AT&T vs. Bend Broadband vs. Rise Broadband Internet plan comparison
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Staff rating
4.5
Customer rating
4.1
(419)- Plans starting at $55.00
- Download speeds up to 5000Mbps
Staff rating
3.8
Customer rating
4.0
(2)- Plans starting at $54.99
- Download speeds up to 1Gbps
Staff rating
3.0
Customer rating
4.0
(1)- Plans starting at $25.00
- Download speeds up to 1000 Mbps
Check availability
See what providers service your area.
Staff rating
4.5
Incredible price for fast fiber internet
We're big fans of AT&T fiber internet for its fast speeds, reasonable prices, and great customer service. AT&T offers fantastic value: fast fiber internet speeds at reasonable prices, plus some of the best customer support in the business and rock-solid reliability. With no contracts, no data caps, and no monthly equipment fee, AT&T is one of the best home internet providers.
What we like
- Competitive fiber plans
- Solid customer support
- Excellent reliability
What we dislike
- Expensive installation fees
- Few TV bundling options
Savings tip: AT&T often has sign-up promotions for first-time customers. Call to ask a rep about current deals and discounts.
Check deals
Staff rating
3.8
Big speeds and big value from a small-town provider
BendBroadband offers a surprisingly strong internet service to the towns around Bend, Oregon. Despite the occasional customer service issue, we think it’s one of the most compelling options in the area.
What we like
- Competitive pricing
- No contracts
- Unlimited data options
What we dislike
- Regular price increases
- No true budget plan
Savings tip: Bend Broadband often has sign-up promotions for first-time customers. Call to ask a rep about current deals and discounts.
Check deals
Staff rating
3.0
Rise Broadband brings good speeds and great prices to rural customers
Rise Broadband offers competitive fixed wireless speeds at reasonable prices for rural customers. While it won’t compete with your typical fiber or cable internet service, it offers a compelling alternative to satellite.
What we like
- Strong rural availability
- More data than satellite
- Low latency
What we dislike
- Limited speeds
- weather can impact service
Savings tip: Rise Broadband often has sign-up promotions for first-time customers. Call to ask a rep about current deals and discounts.
Check deals
Value
4.0
Fiber internet is an excellent deal
The AT&T fiber internet plans represent give you serious value for your money. The speeds are competitive, and the prices at any given tier are lower than nearly every other provider. One exception, Xfinity, offers slightly cheaper gig plans in some markets. Another, Google Fiber, offers $10 less on gigabit speeds. However, AT&T is more likely to be available in areas that have cable internet from Spectrum and Cox, and we think AT&T fiber is usually the better deal.
For the money with AT&T, you get outstanding download speeds and excellent upload speeds. And with unlimited data on fiber internet plans, you can actually use your gigabit connection without worry on speeds being throttled after you're over a data allotment.
Some legacy AT&T customers may have DSL internet from AT&T. The most affordable AT&T plan is about $50 per month, and this can either be basic DSL (speeds up to 75 Mbps) or the outstandding, fiber-based Internet 300. Availability of plans depends on your service area.
If you can get only AT&T fixed wireless, you may experience data caps and get 1 Mbps upload speeds. In this case, other internet providers might offer you better deals on DSL internet plans.
Pricing details vary by location. Visit
AT&T's website
or call 1-833-804-1770 to speak with a rep.See pricing
Value
4.0
Surprisingly strong value for a local provider
BendBroadband looks like a local brand, but it's actually owned by TDS, which services over 1,000 communities across the country(1). Still, it offers a surprisingly strong value proposition. BendBroadband's plans are competitively priced, there are no contracts required, and the installation and equipment fees are reasonable. Taken together, it feels like you get your money’s worth, which is ultimately the most important thing when assessing value.
Our one knock here is that there’s no true budget plan available for those who don’t need 300+ Mbps internet. For single-person households, 100 Mbps is often plenty fast, so this could be a drawback if you live alone—or with a couple of people who don't stream a lot or work from home.
Pricing details vary by location. Visit
Bend Broadband's website
or call 1-844-733-6485 to speak with a rep.See pricing
Value
3.0
Much better value than satellite, but won't compete with traditional cable or fiber
Rise Broadband is a tough service to rate because it’s not your typical ISP. Rise Broadband provides what’s known as fixed wireless service, which means the signal is beamed from a tower wirelessly to your home (rather than running through cable or fiber lines). It’s also generally aimed more at rural areas where cable lines don’t exist. This means it primarily competes with satellite internet and DSL. All this has to be taken into account when considering value.
So, where does Rise stand? Compared to DSL and satellite, it’s an outstanding value. It offers better performance and higher data allowances (with an unlimited data add-on available) than satellite and DSL, and at significantly lower prices. That said, if you’re in an area that has a cable or fiber option, you may find that those providers offer more for your money.
