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4.5

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 10th, 2025

AT&T Wireless is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T and was formerly known as Cingular Wireless. Headquartered just outside of Atlanta, GA, it offers cellular and data services across the U.S. It the second largest wireless communications service provider in the country after Verizon.  

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The Good

  • Basic Plan Affordability 
  • Unlimited Plans
  • No-Contract Options
  • Device Compatibility 
  • Hotspots Available

Basic Plan Affordability

Compared to other big-name cell phone providers, AT&T has some of the best prices for talk and text cell phone services.

AT&T offers a barebones phone plan to customers starting at just $30/line per month (when you enroll in monthly credit card or bank AutoPay). This is a great non-contract option for customers who want a basic phone plan with minimal data (1 GB). This is also a great product because customers can get unlimited text and voice at a price that undercuts both contract and non-contract competitors.

Unlimited Plans

Customers who want unlimited data also have some good options with AT&T's unlimited plans. Data plans are on the pricier side but include good network coverage and ample entertainment benefits. 

Starting at $40/line per month, you get unlimited talk minutes, text, and data at 4G LTE speeds in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as well as 480p DVD quality video streaming (max of 1.5 Mbps) and access to 35+ live TV channels.

The carrier's top Premium plan includes even more entertainment options: a choice of one complimentary membership with HBO, Cinemax, Pandora Premium, or a number of other entertainment services. 

No-Contract Options

AT&T offers both non-contract prepaid cell phone plans and contract cell phone services and is clear as to differences between what each plan includes. 

Device Compatibility 

AT&T provides a SIM card for users with older iPhones and Android phones if you want to bring your own device. With these SIM cards, phone users can continue to use their phone for a little bit while longer if they don't have the money to purchase a new phone. Or, they can purchase any unlocked phone to use on the AT&T network. 

In addition to Windows phones and Android phones, customers can buy phones with the Amazon Fire operating system, allowing them to enjoy their eBooks and apps purchased through Amazon.

Additionally, AT&T also sells other devices that can be managed with the cellular plan, including:

  • Tablets
  • Cellular modems and routers
  • Digital TV services

AT&T has tablets available that support Windows 8, Apple iOS, Android, and the Fire OS by Amazon.

Hotspots Available

AT&T offers a number of different mobile hotspots, including the AT&T Unite Pro. This device has up to sixteen hours of power and lets you boost the battery life of your smartphone. The Unite Pro also lets clients share an Internet connection with up to fifteen devices. Several of AT&T's plans include mobile hotspot data usage, including the Unlimited3 plan which allows up to 10 GB of 4G LTE data with mobile hotspot. 

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The Bad

  • Customer Complaints

Customer Complaints

AT&T reviews bring to light concerns stemming from the contract service and the overage fees.

While the pay-as-you-go plans are subject to data throttling, there is a service fee of $15 per GB that a client goes over their monthly data quota. Other customers have complained about the slowness of the network when they start using a lot of data on their monthly-unlimited plan.

Other customers take issue with AT&T's customer service, network coverage, and pricing. 

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The Bottom Line

AT&T Wireless offers contract and plan flexibility to customers by including both contract and non-contract services. It has some of the best entry-level plans in the industry along with a wide variety of phones and other devices to choose from.

AT&T Wireless has one of the most diverse offerings of mobile hotspots, with one brand that is able to support up to fifteen devices. There are also battery backup options on most of the mobile hotspots for smartphones that may need a quick battery boost.

In order to get the most out of your data plan, make sure you have purchased the appropriate monthly data plan for your needs. If you start getting towards the end of your data quota, you may find that your data plan is being throttled.

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Star Rating

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2.7

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1,584 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

34%

4 grade

27%

3 grade

18%

2 grade

8%

1 grade

13%

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Claudia Ruiz

AT&T Internet is generally reliable and offers fast speeds, It's good for streaming, gaming, and working from home. internet plans come without contracts. new customers can have their cancellation fee paid in full when they switch to AT&T, No equipment fees, Another option is to choose a TV and internet bundle, good and fast customers service,

1 month ago

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

I bought a phone for husband that is through AT&T. It’s about 5 years old. He has been very happy with the service plan, the price and customer service. We also have a store in our city that is very convenient if we need immediate assistance on his phone. You have to make an appointment, because they stay busy, but once you’re there at your approved time, someone is there to assist you and fix whatever issue you might have had. Every customer service representative is friendly and very knowledgeable in their work. We have never been there, that they were not able to just answer a quick question, or repair our phone issue. I highly recommend.!!

