UP
Our takeEditorialAT&T's entry-level postpaid unlimited at $66/mo: 480p video, no stated high-speed threshold, and ActiveArmor antivirus that's free on any carrier.
AT&T
Unlimited Starter
5.5/10 UpPhone score
AT&T's entry-level postpaid unlimited at about $66/mo: standard-definition video, no stated high-speed data threshold, and AT&T's ActiveArmor security suite - which is free antivirus theater at postpaid prices.
Best for
AT&T subscribers who want Unlimited data.
5G + LTEUnlimited DataUS/Canada/MexicoActiveArmor Security
How many lines?
Data
Unlimited
Hotspot
None
Talk / text
Unlimited
Network
5G + 4G LTE
The verdict, & two little voices
Should you actually get Unlimited Starter?
The editor weighs in — flanked by the optimist on her shoulder and the cynic on the other.
“AT&T's nationwide 5G and LTE with Mexico and Canada coverage, no contract.”
“ActiveArmor is a free app on any phone from any carrier. AT&T listing it as a plan feature is marketing, not value.”
Pricing for Unlimited Starter
· (with autopay + paperless billing)Autopay discount
Many carriers offer a discount with autopay + paperless billing. Prices above may already reflect this.
Eligible promotion
Autopay required
Prices may vary by region, promotions, and account history. Check AT&T's website for current offers.
View Unlimited Starter Plans Line by Line
1 Line
Unlimited
$65.99/mowith autopay
$75.99/mostandard
2 Lines
Unlimited
$121.98/mowith autopay
$141.98/mostandard
3 Lines
Unlimited
$137.97/mowith autopay
$167.97/mostandard
4 Lines
Unlimited
$143.96/mowith autopay
$183.96/mostandard
5 Lines
Unlimited
$154.95/mowith autopay
$204.95/mostandard
Our review
The AT&T Unlimited Starter is the base tier of AT&T's postpaid unlimited lineup, and it sits at about $66/mo with autopay and paperless billing ($10/line combined discount).
The plan includes unlimited data, talk, and text on AT&T's 5G and LTE network, plus unlimited service in and between the US, Canada, and Mexico. What's notably absent: no mobile hotspot. The data_summary in the plan data actually lists 30 GB of hotspot - but the plan notes confirm AT&T Turbo is not available on Starter and the plan sits at the base of the lineup.
Standard-definition video streaming caps all streaming at 480p regardless of network conditions. AT&T's ActiveArmor mobile security is included, which is AT&T's branded antivirus and call-screening tool available for free from Google Play and the App Store on any phone.
What we love
- AT&T's 5G and LTE network
- Unlimited data in US, Canada, and Mexico
- No annual contract
- Autopay and paperless billing discount brings price to about $66/mo
What we don't
- Standard-definition 480p video cap on all streaming
- No AT&T Turbo - can't prioritize data for gaming or video calls
- Data subject to network management during congestion with no stated high-speed threshold
- ActiveArmor security is a free app marketed as a premium feature
- Activation fee of $35 per line (waived online sometimes)
- Mint Mobile and similar alternatives offer comparable data on T-Mobile's network for significantly less
Full features
Talk + text
MinutesUnlimited
MessagesUnlimited
Intl callingMexico & Canada
Data
High-speed dataUnlimited
HotspotNone
Contract
Contract type—
RoamingUS, Mexico & Canada
Frequently asked questions about Unlimited Starter
What features does Unlimited Starter include?
The plan includes unlimited data, talk, and text on AT&T's 5G and LTE network, unlimited service in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security. Video streaming is capped at 480p standard definition. AT&T Turbo (data performance boost for gaming and streaming) is not available on this tier. Autopay discount is $5/line and paperless billing is $5/line - both required together for the $10/line discount. The base rate without discounts is about $76/mo.
How much data, talk, and text does Unlimited Starter include?
Data is unlimited on AT&T's 5G and LTE network. No stated high-speed data threshold before network management applies - AT&T can slow speeds during congestion without a specific GB trigger on this tier. Voice and text are unlimited in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
What is the network speed on Unlimited Starter?
5G and 4G LTE speeds are available. AT&T's 5G network uses mid-band and low-band spectrum - mid-band 5G (the everyday-fast tier, covers most of the country) is available where deployed. The Starter plan has no stated high-speed data threshold, meaning network management can apply at any point during congestion. AT&T Turbo (which prioritizes data for gaming and video calls) is not available on this tier.
Does Unlimited Starter include mobile hotspot?
The Unlimited Starter's hotspot situation is ambiguous in the plan data. The data_summary lists 30 GB of hotspot, but the plan notes confirm this is below the 2.0 lineup and AT&T Turbo is unavailable. AT&T's current plan pages show no hotspot on the entry Starter tier. If hotspot is listed, the post-cap speed would be 128 kbps - essentially unusable for web browsing or streaming.
What happens if you exceed your data on Unlimited Starter?
No data overage charges. Data continues after any congestion-based slowing without extra fees. Voice and text have no limits.
Does Unlimited Starter require a contract?
No annual contract. Month-to-month with autopay and paperless billing discounts. Activation fee of $35 per line applies (sometimes waived for online orders).
Compare Unlimited Starter with similar plans
FCC Disclosure
Broadband Facts
AT&T · AT&T Unlimited Starter
Monthly Price
$65.99
Additional Charges & Terms
Provider monthly feesAdmin $3.99
One-time fees$35.00 activation
Government taxesVary by location. Not included above.
Speeds Provided with Plan
| Technology | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | 12-78 Mbps | 1-12 Mbps | 29-52 ms |
| 5G | 53-304 Mbps | 3-22 Mbps | 26-45 ms |
| 5G+ / UW | 167-474 Mbps | 6-33 Mbps | 23-39 ms |
Typical ranges as reported by the carrier. Real speeds vary.
Data & Features
Data included with monthly priceUnlimited
Data throttleData may be temporarily slowed at any time during congestion (always deprioritized)
Mobile hotspotNot included
Video streaming qualitySD (480p)
Disclosures