This is a breakdown comparing U-verse and Xfinity deals for broadband internet, TV and phone connections. Xfinity cable network and AT&T’s DSL network offer an array of packages and bundles with different download speeds and pricing. Both are offering fiber-optic high speed internet networks. Check out the technical details and the promotional offers for DSL vs cable broadband.
AT&T U-Verse is a bundled broadband Internet, phone, and digital TV provider. They provide connectivity via both DSL and fiber networks.
AT&T offers fiber optic and hybrid DSL internet connections. They offer a variety of plans with bundles including tv, home phone service, and internet.
They offer DSL, marketed as AT&T U-verse, a technology that leverages fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) layout where the fiber optic cable terminates at a specific point near customers. The final stretch to the subscriber’s residence will be reached through telephone, ethernet and coaxial cable. This network is thought as a hybrid fiber network and it has allowed AT&T the advantage to offer high bandwidth plans than would be traditionally expected from DSL plans.[1]
The best scenario is if the consumer service address is located in an area where AT&T offers fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in some areas. FTTH is considered the “gold standard” for strong, fast, and reliable home internet connection.
Xfinity by Comcast provides broadband internet, cable TV, and phone service via their hybrid fiber coaxial network. Xfinity is one of the most widely available cable Internet providers in the US.
Xfinity by Comcast offers Internet, TV, and phone service through hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. They are also starting to offer fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in some areas.
Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) networks are used globally by cable providers to deliver broadband internet access to consumers. HFC networks deliver a fiber optic connection to a connecting node within a neighborhood, which then branches off to service 2500 to 2000 homes in the surroundings. Comcast and other cable providers are able to take advantage of their existing coaxial infrastructure to offer competitive broadband speeds at lower up-front installation fees.
On the other hand, FTTH installations are fiber-optic cables run directly to the residential or commercial place of service. Running fiber optic cables is expensive for the providers so this technology is not yet widely available.
Shopping for broadband is time-sensitive. Meaning that there are period-based promotions and you need to be in synch with those to take advantage of the best broadband pricing.
Both providers offer limited-time promotional offers and have early termination fees to take into account.
On average AT&T U-verse will offer better sign-up discounts than Xfinity on bundles of TV, Internet and phone packages. Please take note that once the promotional period ends, you will be charged the regular full price of the package and those discounts will evaporate.
For both Xfinity and U-verse you have to check the fine print for early termination fees. You do not want to be stuck in a long-term contract with high termination fees if you cancel your contract. If you are a “nomad” make sure to check the fine prints to make sure that your frequent relocation will not be an issue when terminating your service.
We check for easy streaming and best deals.
TV is much more complicated than it used to be, largely thanks to on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
There are two scenarios to consider. The first one being that you are purchasing a TV subscription from a cable company. This allows you to watch TV as much as you want with no limits. The second scenario is the modern monthly subscription of on-demand streaming over internet connection. This is subject to data caps - limit set by the internet service provider on how much you can download and upload monthly. Again, check the fine print to avoid overage fees for streaming more data than the subscribed internet plan allows you.