The term AT&T U-verse Internet refers to the former brand name for AT&T’s triple-play communications service, which historically included broadband internet, TV (IPTV), and voice (VoIP). While AT&T no longer offers U-verse Internet to new customers, the underlying technology and service have been rebranded and largely upgraded, now primarily falling under the umbrella of “AT&T Internet” and “AT&T Fiber.”
This article will clarify what U-verse Internet was, explain why it was phased out, and detail the modern AT&T alternatives that current and prospective customers should know about.
What Was AT&T U-verse Internet?
Launched in the mid-2000s, AT&T U-verse was a bundle of services delivered over a single network that utilized both fiber-optic and traditional copper lines. It was a major competitor to cable TV and internet providers.
The Technology: VDSL and FTTN
Unlike the faster, modern “Fiber-to-the-Home” (FTTH) connections, U-verse Internet primarily used a technology called VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) within a Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) network setup.
- Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN): In this setup, fiber-optic cables run from the AT&T central office to a local neighborhood box, known as a VRAD (Video Ready Access Device).
- Copper Wire Final Leg: The connection from the VRAD to the customer’s home was delivered over the existing copper telephone wires.
This hybrid approach allowed AT&T to offer speeds that were faster than traditional DSL, but it was physically constrained by the copper line’s length and quality, meaning speeds were limited, often capping out around 75 Mbps.
The Service Bundle
U-verse was best known as a triple-play bundle that combined three core services:
- U-verse TV: An Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service that delivered TV channels over the internet protocol.
- U-verse Internet: The broadband connection.
- U-verse Voice: A digital voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone service.
The Shift: Why U-verse Internet Was Phased Out
Since 2016, AT&T has systematically moved away from the U-verse branding and service model. This was driven by a need to simplify its product offerings and, more importantly, to compete with rivals by offering significantly faster, more future-proof technology.
- Rebranding to “AT&T Internet”
In September 2016, AT&T officially dropped the U-verse name for its broadband and phone products.
- U-verse Internet is now “AT&T Internet.”
- U-verse Voice is now “AT&T Phone.”
Current customers who were on a U-verse Internet plan are generally grandfathered in and still receive service, but new sign-ups are directed to the rebranded services, with a strong push toward AT&T Fiber.
- The Rise of AT&T Fiber
The primary reason for discontinuing U-verse Internet for new sales is the superior performance of AT&T Fiber.
| Feature | AT&T U-verse (Legacy/Copper) | AT&T Fiber (Modern/FTTP) |
| Underlying Technology | VDSL over Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) and Copper | Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) |
| Max Download Speed | Typically up to 75 Mbps | Up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps) |
| Upload Speeds | Much slower (asymmetrical) | Equal to download (symmetrical) |
| Availability to New Customers | No longer offered | Widely available and expanding |
AT&T Fiber uses a pure fiber-optic connection directly to the home, which allows for symmetrical speeds (upload speed matches download speed) and eliminates the speed bottlenecks of the old copper infrastructure.
Alternatives and Current Offerings
If you are a new customer searching for “att uverse internet,” you will be offered one of AT&T’s modern broadband services, depending on your location.
- AT&T Fiber (The Best Option)
This is the flagship service, offering the fastest speeds and highest reliability. If this is available at your address, it is the recommended choice.
- Key Plans: Plans typically range from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gig (5,000 Mbps).
- Symmetrical Speeds: Perfect for heavy-duty activities like cloud backup, video conferencing, and live streaming/content creation.
- Pricing Model: Often comes with a straightforward price (no contract, no price increase at 12 months) and equipment fees included.
- Standard AT&T Internet
In areas where AT&T Fiber has not yet been deployed, AT&T still uses its legacy network (which was formerly U-verse) to offer standard internet services.
- Technology: These plans are often still based on the VDSL/copper network, sometimes referred to as IP-DSLAM.
- Speeds: Speeds are generally slower, often maxing out between 10 Mbps and 75 Mbps.
- AT&T Internet Air
In some markets, AT&T offers a fixed wireless internet service that uses its 5G cellular network instead of wired lines. This is a potential alternative for customers who cannot get Fiber or traditional wired service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is AT&T U-verse being shut down completely?
No, not completely, but it is being phased out for new sales. While U-verse Internet and U-verse Voice have been rebranded to “AT&T Internet” and “AT&T Phone,” existing customers can generally maintain their current service. The U-verse TV service has also been discontinued for new customers, with AT&T now pushing customers toward DIRECTV STREAM for TV services.
How can I check if I have AT&T U-verse or AT&T Fiber?
The easiest way to tell is by checking your maximum available speed and equipment. AT&T Fiber plans offer speeds of 300 Mbps or higher (up to 5 Gig) with symmetrical upload/download. Legacy U-verse/AT&T Internet plans typically max out at 100 Mbps or less, and upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds.
Can I upgrade my old U-verse Internet to Fiber?
Yes, and you should. If AT&T Fiber is available at your address, existing U-verse customers can and should upgrade. Upgrading moves you from the older copper-based technology to the new fiber-optic network, resulting in significantly faster and more reliable service. You simply need to check availability on the AT&T website and schedule an installation.
Conclusion
The term “AT&T U-verse Internet” is a reference to a discontinued, legacy product name. The service that was U-verse Internet is now officially called AT&T Internet.
For customers today, the most important takeaway is to check your address for AT&T Fiber. Fiber is the fastest, most reliable service AT&T offers and represents the future of their broadband network. If you are an existing U-verse customer, upgrading to Fiber, if available, is the best action you can take to improve your home internet experience.
