AT&T: What Are the Pros and Cons?
- Free phone offers
- Family plan options
- Robust customer support options available
- Multi-month discount plans available
- No real budget monthly phone plans available for low usage customers
- Best value for single line customers requires purchase of annual plan
Since 2013, I’ve been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry through BestMVNO with a focus on MVNOs.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about AT&T before you subscribe. I’ll review each of their phone plans with you, and go over any gotchas that they might have. I want you to learn the ins and outs of AT&T so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your money.
Prepaid Phone Plans – No Credit Check
Multi-Month Discount Plans
Postpaid Phone Plans
Data Only Plans
AT&T Deals
Take a free 30 day trial of AT&T's network with no credit card or payment needed. Includes 100GB of 5G data and 25GB of hotspot. Offer only available to iPhone users with eSIM capability.
Activate two lines of AT&T Prepaid Unlimited Max with truly unlimited 5G data and get each line for $30/month
Bring your phone to AT&T and get $360 in bill credits. Plus activation fees waived. Online only offer.
Pay for 12 months of service in advance and get unlimited talk, text, and data with the first 16GB of data each month at 5G data speeds before throttle to 1.5Mbps for just $25/month ($300/year).
How AT&T Plans Work
AT&T Mobility was spun off from Cingular Wireless which was founded in the year 2000Â by Bellsouth and SBC Communications.
SBC Communications bought out AT&T in the year 2005 and rebranded itself as AT&T INC.
After a series of acquisitions by Cingular Wireless the company itself was acquired by AT&T INC in December of 2006 through the sale of Cingular Wireless’s parent company, Bellsouth to AT&T INC.
In 2007 Cingular Wireless was rebranded as “The New AT&T,” and today it is simply known as AT&T or AT&T Mobility.
AT&T Mobility sells a variety of wireless plans, including data only plans for tablets, wearables and hotspots, as well as phone plans for consumers and businesses. Both postpaid and prepaid options are available.
Those working for select businesses may be eligible for corporate discounts on service through their employer.
Supported Phones And BYOD Devices
AT&T sells mobile phones and tablets that can be purchased outright, or through the use of a monthly payment plan. Bring your own device is also supported.  Most universally unlocked phones from manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung are compatible with the network. T-Mobile unlocked phones are also compatible.
How To Port Out Of AT&T
Porting out requires knowing your account number, which can be viewed by looking at your bill either online or through a paper statement that you may receive through the mail. A pin number is also required. To get your pin number you can call AT&T from your mobile device at 800-331-0500, or from your landline at 800-288-2020. You can also get it by visiting your local AT&T store. Your billing address, billing phone number, and account owner's name may also be required to port out.
Phone Unlock Policy
AT&T News
By Joe Paonessa • 09/06/24
AT&T Prepaid has launched a new offer targeting national retail shoppers. New lines...
By Joe Paonessa • 01/14/24
AT&T Prepaid has launched a new wireless plan and it is a peculiar throwback to the...
By Joe Paonessa • 08/30/23
In June, BestMVNO reported that AT&T Prepaid updated its flagship plan, “Unlimited...