The AT&T fixed wireless access (FWA) service — branded Internet Air — is now available in 59 markets nationwide (including 26 new markets announced today). The company also said it has simplified the self-installation process for customers.
New subscribers will start the self-install by scanning a QR code that provides a step-by-step guide, explained Erin Scarborough, AT&T president of broadband and connectivity initiatives, in a blog post. The AT&T Smart Home Manager app tells subscribers the spot in the home with the strongest connection. The company also offers line extenders that will create a Wi-Fi mesh and eliminate dead zones.
AT&T Internet Air costs $55 per month using autopay, not including taxes. There will be no price increase for at least the first year, according to the company. As many as five line extenders are available for $10 per month, with AT&T determining how many are needed. There are state charges in Ohio, Nevada and Texas.
AT&T launched its fixed wireless offering at least two years after the nation’s other major mobile service providers Verizon and T-Mobile, launched their FWA services. And AT&T remains less aggressive on the FWA front than the others.
At the time of the Internet Air launch last August, an AT&T spokesperson told Telecompetitor that FWA was a “bridge to the future.”
“Let me underscore that we believe that fiber is best-in-class and will continue to expand our fiber footprint,” the spokesperson said.
“Our goal is to make fiber available as broadly as possible. Until then, in areas where fiber is not yet available or feasible, AT&T Internet Air is a viable solution that can deliver reliable connectivity to communities across the country.”
Since the roll-out, AT&T has expanded its FWA service to include San Diego, CA; Baltimore, MD; San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen and Sherman,TX; Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, NC; West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce, Ft. Myers-Naples, Jacksonville, Panama City and Tallahassee, FL; Oklahoma City, Ada and Tulsa, OK; Indianapolis, IN; Syracuse and Buffalo, NY; Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-SLO, CA; Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR; and Thomasville, GA.
