Here Comes Xfinity Mobile: Comcast’s Wireless Service

Getting one step closer to launching its own wireless service, Comcast has officially announced the existence of Xfinity Mobile, which basically offers unlimited data plans at $65 for each line of service. But bear in mind though that those users already subscribing to any one of the cable TV giant’s more pricey X1 packages will get to pay only $45 per line of service.

Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile is essentially operating as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) leasing network capacity from Verizon Wireless. However, the service will also grant customers access to Comcast’s formidable 16 million Wi-Fi hotspots, which are already being tapped by existing subscribers of the cable company. The cool thing about it is that when customers find themselves in an area where there is a Comcast Wi-Fi hotspot, their handsets will connect automatically to the network. 

Around half a decade ago, Comcast struck a deal with Verizon Wireless wherein the latter would let the former resell mobile services to customers. In fall of last year, Comcast had already revealed that it was planning to get into the mobile business by the middle part of 2017. Xfinity Mobile is now the result of that plan.

Apart from its wireless and hotspot inclusions, Xfinity Mobile also promises to grant customers access to Comcast’s TV streaming feature, which is made available by way of the Xfinity Stream mobile app, which offers as many as 200 live TV channels on demand, plus 40,000 on demand films and TV programs. Mobile users can also take full advantage of the Xfinity Home app as a means for remotely managing their smart home gadgets.

Like in any wireless service, it is always a wise decision to read the fine print. In the case of Xfinity Mobile, know that the service has limited reach for now, and more importantly, the plans are only made available to Comcast’s 25 million web users, or to any new subscriber who decides to avail of the company’s broadband service particularly in markets where Comcast has a solid presence. Moreover, remember that in order to get the most affordable plan (at $45 pricing), one has to get one of the more expensive X1 deals.

Right now, the unlimited option comes with a pricing of $65 for each line of service for up to five lines without any usage limit, and $45 for each line for those already subscribed to a top tier X1 option. Oh, note that connection speeds are slowed down beyond the 20 gigabyte threshold. For existing customers, they do have the option of paying $12 a gigabyte of data to share across their lines of service.