1 year ago

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Subzero35 York, PA

I’ve been a customer of ATT for over 7 years and I barely ever have any issues with my bills and phones. On the rare occasion there is an issue, the customer service representatives are always friendly, treat me with respect as well as making me feel valued by the company. The company when there is an issue will always do everything they can to fix the problem. The prices are very reasonable, the service and reception are near perfect and they are always up to date with the latest technology so they can ensure their products will function properly and have very little problems. Another bonus is the sales reps will try to sell a product as its their jobs however they aren’t pushy and actually listen to the customers needs and wants. When I’ve had a phone delivered from the main warehouse it always shows up safely, quickly and the box that the phone arrives in is always secure.

5 years ago

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Kevin Ortiz

My carrier of choice. After leaving Tmobile, this was the company that provided the best deals as well as the best coverage for me. In Puerto Rico one of the biggest opportunities is the coverage inside buildings which AT&T was able to provide for me. Recently they sold their company in Puerto Rico to a local company which has not disappointed either. The prices are a bit higher than the competition, but worth it in regards to the reliability that you find throughout the entire island. Data speeds are reliable and impressive.

1 year ago

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Erinmarie Xian Seffner, FL

I've been a loyal customer with ATT for over 20 years (ATT, Bellsouth, Cingular back to ATT). Its the first cell phone my parents bought me and once I was old enough to get my own phone I opened my own acct. I've used my cell service all over the world and have rarely EVER had no service. I'm talking Europe, Trinidad, Canada and even Alaska and Alligator Alley in FL (known for having no service). Never a problem.

3 years ago

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Fred Frontino Mesa, AZ

I bought a house last year just outside town and could not get any cell reception with Verizon. ATT put up a new tower near us so we switched and have been thrilled with the service and reception. I usb tether my computer to my cell and get much faster speeds than with my actual ISP. I added a couple extra lines at 30 gb data each and have been thrilled with the service. Also got a new Samsung 20Ultra the day they came out for free for changing over.

3 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

I have used AT&T for years now. Nothing beats their cellular coverage. Calls are never dropped and their customer service is first rate. I have traded in phones many times and find that the experience is great. They handle everything and treat you right. They have extremely knowledgable staff and support. I know I feel that I've made a great purchase each time!

5 years ago

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Allan Boldt

AT&T gave us a price when we signed up for service and have lived up to their agreement. No hidden fees of any kind. Although they do not offer our plan to new customers they have not changed our plan. Another good thing is that ATT's coverage is good locally and wherever we travel whether it be nationally or internationally. It has been easy to change our coverage to internatonal coverage when we travel.

6 years ago

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Trevor Pasquale Port Richey, FL

Use to be a t-mobile customer before I made the move to at&t let's just say making the switch was the best ever with T-Mobile I had lots of dropped calls slow data & when I traveled up north barley ever had coverage. With at&t I have coverage everywhere plus fast data & me & my wife did the buy one get one on the galaxy s9+'s & we both are extremely happy & love at&t I would highly recommend at&t to every one.

6 years ago

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Lynda David Conroe, TX

I have been with them for over 6 years and if I have any trouble at all they are very helpful. No matter what it might be billing errors, or need more time to pay my bill even except parts of the payment with an agreement on next due payment date for remaining balance. They help me with the best plan for my usage on several lines. They are very kind and quick to help.

6 years ago

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Jeff Dallas, TX

I have been with AT&T cellular for 27 years without interruption. Of course, it was "Southwestern Bell Cellular" back then. I travel all over the United States to cities large and small. I'm a storm chaser who uses AT&T cellular to stream live video from Texas to South Dakota, California to North Carolina. In my chase truck I use cellular cards from BOTH AT&T and Verizon because those two have excellent coverage. But my phone I carry every day is AT&T. Top tier coverage and less expensive than Verizon. Sprint was always pathetic outside major metro areas, and T-Mobile while better than Sprint by a large margin is still behind AT&T and Verizon by a large margin no matter what their maps say. That is my real world experience. My daughter is on T-Mobile.

