband label.
Data points reflect 2024–2025 sources cited below
Internet Type
AT&T’s primary wireline product is fiber (XGS‑PON) with symmetrical tiers from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gbps where available (AT&T Fiber). For addresses without fiber, AT&T offers Internet Air, a 5G fixed‑wireless service that typically delivers ~100–300 Mbps depending on signal and network load. AT&T continues to expand fiber passings and use FWA to replace legacy copper at many locations (AT&T investor update).
Cox delivers internet primarily over cable (HFC) with plan downloads commonly spanning 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps; upload speeds depend on local upgrades (mid‑split/high‑split) and are typically lower than downloads, though improved in upgraded markets. In select neighborhoods, Cox Fiber provides fully symmetrical, multi‑gig service (marketed up to ~2 Gbps). Cox’s HFC upgrades align with the industry’s DOCSIS 4.0 roadmap to boost upstream capacity and latency performance over time (Cox 10G upgrades).
Features
Data policy: AT&T markets no data caps on its fiber plans and typically includes the gateway with no annual contract (AT&T Fiber). Cox generally includes a 1.25 TB monthly data plan on residential tiers with options to add unlimited. Equipment charges for cable Wi‑Fi gear vary by market; using your own compatible router can reduce fees (confirm on the FCC label).
Upload speeds and tech upgrades: If you often upload large files, stream, or game, AT&T Fiber’s symmetrical uploads (300 Mbps to 5 Gbps) are a clear advantage (AT&T Fiber). Cox’s mid‑split upgrades materially raise cable uploads (commonly into the tens of Mbps, up to ~100 Mbps on top tiers in upgraded markets) and pave the way for DOCSIS 4.0 features; Cox Fiber, where available, offers symmetric multi‑gig (Cox Internet; DOCSIS 4.0).
Network management on fixed‑wireless: AT&T Internet Air is a 5G FWA product and, like other mobile‑network‑based home internet services, can be subject to traffic management during congestion. Always check the provider’s label/network‑management disclosures for typical speeds/latency and any deprioritization terms (FCC labels; example of congestion management disclosures: T‑Mobile Open Internet).
Contract Length
AT&T Fiber advertises no annual contract and no price increase at 12 months on fiber tiers (AT&T Fiber). Cox commonly sells internet month‑to‑month as well, but many offers use a 12–24 month introductory price that rolls to a higher standard rate after the promo. The FCC broadband label must disclose promo length, post‑promo price, and any early‑termination fee if a term applies.
Speed packages
| AT&T | COX | |
| Speed packages | Fiber: 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Mbps (symmetrical) Fixed wireless (5G Internet Air): typical ~100–300 Mbps | Cable: 100, 250/300, 500, 1,000, 2,000 Mbps (downloads; uploads vary by upgrades) Cox Fiber: up to ~2,000 Mbps symmetrical (select areas) |
Concrete price examples at a glance: AT&T’s nationally marketed fiber pricing commonly lists Internet 300 at ~$55/mo, 500 at ~$65, 1 Gig at ~$80, 2 Gig at ~$110, and 5 Gig at ~$180 (equipment included; taxes/fees vary by area) (AT&T Fiber). Cable providers typically advertise ~300 Mbps around $50–$70 during an intro period and 1 Gbps around $80–$120 at standard rates, with a separate Wi‑Fi gateway fee in some markets; Cox’s tiers track this industry pattern (verify your address on the label; industry example: Spectrum).
Performance notes: For fastest uploads and low latency, AT&T Fiber’s symmetrical multi‑gig service generally leads (AT&T Fiber). Cox offers 2 Gbps downloads on cable in many markets with improving uploads where mid‑split upgrades are live; Cox Fiber (where available) is symmetrical multi‑gig. DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades are designed to further raise upstream capacity and improve responsiveness over HFC (DOCSIS 4.0; Cox 10G).
Bundling options
Heavy data users often prefer AT&T’s fiber plans because they’re marketed without data caps and include equipment on fiber tiers (AT&T Fiber). Cox cable plans generally include a 1.25 TB monthly data plan, with paid unlimited options if you want to stop tracking usage. Always confirm exact fees and data terms on the FCC label.
TV pairing: AT&T internet pairs with DIRECTV (satellite or via internet). Satellite can be impacted by severe weather, while cable TV is wired and typically weather‑resilient. DIRECTV remains a frequent contender in our best TV providers review; compare channel lineups and whether you prefer satellite or streaming delivery at your address.
