View source for Xfinity

{{Short description|American cable provider}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Promotional|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
| image = Comcastcenter vertical.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = [[Comcast Center]], [[Philadelphia]] headquarters
| trade_name = Xfinity
| logo = Xfinity 2025.svg
| logo_size = 220px
| logo_caption = Current logo used since 2025
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1981|4|2}} (as Comcast Cable) <br/>{{start date and age|2010|2|3}} (as Xfinity)
| former_name = Comcast Cable (1981–2010)
| hq_location_city = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| area_served = United States and Canada
| key_people = Dave Brown ([[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[CEO]])<br />Dana Strong (president, Consumer Services)<br />Matthew Strauss ([[Executive vice president|EVP]], Xfinity Services)
| products = [[Cable television]], [[Mobile device|Mobile]], [[Internet access|Broadband internet]], [[VoIP phone]], [[Home security]]
| industry = [[Telecommunications]]
| revenue = {{up}} {{US$|$66.318 billion|link=yes}}
| revenue_year = 2022
| operating_income = {{increase}} {{US$|21.17 billion|link=yes}}
| income_year = 2017
| assets = {{increase}} {{US$|186.95 billion|link=yes}}
| assets_year = 2017
| equity = {{increase}} {{US$|69.45 billion|link=yes}}
| equity_year = 2017
| parent = [[Comcast]]
| subsid = {{Plainlist|
* Effectv
* Comcast Wholesale
* Xfinity Mobile
* [[Now (Sky)|Now]] (operated by [[Sky Group]] in the United Kingdom)
* [[Xumo]] (50%)
}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.xfinity.com/|xfinity.com}}
| footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1040573/000095015901000165/0000950159-01-000165-0001.txt|title=Comcast Cable Communications 2000 FORM 10-K|publisher=US Securities and Exchange Commission|date=March 16, 2001|access-date=March 13, 2014}}</ref><ref name="variety.com">{{Cite web | url=https://variety.com/2017/biz/news/comcast-cable-dave-watson-ceo-neil-smit-1202011843/ | title=Comcast Names Dave Watson CEO of Cable, Neil Smit Assumes Vice Chairman Role| date=March 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/distribution/comcast-hires-dana-strong-president-consumer-services/417732 | title=Comcast Hires Dana Strong as President, Consumer Services| date=January 26, 2018}}</ref><ref name="xbrlus_1">{{cite web| url= https://www.cmcsa.com/news-releases/news-release-details/comcast-reports-4th-quarter-and-year-end-2017-results|title =Comcast Corp. 2017 Annual Report
}}</ref>
}}

'''Comcast Cable Communications, LLC''', [[doing business as]] '''Xfinity''', is an American [[telecommunications]] business segment and division of the [[Comcast Corporation]]. It is used to market consumer [[cable television]], [[Cable Internet access|internet]], [[telephone]], and wireless services provided by the company. The brand was first introduced in 2010; prior to that, these services were marketed primarily under the Comcast name.

{{As of|2023}} its CEO is Dave Watson, its chairman is [[Brian L. Roberts]], and its CFO is Catherine Avgiris.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=1243641|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140223221345/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=1243641|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 23, 2014|title=Company Overview of Comcast Cable Communications, LLC|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=February 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="variety.com"/> Xfinity went from US$23.7 billion in revenue in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/comcast-holds-2007-annual-meeting-of-shareholders|title=Comcast Holds 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders|publisher=Comcast|date=May 23, 2007|access-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref> to $50.04 billion in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cmcsa.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1009218 | title=Comcast Reports 4th Quarter and Year End 2016 Results}}</ref>

