AT&T U-Verse Internet Vs. Charter Cable Internet

AT&T; offers U-verse Internet access in five download speeds. These range from the basic Pro plan -- which has a download speed of 3 Mbps and is suitable for email, social networking and light Internet surfing -- to the Turbo plan, which has a download speed of 24 Mbps and can handle anything from video conferencing to streaming high-definition video. Charter Internet access is also available in five download speeds. These range from the basic Lite plan at 1 Mbps to the lightning-fast Ultra60 plan, which has a download speed of 60 Mbps and an upload speed of 5 Mbps, and is ideal for anything you could possibly want to do on the Internet.

U-verse service plans come with 11 email accounts, with 2 GB of storage for the main account and 250 MB apiece for the 10 sub-accounts. All service plans also come with unlimited access to AT&T; Wi-Fi hot spots across the country. Charter accounts come with 10 email addresses, each with 1 GB of storage. These are compatible with mail programs such as Outlook and can be checked from any computer with an Internet connection. Customers who also have Charter telephone service can check their voice mail through their Charter email.

U-verse service plans include AT&T;'s Internet security suite, which protects your computer and personal information from identity thieves, viruses and spyware. SpamGuard separates junk email from valuable messages and parental controls prevent your children from seeing things they shouldn't while surfing the Internet. Charter's security suite is included free with their Express, Plus, Max and Ultra60 service plans, and is available at an extra cost with the Lite plan. Its utilities are effective against hackers, spam and viruses, and it can be used to protect up to three computers.

U-verse's Wireless Gateway connects your computers to the Internet via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It also allows you to control your television digital video recorder and Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as printers and digital cameras, through your computer. It has a built-in router and a professional-grade firewall to protect you against common Internet threats. Charter Internet access can be installed using your existing router, modem or wireless adapter.

AT&T;'s website features video tutorials as part of its extensive customer support system, which also includes diagrams and 24-hour live chat tech support. Additionally, 24-hour telephone tech support is available. Charter's website also features a myriad of video tutorials, diagrams and user guides, as well as 24-hour chat and phone tech support.