3 years ago

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Jackie Hanko Tampa, FL

Through all my years of having a cell phone I’ve never had an issue with AT&T… I currently have a Rison only because I am under my sisters plan but prior to that I wasn’t AT&T customer for many years and I never had any issues and my family continues to use AT&T and I never hear any issues from them… I believe the AT&T and Verizon do you have the best service and it doesn’t seem to matter where you go you will always have service it doesn’t go out in any specific black out area which is very comforting to know especially if your car is going to break down or you’re scared it’s good to know that you can rely on AT&T

4 years ago

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Kristin Pegram ,

I have been with AT&T for over 10 years. I started with their Uverse package and rolled over into using only only their internet and streaming app, AT Tv. Due to taxes on cable in Texas, my bill changed way too much. Nothing to do with AT&T. Overall, my experience has been a good one. Their customer service has improved over the years, they are happy to fix anything that’s wrong with the internet service, my bill stays the same. If I’m unsatisfied with something they certainly do their best to make amends, usually by offering a discount on part of the bill. Service rarely experiences any interruptions in my area, and out entire house is typically streaming at one time. Overall, good experience for me.

4 years ago

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Deano Gulfport, MS

Been with this company for over 10 years. I couldn't be happier with the service I've been provided. They've always gone above and beyond to help me and keep me happy. No plans to be with any other carrier. Great financing program too for the costly smart phones. I recommend att to anyone who is looking to set up a plan for phone service. The app makes managing my account quick and fast, also has a great chat program for instant customer service. I do dislike the costly fee for when they add 1 gig of data when you go over your monthly limit, I had my overage option turned off to avoid the $15 fee.

5 years ago

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Terry Stone

I have used AT&T for 4 years now and I love everything about them. Easy, convenient, friendly, and helpful with everything form buying a new phone to the plans they offer.

7 months ago

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West Omaha Boat N Jetski Repair Inc Omaha, NE

I have had Verizon>>Billing problems ,dropped calls -0- Service I have had Sprint >> Very Slow, -0- Service. Have had AT&T for awhile now now on a business Acct. >> Excellent phone Service , Excellent Billing like clock work, Excellent Customer Service.

1 year ago

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virginia l salas Lincoln Park, MI

This company has been around for many years, why? customer service, and the service workers who come out to install anything that needs to be done for your phone service. I always like going to an office, Allen Park, everyone there treats you like family.

1 year ago

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Shannon Fulmer Lexington, SC

I have been with this company now for nearly ten years. They have exceptional customer support and their app is easy to use to manage your account. When my husband died they removed his line and didn’t charge me anything extra or for the phone itself. I have to say they made what I was going through at the time a little easier. Love them.

2 years ago

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Fanisha Houston, TX

Love love love having my service with AT&T! Best service I've ever had. Free Phone with a trade in. Ran into a few problems but overall great customer service when needed. Trouble shooting or needing extra time paying my bill. No worries!

2 years ago Edited September 12, 2022

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jamee emens Scottsdale, AZ

I had AT&T for many many years and loved it. It's not easy to get through to customer service but that seems to be the norm these days for all companies. I wish I could go back to AT&T. The coverage is much better than my current carrier.

2 years ago

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Emily Swierczynski Waterford, MI

I ended up switching to ATT wireless because my company has discount. We get unlimited data at a fantastic price. Never had any issues and coverage is great. It was also awesome to learn on our honeymoon that we get free service in Mexico and Canada as well when traveling!

3 years ago

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Laura Washington Augusta, GA

AT&T has been my 1st and only cell phone provider since 2005. There products and customer service has always been excellent. Their app and on-line services are very useful friendly. Responses to lost or broken equipment is always prompt and thorough.

3 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

AT&T has been my provider since I have had a phone! I love that they have special deals where you can exchange your new phone for an old one at cheaper prices! I also love that it almost goes anywhere and the I can have service out in the Rocky mountains.

