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AT&T vs Spectrum in Durham
AT&T’s fiber is faster and cheaper where you can get it, but Spectrum’s cable reaches far more Durham addresses at roughly 89% versus 62% coverage.
AT&T wins on raw performance and even undercuts on the starting price, with fiber reaching up to 5000/5000 Mbps and a 98/100 speed score. Spectrum’s edge is reach: it covers about 89% of Durham versus AT&T’s roughly 62%, so it’s available on more blocks. If AT&T fiber reaches your address, it’s the stronger pick for speed and symmetrical uploads. If it doesn’t, Spectrum’s up to 1000/35 Mbps cable is a solid, widely available fallback for most households.
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
Coverage in Durham shifts block to block, so the winner depends on your exact address. AT&T fiber is concentrated in the roughly 62% of the city it reaches, while Spectrum’s cable spans closer to 89%. In fiber-served neighborhoods AT&T usually wins on speed and price; elsewhere Spectrum is often the only fast option available.
| ZIP | Neighborhoods | Coverage | Top speed | Speed 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 | 82 | 88 | Spectrum |
| 27705 | Trinity Park, Watts-Hillandale, Duke University West Campus, Old West Durham | 59% | 93% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 90 | 88 | AT&T |
| 27707 | Forest Hills, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Woodcroft | 71% | 94% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 93 | 88 | AT&T |
| 27704 | North Durham, Gorman, Northgate, Duke Park | 49% | 89% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 88 | 87 | AT&T |
| 27701 | Downtown Durham, Cleveland-Holloway, Old North Durham, Golden Belt | 47% | 87% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 88 | 87 | AT&T |
| 27713 | Southpoint, Woodcroft, Parkwood, Fayetteville Road corridor | 60% | 92% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 90 | 88 | AT&T |
| 27712 | Northern Durham, Treyburn, Bahama area, Lake Michie vicinity | 44% | 91% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 87 | 88 | Spectrum |
| 27709 | Research Triangle Park (RTP) | 0% | 7% | — | 1 Gig | — | 71 | Spectrum |
| 27722 | North Durham (PO Boxes) | 35% | 99% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 85 | 89 | Spectrum |
| 27702 | Downtown Durham (PO Boxes) | 7% | 65% | 5 Gig | 1 Gig | 80 | 83 | Spectrum |
Speed Score (0–100) blends each provider’s coverage and top speed in that specific ZIP, 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
- 1 Gig down · 500 Mbps up Fiber
- 1 Gig down · 35 Mbps up Cable
See what’s actually available at your address
Coverage changes from one street to the next. Check your exact address in seconds.
Check my addressFrequently asked questions
is AT&T fiber available in Durham or do I have to get Spectrum?
AT&T fiber reaches about 62% of Durham, while Spectrum’s cable covers roughly 89%, so Spectrum is available at more addresses. Check both providers against your specific street address, since fiber availability changes block to block.
which is cheaper in Durham, AT&T or Spectrum?
Spectrum starts at $30/mo versus AT&T’s $35/mo, so Spectrum is the lower entry price by $5. Both figures are promotional starting rates, so before you sign, confirm the post-promo price, any equipment fees, and whether a contract applies.
which is faster and is it enough for gaming and 4K?
AT&T is faster, with fiber up to 5000/5000 Mbps and a 98/100 speed score versus Spectrum’s up to 1000/35 Mbps and 87/100, both where available. Either handles 4K, but for gaming and heavy uploads pick AT&T fiber if it reaches your address.