==Branding==
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| header            = Previous logos
| image1            = Comcast logo 1963.svg
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = Comcast logo from 1984 to 2000 before it was replaced with the crescent logo.
| image2            = Comcast logo 2006.svg
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = Comcast logo from January 1, 2000 to January 27, 2013 as a corporate logo, and until February 2, 2010, for their cable unit.
| image3            = Xfinity logo.svg
| alt3              = 
| caption3          = Xfinity logo from February 3, 2010, to October 31, 2017.
| image4            = Xfinity 2017.svg
| alt4              = 
| caption4          = Xfinity logo from November 1, 2017, to August 26, 2021.
| image5            = Xfinity 2021.png
| caption5          = Xfinity's current logo since 2021 after [[2020 Summer Olympics|Tokyo 2020]]. The red is replaced with purple.
}}
In February 2010, Comcast began to re-brand its consumer [[Triple play (telecommunications)|triple play]] service offerings under the name Xfinity; Comcast Digital Cable was renamed "Xfinity TV", Comcast Digital Voice became "Xfinity Voice", and Comcast High-Speed Internet became "Xfinity Internet". The re-branding and an associated promotional campaign were scheduled to coincide with the [[2010 Winter Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2010/02/13/comcast_enters_rebranding_territory/ |title= Comcast enters rebranding territory |author=Bray, Hiawatha |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date= February 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Bob |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/business/technology/20100203_Comcast_4Q_profit_up_on_revenue_boost__tax_gain.html |title=Comcast unveils new brand name and logo |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |date=February 3, 2010 |access-date=March 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411070805/http://www.philly.com/philly/business/technology/20100203_Comcast_4Q_profit_up_on_revenue_boost__tax_gain.html |archive-date=April 11, 2010 }}</ref>

The rebranding was characterized by the media as an effort to sidestep the negativity of the Comcast brand.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0515328620100209 "Comcast seeks reputation change with Xfinity brand", Yinka Adegoke, Reuters, February 9, 2010]. Reuters.com. Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Xfinity-Rebranding-Largely-Laughed-At-106778 Comcast Xfinity Rebranding Largely Laughed At, DSLreports.com, February 8, 2010]. Dslreports.com. Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref><ref>Gregory, Sean. (February 7, 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20100208190809/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1960553,00.html Comcast's New Name: Rated X?, Sean Gregory, Time Magazine, February 7, 2010]. Time.com. Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' considered Xfinity to be among the worst corporate renamings of all time, asking "Will the name change work? Probably not, but at least it'll sound a bit edgier when you're put on hold...with Xfinity."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Suddath |first=Claire |date=February 8, 2010 |title=Top 10 Worst Corporate Name Changes |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1914815_1914808_1960618,00.html |access-date=December 14, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}</ref>

==Internet service==

=== Comcast Internet availability by state ===
[[File:Comcast Internet Availability Map.png|thumb|Comcast availability map by ZIP Code]]

{| class= "wikitable sortable"
|-
! State !! Overall potential coverage area<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highspeedinternet.com/providers/comcast|title=Comcast availability by state|publisher=HighSpeedInternet.com|access-date=August 26, 2016}}</ref>
|-
| [[District of Columbia]] || 97.9%
|-
| [[Massachusetts]] || 85.4%
|-
| [[Utah]] || 78.5%
|-
| [[Illinois]] || 75.9%
|-
| [[Colorado]] || 75.9%
|-
| [[Washington (state)|Washington]] || 73.1%
|-
| [[Pennsylvania]] || 69.1%
|-
| [[Maryland]] || 69%
|-
| [[New Hampshire]] || 68.8%
|-
| [[New Jersey]] || {{N/A}}
|-
| [[Michigan]] || 60.3%
|-
| [[Missouri]] || {{N/A}}
|-
| [[Oregon]] || 57.9%
|-
| [[Indiana]] || 57.7%
|-
| [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] || 56.4%
|-
| [[Tennessee]] || 56.0%
|-
| [[New Mexico]] || 55.4%
|-
| [[Florida]] || 52.7%
|-
| [[Connecticut]] || 50.6%
|-
| [[Minnesota]] || 45.6%
|-
| [[Virginia]] || 41.5%
|-
| [[Mississippi]] || 31.9%
|-
| [[California]] || 31.8%
|-
| [[Delaware]] || {{N/A}}
|}
Comcast is the largest provider of [[cable internet access]] in the United States, servicing 40% of the market in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.leichtmanresearch.com/press/031412release.html|title=3 MILLION ADDED BROADBAND FROM TOP CABLE AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES IN 2011|publisher=Leichtman Research Group|date=March 16, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2014}}</ref> As of July 26, 2018, Comcast has 26.5 million high-speed internet customers.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://seekingalpha.com/news/3374316-comcast-plus-3_6-percent-internet-subs-spur-healthy-profit | title=Comcast +3.6% as Internet subs spur healthy profit| date=July 26, 2018}}</ref>

