AT&T vs Optimum: Our Verdict
AT&T Fiber and Optimum (formerly Altice) are regional providers with almost no geographic overlap — AT&T Fiber covers the South, Midwest, and West, while Optimum is concentrated in the Northeast, primarily New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. AT&T delivers pure fiber-optic service with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and a price-lock guarantee, while Optimum offers a cable-fiber hybrid network with plans from $40/month for 300 Mbps up to $80/month for 1 Gbps.
Our Pick
AT&T
Recommendation
For customers who have access to both providers, AT&T Fiber is the stronger choice with symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and a price-lock guarantee. Optimum is a competitive option in the Northeast, particularly at its $40/month entry point for 300 Mbps, and its expanding fiber network is closing the technology gap. If you are an Optimum customer, check whether AT&T Fiber serves your address — if not, Optimum's fiber plans are a solid alternative.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AT&T | Optimum |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $10.99/mo | $15.00/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | 5000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps |
| Available Plans | 13 plans | 13 plans |
| Internet | ||
| TV | ||
| Mobile | ||
| Home Security | ||
| View AT&T Plans | View Optimum Plans |
Featured Plans
AT&T
AT&T Internet 300
300 Mbps download speed
$65/mo
AT&T Fiber Internet 1000
1 Gbps download speed
$80/mo
Symmetrical gigabit fiber. Most popular plan. $200 Visa Reward Card for new customers (limited time). AutoPay + paperless required.
AT&T Premium 2.0
$85/mo
- ✓Unlimited talk & text
- ✓5G access
- ✓Unlimited premium data
- ✓60GB hotspot
- ✓HD streaming
- ✓ActiveArmor security
- ✕International data
- ✕250GB hotspot
1 line / AutoPay. Unlimited premium data (never deprioritized). 60GB hotspot. 5G. Most popular wireless plan.
Optimum
Optimum Fiber 1 Gig
1 Gbps download speed
$60/mo
Most popular Optimum plan. Symmetrical 1 Gbps fiber. 5-year price lock. No data caps. No annual contract.
Optimum TV Select
125+ channels
$80/mo
- ✓125+ channels
- ✓Entertainment channels
- ✓Sports channels (ESPN)
- ✓News channels (CNN)
- ✓Kids channels
- ✓Cloud DVR included
- ✕Premium movie channels
Most popular TV package. Mid-tier with sports and entertainment channels including ESPN and CNN. Cloud DVR included.
Optimum Mobile Unlimited
$30/mo
- ✓Unlimited talk & text
- ✓5G (T-Mobile network)
- ✓20GB premium data
- ✓5GB mobile hotspot
- ✕HD streaming
- ✕50GB+ premium data
20 GB premium data before deprioritization. 5 GB hotspot. SD streaming. T-Mobile 5G. Requires Optimum Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AT&T Fiber available in New York or New Jersey where Optimum operates?
AT&T Fiber has very limited availability in the New York and New Jersey metro area, which is Optimum's core territory. AT&T's fiber footprint is concentrated in the South, Midwest, and West — markets like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. If you live in Optimum's Northeast service area, your fiber options are more likely Optimum Fiber, Verizon Fios, or Frontier Fiber.
How does Optimum pricing compare to AT&T Fiber?
Optimum's entry price of $40/month for 300 Mbps is $15 less than AT&T Fiber's $55/month for the same speed tier. Optimum's 1 Gbps plan at $80/month is also competitively priced. However, AT&T Fiber includes a price-lock guarantee that ensures your rate never increases, while Optimum's rates are subject to change after promotional periods.
Does Optimum offer fiber internet?
Yes, Optimum is actively expanding its fiber-optic network across its Northeast footprint. However, fiber availability varies significantly by address — many Optimum customers are still on the hybrid cable network. If Optimum Fiber is available at your address, it provides a much better experience than Optimum's cable plans, though AT&T Fiber's symmetrical speed guarantees and price-lock still give it an advantage.
Does Optimum have a mobile phone service?
Yes, Optimum Mobile is available as an add-on for Optimum internet subscribers at $30/month for unlimited. AT&T, being one of the three major wireless carriers, offers a more established mobile network with broader 5G coverage. AT&T internet customers who bundle with AT&T wireless can save up to $20/month on their internet bill, making the combined cost potentially lower than an Optimum internet-plus-mobile bundle.
Which provider has better customer service, AT&T or Optimum?
Both AT&T and Optimum have received mixed customer service reviews in industry surveys. AT&T Fiber customers tend to report higher satisfaction than AT&T's legacy DSL customers, and the same pattern holds for Optimum Fiber versus Optimum cable. Customer service quality often varies by region and local market staffing.