Overview
Cox is largely recognized to be one of the biggest cable networks in the U.S. and serves as a quality choice for mid-range TV and internet service. The company does not offer premium services, but it is well within the reach of the average earner. However, the company does offer good internet speeds and good TV service at affordable rates. In some selected locations, the internet speed can be up to 100 Mbps, and that is considered to be a speed that can be offered majorly by fiber networks.
Overview of AT&T
AT&T began as a telephone company but has since expanded its reach into diverse services, including fiber, DSL internet, television, digital voice, and U-Verse. AT&T is reputed to be one of the leading internet service providers in the U.S. The company offers great pricing on its internet packages, and its television service that is offered through DirecTV is considered to be one of the best TV networks in the U.S. based on consumer ranking and its high-definition channel service offering.
Cox vs. AT &T
The first and most important thing to do when comparing Cox and AT&T is to examine the features of each. First, according to a report from the Federal Communications Commission, Cox has less coverage area in comparison to AT&T. Second, Cox’s internet plans are cheaper than AT&T. Cox has its subscription plans starting at $29.99 per month, while AT&T has its plans starting at $55 per month. Third, for each internet service plan from Cox, a data cap is set, while AT&T’s fiber plans offer unlimited data. Both companies offer plans with a download speed of close to one gigabit per second, although that speed might vary according to location and the strength of the network signal. Fourth, both companies also offer phone and TV packages. However, Cox offers both automation and a home security package.
One’s choice of the better package between the two internet service providers will be determined by the features one is looking out for, and both might be available in the area you intend to use them. Although Cox has a wider range of diverse internet plans, it also has a greater variety of download speeds.
Plans and Pricing
AT&T Internet
Cox Internet
Available Locations
It is important to know the locations where both companies are available, so that will help you ascertain which of the internet providers will serve you better in your location. Cox has a lesser coverage area and is recorded to have 624 service areas in the U.S. and these are the locations it is available: Virginia, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Ohio, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina, Missouri, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Kansas, Idaho, Iowa, Georgia, Florida, Connecticut, California, Arizona, and Arkansas. Check the company website to see if Cox is in your area. AT&T has a wider coverage area and is available in these areas: Alabama, Wisconsin, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Carolina, Nevada, Missouri, Mississippi, Michigan, Louisiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, and California. To be sure if your area is among those covered by AT&T, kindly check AT&T’s website.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cox and AT&T
Advantages of Cox
Free Wi-Fi hotspots. Provides diverse budget options, including for people in rural areas. Ability to save on equipment.
Disadvantages
It has limitations on the devices that can be connected on its cheap plans. For WI-FI enmeshed service, a modem will need to be rented. Fees are canceled when you opt-out of the contract before it is up.
AT&T’s Advantages
It has a better spread in its coverage area. It has packages for phones and TV. It is a good choice for urban dwellers who have access to fiber networks.
Disadvantages
It has data caps for plans slower than 100 Mbps. It does not have good coverage in rural areas. An extra cost is incurred to rent a modem.
Conclusion
Both Cox and AT&T are reputable companies when it comes to providing internet service in the U.S. However, they both have their own areas of strength and limitations. While Cox does appeal to average and lower-income earners, AT&T, thanks to its wide coverage and fiber network, has been able to keep its target market largely among urban dwellers and those with the financial reach to subscribe to its service. Finally, the choice of which of the companies offers the best services cannot be a strict answer as the services offered are different, as are the prices of the bundles. So, it is best to weigh the options of the services rendered and see which of them will suit you better.