Comcast began offering internet services in late 1996, when it helped found the [[@Home Network]], which sold internet service through Comcast's cable lines. The agreement continued after @Home's merger with [[Excite (web portal)|Excite]].<ref name="@Home">{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2000/03/30/comcast-cox-extend-excitehome-deal-cable-companies-follow-at-add-access-year/|title=Comcast, Cox extend Excite@Home deal|work=The Baltimore Sun|author=BLOOMBERG NEWS|date=March 30, 2000|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref> When the combined company Excite@Home filed for bankruptcy in 2002, Comcast moved their roughly 950,000 internet customers completely onto their own network.<ref name="@HomeMerge">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/04/business/technology-comcast-copes-with-internet-problems.html|title=TECHNOLOGY; Comcast Copes With Internet Problems |work=[[The New York Times]]|author=MATT RICHTEL|date=January 4, 2002|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref>

Along with the price of internet subscriptions, Comcast charges users an additional $15.00/month to rent a [[cable modem]].<ref name=MergeProblem>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2014/02/the-real-problem-with-the-comcast-merger.html|title=The Real Problem with the Comcast Merger|magazine=The New Yorker|author=Tim Wu|date=February 14, 2014|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> This fee has been seen by some as unfair,<ref name=MergeProblem /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/09/16/comcast-to-rape-subs-even-more-by-raising-cable-modem-rental-fee-to-5-nationwide/|title=Comcast to (likely) fill its coffers by raising the cable modem rental fee|publisher=TechCrunch|author=Matt Burns|date=September 16, 2009|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> but is waived for customers who buy their own modems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/09/21/beat-the-comcast-cable-modem-price-hikes-by-your-own/|title=Beat the Comcast cable modem price hikes -- buy your own|publisher=Daily Finance|author=Josh Smith|date=September 21, 2009|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> Comcast charges $20 for internet installation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.jacksonville.com/business/2011-12-06/story/comcast-hike-prices-communication-packages-lower-installation-costs|title=Comcast to hike prices in communication packages, lower installation costs|publisher=The Florida Times-Union|author=Drew Dixon |date=December 6, 2011|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> but the fee is waived for customers who opt to install themselves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110509006395/en/Comcast-Introduces-Triple-Play-Self-Install-Kit|title=Comcast Introduces New Triple Play Self-Install Kit|publisher=Business Wire|date=May 9, 2011|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>

In 2011, Comcast launched its "Internet Essentials" program, which offers low-cost internet service to families with children who qualify for free or reduced price school lunches. The [[U.S. Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) required this budget service as a condition for allowing Comcast's acquisition of [[NBCUniversal]] in January 2011.<ref name=PCMagLaunch>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2390592,00.asp|title=Comcast Launches Low-Cost Internet for Low-Income Families|publisher=PC Magazine|author=David Murphy|date=August 7, 2011|access-date=February 14, 2014}}</ref> Of an estimated 2.60 million households eligible for the program, about 220,000 households participate in the program as of June 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.comcast.com/images/MB-10-56-C-NBCU-Annual-Compliance-Report-2013-2014-02-28.pdf|title=SECOND ANNUAL COMPLIANCE REPORT ON INTERNET ESSENTIALS(pp 10)|publisher=Comcast|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=March 19, 2014|archive-date=June 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630122337/http://corporate.comcast.com/images/MB-10-56-C-NBCU-Annual-Compliance-Report-2013-2014-02-28.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://business.time.com/2012/09/20/why-arent-more-families-signing-up-for-cheap-internet-service/|title=Why Aren't More Families Signing Up for Cheap Internet Service?|publisher=Time|author=Brad Tuttle|date=September 20, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref><ref name=NYT012013>{{cite news|title=Mixed Response to Comcast in Expanding Net Access|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/business/media/comcast-internet-essentials-brings-access-to-low-income-homes.html|access-date=January 21, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 20, 2013|last=Chozick |first=Amy}}</ref> A similar program is available from other internet providers through the non-profit Connect2compete.org.<ref name=NYT012013 /><ref name = c2c >[https://www.connect2compete.org/ Homepage connect2compete.org] accessed January 21, 2013</ref> Comcast has stated that the program will accept new customers for a total of three years.<ref name=PCMagLaunch /> In March 2014, as he met with FCC concerning the Time Warner Cable merger, Comcast vice president David Cohen told reporters that the internet essentials program will be extended indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-04/comcast-pledges-low-cost-web-as-it-meets-on-time-warner.html|title=Comcast Pledges Low-Cost Web as It Meets on Time Warner|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|author=Todd Shields|date=March 4, 2014|access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref>

