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AT&T Internet Speed Test

Using a speed test is a vital tool to determine not only what you're working with in terms of a connection, but also to determine if you are getting the connection you were promised from your ISP (in this case, AT&T). Use this to compare to other plans, other providers, and average speeds, which we will talk about later.

To effectively use the test to compare your connection to AT&T's advertised speeds, try to make sure that you are connected by ethernet cable and that no unusual internet activity is occurring on devices connected to the network. You may also wish to test a few times to ensure a consistent reading.

Understanding Your Results

Download Speed

The easiest number to understand and most important on many levels, your download speed is a simple measurement of how fast your connection can download data and files, and is generally how ISPs advertise their plans. Having a good result here is essential if you stream a lot, download many files, or have a larger household with many users.

Upload Speed

This shows how fast your connection can upload data or files to other places online. It becomes an important metric in regard to video calls, online gaming, or if you regularly upload large files online. Often you can expect this number to be significantly lower than your download speed, especially if you are using a DSL connection.

Ping Rate/Latency

Ping rate, otherwise known as latency, is tested to determine the delay in data transfer between your device and a server or other device. It is the time it takes for your device to send out a packet and then receive a response. The average person wants a ping rate of 100ms or less, although online gamers would ideally have one of 30ms or less.

Cities that Have the Fastest AT&T Internet Connections

According to data provided by the FCC, the following cities and metro areas have download speeds at or exceeding 1,000Mbps, making them one of the top providers for that area.

Cities with Best AT&T Internet Speeds

AT&T's Advertised Speeds Versus Actual Speeds

Please use the charts and tables below alongside your speed test to determine if you are getting your advertised speeds or whether you need to contact your provider (or switch to a different one).

AT&T Advertised Speeds vs. Actual Speeds

As you can see from at least the lower download speeds advertised (data was not complete or reliable enough for higher speeds for this metric), AT&T actually has a good track record when it comes to making sure actual download speeds match or exceed the speeds they advertise. However, do note these are averages, and as such your experience might be different.

AT&T Internet Fastest Download Speeds

This is an average of the top 10 percent of tests over the last 12 months. Rates have increased recently as AT&T is offering better service across the country.

AT&T Internet Average Download Speeds

If you are interested in the company's average download speeds over the last 12 months, here is the relevant chart. This does combine all plans, so you should not necessarily assume these speeds will be what you get in your area.

FAQs

How Fast Should Your Internet Be?

If your internet speed regularly dips or is well below 80 percent of the speed advertised to you, you should look into the problem or consider switching providers. Do note that using WiFi or multiple devices/connections may make it appear as though you're getting lower speeds than you are actually getting.

How Fast Can You Expect WiFi Speeds to Be?

About 30-50 percent of advertised speeds, although multiple factors can affect your result, such as interference, distance, equipment used, and more.

How Much Speed Does My Household Need?

This will vary from household to household, but you absolutely need 5-10 Mbps, and most common services and processes combined require a download speed of 25 Mbps to work without issue.

Conclusion

Please do not deny yourself this information or wait any longer to make sure you're getting what you were promised and what you need. You came to this page for a reason, so follow through and take any further steps that are necessary, even researching alternative providers.