Mobile and cross‑bundles: Many households now save $15–$25 per month by bundling home internet with mobile or by adding discounted “perk” bundles (Verizon 5G Home + eligible wireless, Verizon myPlan perks). Cable MVNOs also discount wireless when you keep home internet (e.g., Spectrum Mobile requires Spectrum Internet). Compare these cross‑discounts alongside AT&T/Cox internet pricing to find the lowest overall bill.
One‑time charges and terms: Fiber plans from AT&T typically include the gateway and don’t require annual contracts; installation/activation can vary by offer. Cox bundles combine internet, cable TV, and phone with month‑to‑month options, but introductory pricing often applies for 12 months (or longer) before moving to standard rates. The label must disclose the promo length, post‑promo price, equipment charges, and whether a data‑usage plan or unlimited add‑on applies (FCC labels).
So, which is right for me?
| If you… | Then you should go with: | Here’s why: |
| Need basic internet and TV on a budget | Cox | Cox often advertises low intro pricing on cable internet + TV bundles; using your own compatible router can reduce Wi‑Fi fees. Verify promo length, post‑promo price, and the 1.25 TB data plan or unlimited option on the label. |
| Love getting the most bang for your buck | AT&T | AT&T Fiber commonly includes equipment, has no annual contract, and offers symmetrical 300–500 Mbps in the ~$55–$65 range, with 1 Gig around ~$80 at many addresses (AT&T Fiber). |
| Stream movies and use a lot of data | AT&T | AT&T Fiber is marketed without data caps so you can stream and download freely without tracking usage; Cox customers can add unlimited to bypass the 1.25 TB plan if needed. |
| Love sports | AT&T | Pairing AT&T internet with DIRECTV provides robust sports options; Cox also offers sports packages on cable TV—compare regional sports availability and delivery method (satellite vs. coax vs. streaming). |
| Live in an area with heavy rains or severe weather and love watching TV | Cox | Cox’s wired cable TV service is generally not affected by storms the way satellite can be; if you choose DIRECTV via internet rather than satellite, weather impacts are minimized. |
How to Compare Internet Companies
Start with what’s available in your area
Enter your address and open each provider’s Broadband Label. Confirm the base monthly price (and AutoPay conditions), equipment/installation fees, whether the price is promotional and for how long, the post‑promo price, typical speeds/latency, data caps, and contract terms. Labels have been mandatory since 2024 for large ISPs.
What are your priorities?
If uploads and low latency matter (video calls, creator workflows, cloud backup), favor fiber (symmetrical) where available. If you prioritize live TV channel count or regional sports, compare Cox cable TV vs. DIRECTV via satellite or internet at your address. Consider cross‑bundles (internet + mobile or streaming perks) to trim $15–$25/mo from your combined bill (example perks).
Figure out your need for speed
Fiber and upgraded cable can both deliver high downstream speeds; fiber stands out for symmetric uploads and consistency. Cable uploads are improving where mid‑split/high‑split is live and will expand with DOCSIS 4.0 rollouts. 5G fixed wireless (home internet) performance depends on signal quality and network load, with typical results in the ~100–300 Mbps range for many addresses (AT&T Internet Air).
The faster the speed, the happier your household will be when there are several devices using your home Wi‑Fi. Here’s a breakdown of the FCC’s speed guide on how much speed is ideal according to your usage.
| Light Use | Moderate Use | High Use | Very High | |
| 1-3 devices | 5–10 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| 4-8 devices | 15 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| 8-10 devices | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
| 10+ devices | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 200+ Mbps |
Don’t forget about your data use
Multiple devices streaming HD/4K video can exceed a terabyte per month. Cox generally includes a 1.25 TB monthly data plan with options to add unlimited if you want headroom. AT&T Fiber advertises no data caps (AT&T Fiber). Fixed‑wireless services typically market unlimited data but may use congestion management; review each provider’s network‑management disclosures on the label (see also T‑Mobile’s policy example).
Don’t assume the lowest monthly price is the cheapest
$50–$60 per month sounds great, but the true cost depends on fees and promo terms. Use the Broadband Label to confirm base price, AutoPay requirements, equipment and installation fees, promo length, post‑promo price, data caps/overages, and whether any term/ETF applies. Compare any available mobile or streaming bundle discounts alongside these figures.
- What is the installation fee?
- Do you have to pay for equipment monthly?
- How long does your promotional monthly price last? (Some promotions make you sign a two-year contract but only offer the promo price the first year.)
- What will your monthly price be after the promo is over?
- Do you have to pay for tech and service visits?
- How much are early cancellation penalties?
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