AT&T Data Cap| A Complete Guide

Data caps are often imposed by internet service providers (ISPs) on the amount of data that can be transferred over the network for each user or subscriber during any given month. By imposing these data limits, ISPs claim to manage data flow and ensure implementation of what they call the “fair usage policy”. According to them this allows for equal access for all users on a shared network infrastructure, like cable internet.

However, data caps are severely criticized as unnecessary since the cost of the infrastructure has come down in recent years. And providers can easily keep up with the consumer demand while also keeping services affordable. Plus, consumers today are not comfortable with their ISP monitoring their data usage, and imposing a data overage fee if and when the monthly data cap is exceeded.

Yet, the onset of fiber-optic broadband has introduced a silver lining to the data cap quandary.

Providers who employ a pure fiber-optic network, such as AT&T Fiber, MetroNet, Ziply Fiber and Clearwave Fiber can deliver ultra-fast symmetrical internet speeds along with unlimited internet data.

Nearly all major cable providers have also infused fiber optic into their traditional coaxial cable infrastructure to deliver higher download speeds and even accommodate higher data caps. Spectrum offers unlimited internet via its hybrid fiber-coaxial network. Most providers like Xfinity and Cox impose around a 1 Terabyte (TB) data cap, which is not very restrictive, and quite difficult to exceed. While some more conventional cable providers like Mediacom are a bit particular, as their data caps vary with the plan based on the internet speed it offers.

Since the network infrastructure matters a lot in determining the data allowance offered to customers, this makes things slightly more complex for AT&T customers. AT&T employs multiple technologies to deliver different types of internet services across its 21-state coverage map. So AT&T data allowance varies as per its network infrastructure in your area.

For this reason, it can get a little confusing to understand whether AT&T internet has data caps or not. But here is everything you need to know about its different internet data offers!

AT&T Data Cap — All the Deets!

AT&T data caps vary significantly based on the type of service you are using.

AT&T Fiber plans offer unlimited internet data along with equal upload and download speeds. While AT&T Internet plans, which are delivered via a hybrid Copper-Fiber network, offer 1.5 TB of data allowance for speeds up to 75 Mbps. The fixed wireless connection offers significantly less data which is 350 GB. And the DSL internet connection, where still available in rural areas, comes with the lowest data cap, which is 150 GB.

AT&T Internet 100 — Unlimited Data!

If you are fond of unlimited data and don’t have fiber available at your address, but the AT&T Internet 100 plan is offered at your location, it’s worth consideration. It offers downloads up to 100 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps, with unlimited data!

AT&T Fiber - More than Just Unlimited Data!

All AT&T Fiber internet plans come with an unlimited monthly data allowance. This means that AT&T Fiber plans starting from 300 Mbps to a whopping 5 Gig all come power-packed with unlimited data!

You can binge stream, play games in 4K, conduct video conferences, and work with cloud-based software without ever worrying about the data overage fee. Here is what else AT&T Fiber has to offer:

†† Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.

Do you want those symmetrical internet speeds and unlimited data for yourself, but can’t decide on the right package? Check out all our AT&T reviews:

How to Check Data Usage on AT&T?

AT&T has devised ways for you to perform an AT&T data usage check. There are several tools through which you can monitor and manage your AT&T internet data cap.

For starters, you can determine which internet activities are eating up your monthly data allowance through the AT&T data Calculator. The calculator is a fun way to get your AT&T data usage breakdown. You just have to mention the estimated number of emails you send and receive, the hours you spend streaming, and other major online activities, and you have your data usage stats.

You can also sign in to your myAT&T account via the app or website, and quickly get all the details about your past and current data usage through the usage meter. The AT&T data usage meter keeps track of all downloaded and uploaded data processed through your AT&T internet-connected devices. Generally, AT&T updates its data usage every 4 hours. However, AT&T may update data at shorter intervals for those who utilize more.

Lastly, you can get an email notification, which proactively warns you of your data usage. So you can avoid exceeding your data limit. AT&T will send you email alerts when you consume 65%, 90%, and 100% of your monthly data allowance. AT&T will also notify you the first time you cross your monthly data limit. If you exceed the data limit for the third time during the month, you will be charged a data overage fee.

What Are AT&T Data Overage Fees?

In the event of exceeding the permitted data limits, AT&T will charge you extra for eating up more GBs. The good thing about AT&T data caps is when you are close to using up all your data allowance, AT&T sends multiple alerts and warnings.

However, the first two times you go over the AT&T data limit, you will not be charged. AT&T charges for data overage only when you exceed it for the third time. This means you would have ample time on your hands to manage and solve your data consumption problem.

Bottom Line

When it comes to AT&T data caps, offerings are quite generous and correlate to the speed you receive. However, Fiber internet would be the most obvious choice for anyone residing in AT&T Fiber coverage areas. This advanced pure fiber service delivers symmetrical speeds at affordable price points. And not having an AT&T Fiber data cap to contest with makes it an extremely value-adding service for most users.

AT&T Internet via IPBB is widely available, and boasts a 1.5 TB data allowance for plans up to 75 Mbps. That isn’t so easy to beat. Plus, you can easily obtain unlimited internet data at cost, if and when you require more.

AT&T Fixed Wireless and DSL are less generous―more specifically curated for rural AT&T internet consumption. However AT&T has already discontinued offering DSL connections to new subscribers. And more recently the service provider also introduced a fixed wireless home internet service, AT&T Internet Air. It offers more speed than the older AT&T Fixed Wireless service, and unlimited data too. AT&T is encouraging it’s Copper-based internet customers to switch for the better.

All in all, AT&T plans bring great value to the table―regardless of the service type, depending on your location, you can find an internet connection that works for your needs, from one of the most renowned ISPs in the industry. If you find yourself inclined for more details about AT&T Internet availability at your address, contact AT&T experts at 855-925-2541.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AT&T Fiber Have Data Caps?

There are no AT&T Fiber data caps, and you can pick from a range of speeds from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gig.

Does AT&T Limit Internet Usage?

AT&T DSL users get 150 GB of data allowance, while the AT&T Fixed Wireless service offers 350 GB. However the new AT&T Internet Air alternative for rural customers includes unlimited data. AT&T Internet speeds up to 75 Mbps allow 1.5 TB, while the 100 Mbps plan and AT&T Fiber are unlimited.

How Do I Check AT&T Data Usage?

You can use the myAT&T app or the web portal to monitor consumption via the data usage meter. As you near the AT&T data limit, you’ll receive email notifications when usage hits 65%, 90%, and 100% of the allowance.