At the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, Comcast unveiled a new software platform for its Arris 1682G and Cisco 3941T/3939 modems, which would offer a redesigned configuration interface, support for remote setup and management via an Xfinity mobile app, and enabling integration of supported [[smart home]] devices with other Xfinity platforms such as Xfinity TV. The new platform launched under the brand xFi in May 2017. Comcast also unveiled the xFi Advanced Gateway, a new router designed to facilitate faster Wi-Fi speeds, including support for [[802.11ac]] Wave 2, as well as internal support for [[Bluetooth Low Energy]], [[Thread (network protocol)|Thread]], and [[Zigbee]] for finer integration with [[Internet of things]] devices, and support for an accompanying line of [[Wi-Fi extender]]s (manufactured by Plume).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/06/comcast-xfi-advanced-gateway-available/|title=Comcast's xFi Advanced Gateway modem is now available nationwide|work=Engadget|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/8/15578424/comcast-xfi-app-router-announce|title=Comcast is trying to get in on the mesh router hype|work=The Verge|access-date=May 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/comcast-launches-xfinity-xfi/|title=Comcast launches Xfinity xFi, turning gateways into Wi-Fi systems|date=May 7, 2017|work=CNET|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ces-2017-watch-out-wi-fi-systems-comcast-is-transforming-its-xfinity-gateway-to-a-smart-digital-home/|title=Watch out, Wi-Fi systems! Comcast is transforming its Xfinity gateway to a smart digital home platform|date=January 4, 2017|work=CNET|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In December 2022, Comcast announced that it had trialed symmetric, 10-gigabit service using [[DOCSIS]] 4.0; this service was deployed for selected Gigabit Pro fiber business customers in June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vasani |first=Sheena |date=December 12, 2022 |title=Comcast's symmetrical multi-gigabit internet test is a preview of next year's '10G' rollout |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/12/23505779/comcast-multi-gigabit-10g-docsis-40-cable-fiber-isp |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Goovaerts |first=Diana |date=June 14, 2023 |title=Comcast debuts symmetrical 10-gig fiber broadband tier |url=https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/comcast-debuts-symmetrical-10-gig-fiber-broadband-tier |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=www.fierce-network.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Xfinity WiFi===
Comcast operates a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots for Xfinity internet subscribers known as Xfinity WiFi, which consists of a mixture of hotspots installed in public locations and businesses, and those generated by supported Xfinity home gateways on an opt-out basis. Users on the "Performance" tier or higher receive unlimited usage of these hotspots after signing in with their Xfinity Account. By default, all dual-band Xfinity home gateways operate both a private network, and a public network with the [[SSID]] "xfinitywifi". To conserve bandwidth, these hotspots are capped at 5 simultaneous users. Customers can opt out of providing Xfinity WiFi through either the Comcast website, or by installing a third-party router.<ref name="extech-wifi">{{cite web|title=Report: Comcast's public Xfinity WiFi program actually costs you money|url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/185560-new-report-illustrates-how-comcasts-public-xfinity-wifi-program-actually-costs-you-money|website=ExtremeTech|date=July 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name="pcw-wifi">{{cite web|title=To Xfinity WiFi we're all hotspots, but you don't have to be|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2363389/to-xfinity-wifi-were-all-hotspots-but-you-dont-have-to-be.html|website=PC World|access-date=April 6, 2017|date=July 2, 2014}}</ref>

