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AT&T vs Spectrum in Durham
AT&T brings faster fiber speeds and uploads where available; Spectrum reaches more Durham homes for less, but with a weaker upload.
Spectrum is the better overall pick in Durham because it reaches more homes, costs less to start, and delivers strong download speeds. AT&T wins on speed and upload performance where it reaches your address: its fiber offers up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps, while Spectrum’s cable plan offers up to 1,000/35 Mbps. Spectrum wins coverage and starting price at $30/mo versus AT&T at $35/mo. Choose AT&T for demanding uploads, gaming, or work from home if available; choose Spectrum for broader availability and simpler value.
At a glance
AT&T vs. Spectrum, side by side.
| Provider | Type | Top speed | City coverage | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T |
Fiber | 5 Gig 5 Gig upload |
62% | $35/mo | Top fiber speeds |
| Spectrum |
Cable | 1 Gig 35 Mbps upload |
89% | $30/mo | Widest availability |
Coverage map
Two different questions, two views. Top speed shows who offers the faster plan where you can actually get it. Coverage shows who reaches more of each ZIP. Or pick a single provider to see just its footprint.
Neighborhood breakdown
The better choice can change from block to block because coverage varies across Durham. AT&T’s fastest fiber tiers reach fewer homes, while Spectrum reaches about 89% of the city, so check both providers at your exact address before deciding.
| ZIP | Neighborhoods | Coverage | Top speed | Rank score | Winner | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Spectrum | AT&T | Spectrum | AT&T | Spectrum | |||
| 27703 | East Durham, Brier Creek (partial), Southpoint area, RTP eastern edge | 18% | 93% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 17 | 49 | Spectrum |
| 27705 | Trinity Park, Watts-Hillandale, Duke University West Campus, Old West Durham | 59% | 93% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 56 | 50 | AT&T |
| 27707 | Forest Hills, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Woodcroft | 71% | 94% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 68 | 50 | AT&T |
| 27704 | North Durham, Gorman, Northgate, Duke Park | 49% | 89% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 46 | 47 | Spectrum |
| 27701 | Downtown Durham, Cleveland-Holloway, Old North Durham, Golden Belt | 47% | 87% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 44 | 46 | Spectrum |
| 27713 | Southpoint, Woodcroft, Parkwood, Fayetteville Road corridor | 60% | 92% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 57 | 49 | AT&T |
| 27712 | Northern Durham, Treyburn, Bahama area, Lake Michie vicinity | 44% | 91% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 42 | 48 | Spectrum |
| 27709 | Research Triangle Park (RTP) | 0% | 7% | — | 1 Gig | — | 4 | Spectrum |
| 27722 | North Durham (PO Boxes) | 35% | 99% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 33 | 53 | Spectrum |
| 27702 | Downtown Durham (PO Boxes) | 7% | 65% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 7 | 35 | Spectrum |
Rank score (0–100) is each provider’s Speed Score, discounted for weak upload, times the share of that ZIP it reaches — the same rule that orders providers on the Durham city page, so it moves as availability changes street to street.
Which is better for…
The right pick comes down to what you actually do online.
Get connected
Pick your provider and check availability at your address.
- 5 Gig down · 5 Gig up Fiber
- 1 Gig down · 1 Gig up Fiber
See what’s actually available at your address
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Check my addressFrequently asked questions
Is AT&T or Spectrum available at my Durham address?
Spectrum reaches about 89% of Durham overall, while AT&T reaches about 62%. AT&T’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 45% of the city, so the fastest option is not broadly available. Check both providers using your exact street address before ordering.
Which is cheaper, AT&T or Spectrum, and what will I actually pay?
Spectrum starts at $30/mo, while AT&T starts at $35/mo. These are promotional starting rates, so confirm the post-promo rate, equipment fees, and any contract before signing. Compare the final quoted monthly cost for your address before you choose.
Which is faster for gaming, working from home, or 4K streaming?
AT&T has a 95/100 speed score, versus Spectrum’s 79/100. AT&T’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 45% of the city, while Spectrum’s 1,000/35 Mbps cable tier reaches about 88%; check availability first, especially if upload performance matters.