AT&T Fiber vs EarthLink Fiber: Same Lines, Different Price?

EarthLink Fiber uses partner networks, while AT&T Fiber uses AT&T's network. They may share the same underlying connection at some addresses; confirm the serving network for your home before assuming they do. So the choice is less about the connection and more about price, equipment and support. AT&T advertises 1 GIG at $70 a month for the first year in October 2026, a Wi-Fi gateway included and bundles from $35 a month for AT&T wireless customers. EarthLink appeals if you want a rate that holds steady for 12 months or prefer its support.

AT&T Fiber vs EarthLink Fiber at a glance (October 2026)

	AT&T Fiber	EarthLink Fiber
Network	AT&T's own fiber	Partner fiber networks, often AT&T's
Speed tiers	300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 GIG, 5 GIG	100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 1 Gig, 5 Gigs
1 Gig price	$70/mo for the first year with eligible AutoPay and paperless billing, plus taxes and fees	Varies by address
Rate stability	No multi-year lock advertised	Consistent rate for 12 months
Data caps	None	None
Equipment	Wi-Fi gateway included	Check equipment charges at signup
Bundles	Savings with AT&T wireless	No phone bundle required

Price over two years

AT&T advertises a first-year price on its 1 GIG plan, and adding AT&T wireless can bring fiber down to $35 a month. EarthLink quotes prices by address, and its rates stay the same for the first 12 months. When you compare, add up 24 months for each: the monthly price, any equipment charge, installation and what happens after month 12. Our breakdown of what you actually pay for EarthLink shows where the extra costs usually hide.

Speed, installation and support

If both run on the same AT&T lines, real-world speed is about the same on matching tiers, with equal upload and download. AT&T installs its own service. EarthLink uses outside contractor technicians, who it says may also work for other providers. EarthLink advertises 24/7 human support and a perks program with retail discounts. AT&T includes Internet Backup over cellular when you have an eligible unlimited AT&T wireless plan.

Which should you choose?

• Choose AT&T Fiber if you have or want AT&T wireless, or simply want the lowest price for a gig.
• Choose EarthLink if its quote for your address is lower over 24 months, or you value a fixed 12-month rate and its support.
• Either way, ask for the total monthly cost with equipment and taxes in writing before you schedule installation.