Comcast has received criticism for this practice, with critics arguing that the company was abusing customer resources (including bandwidth and electricity) to provide services for other customers, as well as concerns regarding security, and liability for actions performed by users while connected to these home hotspots; in 2014, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed in California, citing violations of the [[Computer Fraud and Abuse Act]] and similar state laws for these reasons. Comcast defended the service by stating that the public Wi-Fi is firewalled from devices connected to the in-home network, was designed to have minimal bandwidth impact to "support robust usage", and that customers would not be liable for the actions of other users, as abusers can be traced by means of the Xfinity account they used to sign into the network.<ref name="computerworld-">{{cite web|title=Comcast XFINITY WiFi: Just say no|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2476444/mobile-security/mobile-security-comcast-xfinity-wifi-just-say-no.html|website=Computerworld|access-date=April 6, 2017|date=June 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ars-wifilawsuit">{{cite web|title=Comcast sued by customers for turning routers into public hotspots|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/comcast-sued-by-customers-for-turning-routers-into-public-hotspots/|website=Ars Technica|date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref> The lawsuit was taken to arbitration.<ref name="slate-homespot">{{cite web|title=It's Totally Possible That Your Router Is Broadcasting Public Wi-Fi Right Now|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2016/01/28/juniper_research_1_in_3_home_routers_will_also_produce_public_wifi_hotspots.html|website=Slate|access-date=April 6, 2017|date=January 28, 2016}}</ref>

In the wake of [[Hurricane Irma]], all Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida were opened to non-Comcast subscribers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article171585397.html|title=Comcast opens its 137,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida for all to use for free|work=Miami Herald|access-date=September 7, 2017|language=en}}</ref>

===Data cap===
Initially, Comcast had a policy of terminating broadband customers who use "excessive bandwidth", a term the company refused to define in its terms of service, which once said only that a customer's use should not "represent (in the sole judgment of Comcast) an overly large burden on the network".<ref name="tos">[https://www.comcast.net/terms/use/ Comcast, "Comcast High-Speed Internet Acceptable Use Policy"]. Comcast.net. Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref> Company responses to press inquiries suggested a limit of several hundred gigabytes per month.<ref>Carolyn Y. Johnson, [http://www.boston.com/business/personaltech/articles/2007/03/12/not_so_fast_broadband_providers_tell_big_users/ "Not so fast, broadband providers tell big users"],  ''[[The Boston Globe]]''</ref><ref name="nyt">[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/14/technology/14online.html "Say Good Night, Bandwidth Hog"], ''[[The New York Times]]''</ref> In September 2007, Comcast spokesman Charlie Douglas said the company defined "excessive use" as the equivalent of 30,000 songs, 250,000 pictures or 13 million emails in a month.<ref name="gamedaily">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/comcast-clarifies-high-speed-extreme-use-policy/18014/ | title=Comcast Clarifies High Speed Extreme Use Policy, September 14, 2007 | access-date=December 1, 2007 }}</ref>

Comcast introduced a 250&nbsp;GB monthly [[bandwidth cap]] to its broadband service on October 1, 2008,<ref>[http://www.broadbandreports.com/shownews/Comcast-250GB-Monthly-Cap-Goes-Live-October-1-97294 Comcast 250GB Cap Goes Live October 1]. Broadbandreports.com (August 28, 2008). Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref> combining both upload and download towards the monthly limit. If a user exceeded the cap three times within six months, the customer's residential services may have been terminated for one year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://help.comcast.net/content/faq/Frequently-Asked-Questions-about-Excessive-Use |website=Comcast.net |title=Frequently Asked Questions about Excessive Use |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303160240/http://help.comcast.net/content/faq/Frequently-Asked-Questions-about-Excessive-Use |archive-date=March 3, 2009 |date=October 1, 2008 |access-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> A spokesperson stated that this policy had been in place for some time, but was the first time Comcast has announced a specific usage limit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2329170,00.asp|title=Comcast to Cap Data Transfers at 250 GB in Oct.|work=PC Magazine|author=Chloe Albanesius|date=August 28, 2008|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>