Pricing details vary by location. Visit
Rise Broadband's website
or call 1-844-719-8068 to speak with a rep.See pricing
Performance
5.0
Fast, reliable speeds any time of day
AT&T claims 99% reliability (1) for its fiber internet service, and that’s astoundingly accurate in our experience. In fact, over several years of constant daily use in a packed house (two people working from home, two kids doing schoolwork, lots of streaming video and calls), we haven’t had a single major disruption. This is a huge victory compared to experiences I've had with other internet providers.
When you have reliable internet from AT&T, you don't even think about it. All your internet-based needs are met, without any friction or worry. AT&T internet speeds are consistent, with little variation based on the time of day, activity, or even the particular speed test used. Its median download speeds are slightly slower than its cable and fiber internet competitors, but only by a matter of milliseconds, which is hardly noticeable (2). This all adds up to a great experience where the service “just works,” and nobody ever really needs to wonder if they’ll be able to do what they need to do.
It's also worth mentioning that because AT&T fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables, upload speeds are equal to download speeds. That means you can upload huge files in seconds, video chat, live stream game play, and more without a hiccup. With many other internet providers, the download speeds are much slower than the download speed, so this is a huge benefit.
Available speeds vary by location. Call 1-833-804-1770 to speak with a AT&T rep or
go to its website.
Performance
4.5
BendBroadband delivers with excellent performance
Performance-wise, BendBroadband holds its own against competing internet service providers. There are plans available ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps, and reports indicate that the service is reliable. If we had to knock BendBroadband for anything performance-wise, it would be a lack of speeds above 1 Gbps—some cable competitors are offering up to 2 Gbps speeds, and we’d like to see the same from BendBroadband. These faster speeds can be useful for customers who download a large number of media files or frequently watch multiple concurrent 4K streams, for example. There are also data caps to be aware of, with overage charges up to $30 per month.
Available speeds vary by location. Call 1-844-733-6485 to speak with a Bend Broadband rep or
go to its website.
Performance
3.0
Better performance than other rural options
Performance-wise, Rise Broadband offers solid speeds—with the caveat that we’re comparing internet options in rural areas here. Most coverage areas have a choice of 25 Mbps and 50 Mbps plans, and some select areas have up to 100 Mbps available. These speeds would be pretty bad in areas with more options. However, if you’re considering fixed wireless, you probably don’t have many more options.
Compared to a satellite provider like Viasat, these speeds are about average—maybe even a little slow. However, fixed wireless like Rise won’t suffer from the huge latency of satellite internet, which makes it much more usable for gaming and other real-time tasks. Rise should handle HD streaming in a small household without too much trouble. You can optionally add unlimited data for an extra $10 per month, which makes a big difference without making the price unreasonable.
Available speeds vary by location. Call 1-844-719-8068 to speak with a Rise Broadband rep or
go to its website.
Equipment and installation
4.0
Free equipment and free self-installs for fiber internet
It's very easy to install AT&T fiber internet. In fact, internet installation really doesn't get easier. You can choose between professional installation or self-install, which is really nice. Many other internet providers don't give you the option to choose your installation type yourself. You can choose a $99 professional installation by an AT&T technician or a DIY self-install kit.
If you can only get DSL with AT&T, the equipment is still free but you'll be charged a $49 activation fee. If you don't want to self-install, you can have a pro come out for an additional $99 and have them do everything for you.
If you're up for installing yourself, AT&T sends easy and clear instructions. Activation and configuration of your Wi-Fi network are handled through the simple AT&T Smart Home Manager app, so you don’t even need to log into the router settings page like with some other providers. It's a really seamless DIY install experience.
If you prefer to have your AT&T internet installed for you, it's a breeze. You can count on fast and friendly service. I've personally interacted with in-person AT&T on a couple of occasions, and I was very happy with the experience. Professional installation is nice when you don't have the time, energy, or confidence to install internet yourself. You'll feel like you're getting the royal treatment as you sit back, relax, and have it done for you.
The AT&T wireless gateway is really nice. Called AT&T Smart Wi-Fi, it’s super simple to set up, provides solid range, and looks sleek on a desk. Compared to the routers and gateways provided by some other providers, this one’s a breath of fresh air.
Equipment and installation options can vary widely depending on
AT&T plans
available in your area.View plans
Equipment and installation
4.0
A fantastic mesh Wi-Fi system and affordable installation
BendBroadband has jumped on the mesh network bandwagon and offers what it calls TDS Wi-Fi+. For those unfamiliar with the term, a mesh network is a system of multiple wireless routers that help spread your network over a larger area without losing signal strength. The result is fuller coverage of your entire home, with no weird dead spots or dropped connections. It’s often a big improvement on traditional single-router setups.
The TDS Wi-Fi+ set up is about $15 per month, plus $5 per month for each additional extender you need (most homes should be fine with the default). Customers can opt for a cheaper, standard equipment setup for $10 per month. However, many customers report problems with this router and opt to get their own(2).
BendBroadband also offers options for installation. You can opt for a free self-install kit. Or you can choose professional installation for around $50, which is one of the lower installation fees we’ve seen. In areas that aren’t eligible for self-install, the professional fee is waived, so it won’t cost you anything to get set up.
