Imagine checking your email one day and discovering that your home internet bill is about to jump up yet again – yes, that's the frustrating reality hitting AT&T customers right now!
Sean Hollister, a seasoned senior editor at The Verge with roots in covering tech gadgets, games, and toys, has spent years honing his expertise at places like CNET, Gizmodo, and Engadget. And here's the scoop: in a world where everything from groceries to gas seems to cost more these days, AT&T has decided to join the trend by bumping up home internet prices for the second straight year. The company has confirmed to The Verge that they'll be adding $5 each month to every AT&T Internet plan. This comes right after a similar $5 hike in November 2024, and based on what folks are sharing on Reddit, some users even saw a $5 increase back in 2023.
To put this in perspective for beginners, think about how a small monthly change like $5 can really add up over time. For example, if you're paying around $80 a month now, that's an extra $60 a year – enough to buy a nice gift or cover a few streaming subscriptions. It's not a huge leap, but when stacked on top of other rising costs, it can feel like a punch to the wallet.
AT&T's official email, which landed in my inbox on Thursday, spelled it out clearly: 'To ensure we continue providing the quality service and support you deserve, the price of your home internet plan will increase by $5/month, starting December 1, 2025.' And it's not just me; the company says this applies across the board. But here's where it gets controversial... AT&T's spokesperson, Jim Kimberly, explained the reasoning in a statement: 'As we work to meet the evolving needs of our business and manage increasing operational costs, we’re adjusting our internet plan rates to help maintain the high-quality service our customers expect. We’re committed to keeping customers informed about these updates and their choices.'
To soften the blow, they offer some perks: folks who haven't signed up for Autopay and Paperless Billing can snag a $10 monthly discount if they use an eligible bank account, or $5 off with a debit card. You can always check out the full details on your bill or at att.com. For newcomers to this, operational costs might include things like upgrading network infrastructure to handle faster speeds and more data, or enhancing customer support teams – all essential for keeping service reliable, but they do drive up expenses.
Now, the company did recently report a $300 million spike in operating expenses during their second quarter. Yet, holding that up against their financials reveals a striking contrast: AT&T pocketed a whopping $4.9 billion in net profit for that same quarter, and a massive $12.3 billion for the whole of 2024. And this is the part most people miss – while they're investing to improve, are these profits really justifying another price bump for everyday users?
On a positive note, Kimberly noted that the new increase won't touch customers who signed up within the past year or those participating in the Access from AT&T program aimed at low-income households. Personally, I got on board with AT&T back in 2022 at about $80 monthly, I'm currently shelling out $85.38, and soon it'll be over $90. Here's a screenshot of the full email I received:
Screenshot by Sean Hollister / The Verge
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- Sean Hollister * * ---
What do you think – is AT&T's explanation fair, given their record-breaking profits? Do these price hikes feel like a necessary step for better service, or just another corporate money grab? I'd love to hear your side: agree or disagree in the comments below, and let's discuss how this might affect your own internet choices!