3 years ago

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rosalind donovan Naples, FL

AS an older senior it was wonderful to have a knowledgable young man named Gregorios P assist me setting up my new 4G flip phone. He was patient and answered all my questions while demonstrating how to enter Contacts, etc. He made it easy to be an AT&T customer and to stay one!

3 years ago

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Frank Orlando, FL

As a DirecTV subscriber I would like to thank you for assisting my with my Subscription issues last week. You were thoughtful and efficient in following up With the situation. You also provided me with useful information. I received my Package quickly and completely. Thank you

3 years ago

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Linda Sinclair

I've been with AT&T since the iPhone came out. Service has improved significantly over the years. I've always received great customer care. Last time I got the best care of reducing my bill based on my usage and discounts. Awesome. My son uses AT&T and I recommend to my friends and family. Wish for more towers. I do get spotty service in places.

4 years ago

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Sally Welliver Bullhead City, AZ

We have been with At&t since the 90's. I have often compared prices with service over the years and would not switch. We have excellent service everywhere we go, we have great customer service, and the monthly rate for all the extras we receive is definitely within reason.

5 years ago

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Lourdes Rivera

We had been a customer since 2001 and we are very happy any issues we may have ATT we do the best to resolved or may applied credit customer service excellent and any store we may stopped by from sign in to service extraordinary we are very satisfied with them

5 years ago

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Joylinn Lancaster, PA

Price could always be better. Called to tell them we wanted to leave because of price and they basically price matched us the amount Tmobile gives you for unlimited data which we didn't have. Now we have unlimited data at the same price we were paying when we only had 15 gigs.

5 years ago

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Christy Suguturaga Orem, UT

I have been with AT&T since they were Pac Bell. I never had a problem wherever I went. My sister decided we should all switch providers and everything went bad for us. Missed calls, dead zones, the slowest data ever!!! Nightmare! After a few months of nonsense we switched back and now all is well again. I will never do that again!

6 years ago

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KathyRW

I am very satisfied with the service AT&T provides me from a cell phone perspective. The staff at The Greene location in Dayton, OH are exceptional both from a knowledge perspective, but a professional and friendly perspective as well.

6 years ago

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Janice Pujol Chandler, AZ

I have been with AT&T for about 4 years the only reason I switched from other company is because I travel to Mexico very often and their service is the best. They have LTE that sometimes is faster than here in the USA. Definitely recommend it

6 years ago

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No show salesman Dallas, TX

Att strives for the best I can honestly say never had an issue. And i know I can call customer service anytime for help. Products are great ,service is the best, kiosk personnel are very knowledgeable about the products they sale. Very patient with everybody.

6 years ago

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Ashley Starnes Rockville, CT

This is the best service, best data speed, and best overall experience I have ever had with a cell phone company. Amazing phone selection, great financing options. I always seem to have service and data when others do not. I have never had a random charge or higher bill (without reason I knew about). I am very happy.

6 years ago

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Dale Ash Sandy, UT

I really like AT&T. We've had our family plan with them for many years. They take good care of us with phones and service. The staff at their retail centers are helpful and competent. Our phone service has been very good. Very few dropped calls. We've been very happy!

7 years ago

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Susan Stewart Salt Lake City, UT

I have been with AT&T for the last 12 years. We have only had problems like twice in that time, so that is not bad. The service is really great, I rarely have issues with service issues and call drops. We get an amazing price because of when we signed up. I wish they had an unlimited data option, but we do have a lot of data to share.

7 years ago

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Luke Swierczynski Troy, MI

Have had my cell service with AT&T for over a decade. Service is strong everywhere I've been. The addition of other international services being included is super helpful for travel especially to Mexico and Canada. Only complaint is you have to inquire about there new programs or they keep you on your old plan. Often times you can get cheaper service with more/unlimited updates just by asking. Worth speaking with them once a year to see if you can save

3 years ago

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SummerSpringWinter Smyrna, GA

I'm been a long time customer of AT&T for my cell phone service, my husbands and our two son's. With phone calls AT&T has always been very helpful in keeping our bill low, in letting us know the latest discounts, the latest programs. And not only is the service helpful but the phone signal and reception works very well. I think it is the best cell phone service. Before this when I had 18 employees I had all of my sales people on AT&T. My sons have gone to school out of state and the service has worked very well where they live too. I'm very pleased.