Equipment and installation options can vary widely depending on
Bend Broadband plans
available in your area.View plans
Equipment and installation
3.0
Surprisingly great Wi-Fi equipment—watch out for that installation fee, though
Rise Broadband offers surprisingly competitive equipment. The provider offers the TP-Link Deco M4 mesh system, which can easily cover an entire large home. Customers can choose to rent up to three of the devices for $5 more per month each, so you can save a little money if you don’t need the full range of all three routers.
Rise Broadband’s installation fee is a whopping $150. That’s one of the highest of any providers we’ve seen. However, many promotions waive this fee. If you can’t find one in your area, it’s also worth asking the sales rep about it—you never know.
Equipment and installation options can vary widely depending on
Rise Broadband plans
available in your area.View plans
Customer experience
5.0
Better customer service, with more options
Internet providers have traditionally had a terrible reputation for customer service, but AT&T scores above average with national rating organizations like the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). These ratings have improved over the last few years, which is encouraging.
AT&T offers several options for getting help:
- Online chat (scroll all the way to the bottom)
- Telephone support (800-288-2020)
- Online support site
The support site also has lots of information available. It’s easy to use, and if you do need more help, the options involving service reps usually get a quick, friendly response. While it’s not perfect 100% of the time, AT&T customer support tends to be better than average.
AT&T makes it easy to stay connected away from home, too. Subscribers get access to a nationwide network of free Wi-Fi hotspots. Since AT&T offers mobile phone service in addition to internet, you'll be able to log on in from almost anywhere.
Visit AT&T's website
or call 1-833-804-1770 for more information on contracts and money-back guarantees.Go to provider
Customer experience
3.0
Occasional customer service hiccups hamper an otherwise excellent ISP
Living with BendBroadband has its ups and downs. The day-to-day experience is solid for most customers, and the speeds seem to be consistent with what’s advertised. However, a few customers complain about regular price hikes and unreliable service that drops occasionally. Some customers also report poor customer service over the phone.
Because BendBroad is now owned by TDS, we would expect some changes in customer service moving forward. However, TDS rates about the same for customer service as Bend, so you may experience different issues and still feel the overall level of satisfaction.
Visit Bend Broadband's website
or call 1-844-733-6485 for more information on contracts and money-back guarantees.Go to provider
Customer experience
3.0
Drastically improved experience compared to satellite internet, but still suffers from some weather-related interference
The customer experience with Rise Broadband is good overall. It offers solid speeds at a great price—if you’re coming from satellite, it’ll be a whole new world. Our one major gripe isn’t so much with Rise as it is with fixed wireless in general: it’s more susceptible to weather interference than most other types of internet. If you’re in an area with frequent heavy rain or snow, you might have some reliability issues (although satellite would likely have the same issues, too).
Multiple customers have noted that speeds fluctuate throughout the year, possibly due to network congestion followed by maintenance and new infrastructure to accommodate the additional traffic. Unfortunately, your experience may be hindered by limited self-help troubleshooting options if you have any issues.
Visit Rise Broadband's website
or call 1-844-719-8068 for more information on contracts and money-back guarantees.Go to provider
Made up your mind?
Find out what providers are available near you.
AT&T
4.1
(419)5 Star
40%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
3%
L
Lisafrom New Baltimore, MI
AT&T Customer for 4+ years
Reviewed on: 6-17-2022
The service is acceptable with very few outtages however it is a bit pricey
A
Anonymous
AT&T Customer for 8+ years
Reviewed on: 6-17-2022
It is ok, speed, reliability are ok
C
Christinefrom Houston, TX
AT&T Customer for 8+ years
Reviewed on: 6-17-2022
The internet service is generally reliable. The reliability has improved in recent years. The service when contacted is not good. The sales people, service people, and service techs do not communicate.
K
Kathleenfrom San Diego, CA
AT&T Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 6-17-2022
Everyone can improve. My service is ok but the inconsisting of the pricing is terrible. Customer service is something else. Can never get anyone that you have talked to before
Bend Broadband
4.0
(2)5 Star
50%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
B
Brittany from West Chester , OH
Bend Broadband Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 8-29-2022
Okay okay I’ll be there in about a minute. I don’t have a phone number on my account so I’m just. Okay okay I’ll let you know when I get home from the.
M
Maryfrom Bend, OR
Bend Broadband Customer for 4+ years
Reviewed on: 6-22-2022
The internet speed has improved,as has connectivity. They need to lower their prices and improve their customer service.
Rise Broadband
4.0
(1)5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
S
Sandyfrom Nyc, Ny
Rise Broadband Customer for 1+ years
Reviewed on: 8-29-2022
It's ok the speed could be better
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Endnotes and sources
(1) "Internet," AT&T. Accessed August 2, 2022.(2) "Fastest Providers," Speedtest.net. Accessed Dec. 9, 2022.
Endnotes and sources
1. "About Us," TDS. Accessed 15 December 2022.2. "How is BendBroadband?" Reddit. Accessed 15 December 2022.
Endnotes and sources
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