Brace yourself: AT&T is hiking home internet prices for the second consecutive year, leaving many customers scratching their heads. But here's where it gets controversial—is this just another case of corporate greed, or are there legitimate reasons behind the increase? Let’s dive in.
As reported by Sean Hollister, a seasoned tech editor and founding member of The Verge, AT&T is bumping up its internet plan prices by $5 per month across the board. This follows a similar $5 increase in November 2024 and, according to user reports on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/ATT/comments/15b3xp4/fiberinternet1000wentupby5withno/), another $5 hike for some customers in 2023. That’s a total of $15 more per month for many users in just two years—a significant jump for an essential service.
In an email sent out Thursday, AT&T justified the move: “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.” The company confirmed this isn’t an isolated incident—it’s happening to everyone.
And this is the part most people miss—AT&T spokesperson Jim Kimberly explained that the price hike is tied to rising operational costs and the need to maintain high-quality service. To soften the blow, AT&T is offering a $10 monthly discount for customers who enroll in Autopay and Paperless Billing with an eligible bank account, or a $5 discount for those using a debit card. Still, for many, this feels like a bandaid on a bullet wound.
Here’s the kicker: While AT&T did report $300 million in higher operating expenses last quarter, the company also raked in a staggering $4.9 billion in profit during those same three months (https://about.att.com/story/2025/2q-earnings.html). In 2024 alone, their total profit hit $12.3 billion (https://about.att.com/story/2025/4q-earnings.2024.html). This raises the question: Are these price hikes truly necessary, or is AT&T padding its already massive profits?
Kimberly clarified that the increase won’t affect customers who signed up in the last year or those enrolled in the Access from AT&T program for low-income households. But for everyone else, it’s another hit to the wallet. Take Hollister, for example, who signed up in 2022 at around $80 per month and now pays $85.38. Soon, he’ll be shelling out over $90.
Here’s where you come in: Do you think AT&T’s price hikes are justified, or is this just another example of corporations prioritizing profits over people? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re an AT&T customer, be sure to review your plan details at att.com or on your monthly statement to stay informed. Follow Sean Hollister and The Verge for more updates on this story and others like it.