3 years ago

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Evelyn Gwynn Waldorf, MD

I have been with AT&T for a very long time. I love the customer service I receive whenever I call time. I have purchased two Iphones from their stores and the staff has been so knowledgeable and friendly. Never has anyone been overbearing or forceful. Each time everything was explained to me so I could go home with my phone confident I would be able to use each.

4 years ago

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Lamont Young ,

AT&T is the TOPS!! I have been an AT&T paying customer for over 15 years. My family and I have the phones, internet, and the newly added Direct TV. The whole time, we've been thoroughly satisfied with the product and service AT&T provides. And HUGE THANKS for helping my family and I out during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'll never leave this family oriented company!

4 years ago

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Erin Abel San Marcos, TX

I have been a customer of AT&T since cell phones were invented. I have always been extremely happy with their service - although I was not always a big fan of the fact that they did not have unlimited data without paying a lot more. I wrote many reviews (as I am sure others did), and they heard us! Ever since they came out with their unlimited data plan, I have become a totally satisfied customer. I will never go anywhere else!

4 years ago

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odessa wright Lufkin, TX

My experience with AT&T is pretty good for the most part . One of the things that I don't like is when you call in to speak to a live person it takes what seems like forever. I like personal service, not talking to an automated machine. But other than that I have been a valued customer for a long time & I have no intentions of changing providers. Thanks AT&T

4 years ago

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Scott A. Johnson Pleasant Grove, UT

AT&T is among the higher priced mobile phone service providers but you often get what you pay for in this industry. I have previously been with Verizon (the most expensive) and T-Mobile (less expensive, but poor coverage). AT&T has a robust and reliable network with good speed. As someone who travels for work, it is comforting to know that my phone will get a connection all over the U.S., something I could not count on with T-Mobile.

4 years ago

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The Halls Hanover, MD

My family and I have had AT&T so long that I can't remember having anything else! With AT&T being a GSM network, it allows the capability of being able to surf and internet and talk. We need to be able to text, talk, and surf the web in our lives! I've never had any major issues with my AT&T service in the many years we've used them and will definitely continue into the future.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Rick Flores Houston, TX

We have TV, cell phones and internet bundled with them. Their customer service is great. We had an issue with our internet and they went above and beyond to get it worked out. They tech that came out to our home to service it gave us his personal number to contact him because we were having so much trouble. But when they finally figured out what the cause was, they approved O.T. so they could get it repaired once and for all.

4 years ago

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Emily Crawfordville, FL

I love AT&T, I have service no matter where I go. My friends with other carriers experience so many issues with their cell service and I have never experienced any problems. The customer service is always very good, every time I call the employees are kind and diligent with my requests. My WiFi at home is also an amazing speed and I have never had any problems with it.

5 years ago

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Miles Strother American Fork, UT

I've had AT&T for many years, and although it's expensive, it's worth it. I've never had a problem with coverage, except in the middle of national parks like Yellowstone or Zions, or in the middle of Wyoming. Whenever I've needed it, I've had service, and I can count the number of dropped calls I've had on one hand, even when I was making 100+ calls a day.

5 years ago

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Ashley Gneiting Pleasant Grove, UT

My cell phone provider is AT&T and I have always been very happy with the customer service. I travel frequently with my volleyball team and never have an issue with coverage and being able to get great service. I have a very affordable data unlimited streaming plan as well, so I don't worry about extra costs every month like some of my other teammates!

5 years ago

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kristin Gneiting Pleasant Grove, UT

AT&T has been my cell phone provider since I got my first cell phone many years ago. The best part of my coverage is the unlimited data plan for our family. It is so worth the money. My daughter loves to stream movies and music all the time and I was always paying extra fees. Now it is a set price every month so thanks to their great plan I now don't worry each month!

5 years ago

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Jaylene Holcomb, NY

AT&T has been a consistently trustworthy phone provider. During my travels abroad, I wasn’t even charged any international fees. This is super helpful considering I leave the country a lot. They are always readily available on the phone if I have any questions, and for that I am grateful. Data is usually reliable, and my friends that don’t have AT&T are often jealous of me when my service is better than theirs. I am very pleased with this company as a whole, and I would recommend to anyone.

5 years ago