As the cap provoked a strongly negative reaction from some,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13512_3-10031116-23.html|title=Comcast's usage cap: Is the sky really falling?|publisher=Cnet|author=Peter Glaskowsky|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> Comcast decided to modify its policy in 2012. Under the new system, the cap was replaced with a data threshold and increased to 300GB in some markets, and consumers who exceed this threshold are charged $10 for every 50&nbsp;GB above the limit.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/05/comcast-raises-data-cap/|title=Comcast Suspends Data Cap Temporarily, Will Test New Overage Fees|magazine=Wired|author=Ryan Singel|date=May 17, 2012 |access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57436489-93/comcast-ditches-250gb-data-cap-tests-tiered-pricing/|title=Comcast ditches 250GB data cap, tests tiered pricing |publisher=Cnet |author=Marguerite Reardon|date=May 17, 2012|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref><ref name="verge-leakedmemo"/> Customers could purchase a $30 add-on for "unlimited" data.<ref name="verge-1tbcap"/> In a leaked memo, Comcast employees were instructed to state that the policy is for "Fairness and providing a more flexible policy to our customers", and not for controlling network congestion.<ref name="verge-leakedmemo">{{cite web |title=Leaked Comcast memo reportedly admits data caps aren't about improving network performance |author=Dante D'Orazio |date=November 7, 2015 |url=https://www.theverge.com/smart-home/2015/11/7/9687976/comcast-data-caps-are-not-about-fixing-network-congestion |website=The Verge |access-date=October 7, 2016}}</ref>

On April 27, 2016, Comcast announced that it would raise its data threshold in trial markets to 1 TB by June 2016; the company stated that "more than 99 percent of our customers do not come close to using a terabyte." The decision to raise the cap came following implication of increased scrutiny surrounding them by the FCC: in its approval of [[Charter Communications]]' purchase of [[Time Warner Cable]], the Commission stipulated that Charter must not implement caps. As previously, a $10 overage fee is charged for every 50&nbsp;GB above the limit, and customers can purchase an add-on for "unlimited" data, but its price was increased to $50.<ref name="verge-1tbcap">{{cite web|title=Comcast is raising its monthly internet data cap to 1TB|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/27/11521566/comcast-data-cap-raised-1-tb-limit|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 28, 2016|date=April 27, 2016}}</ref> In October 2016, Comcast announced that bandwidth thresholds would be implemented in the majority of its markets (outside of New York and the northeast) beginning November 1, 2016.<ref name="verge-mostcustomers">{{cite web|title=Most Comcast customers now have a 1TB home internet data threshold|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/6/13192832/comcast-xfinity-home-internet-data-caps-one-terabyte|website=The Verge|access-date=October 7, 2016|date=October 6, 2016}}</ref> The data usage plan does not currently apply to the Gigabit Pro tier of service, Business Internet customers, customers on Bulk Internet agreements, and customers with Prepaid Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dataplan.xfinity.com/faq/|title=XFINITY Data Usage Center - FAQ|website=Dataplan.xfinity.com|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref>

On November 23, 2020, Comcast announced a new 1.2TB data cap will be implemented for all of the remaining areas in the northeast by March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/23/21591420/comcast-cap-data-1-2tb-home-users-internet-xfinity|title=Comcast to impose home internet data cap of 1.2TB in more than a dozen US states next year|first=Kim|last=Lyons|date=November 23, 2020|website=The Verge}}</ref> However, it was postponed due to pressure from the Pennsylvanian attorney general due to concerns on how it would impact customers, especially for those working at home during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/02/03/comcast-suspends-data-caps/ |title=Comcast suspends Internet data limits, fees for Northeast customers |last=Romm |first=Tom |date=February 3, 2021 |website= www.washingtonpost.com|access-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref>

===Network management and peering===
In September 2007, a rumor emerged among tech blogs that Comcast was throttling or even blocking internet traffic transmitted via the [[BitTorrent protocol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/comcast-throttles-bittorrent-traffic-seeding-impossible/|title=Comcast Throttles BitTorrent Traffic, Seeding Impossible|publisher=TorrentFreak|author=Ernesto|date=August 17, 2007|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> Comcast vehemently denied the accusations of blocking traffic, stating that "Comcast does not, has not, and will not block any Web sites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services", and that "We engage in reasonable network management".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3708751/Comcast+Again+Denies+P2P+Throttling.htm|title=Comcast Again Denies P2P Throttling|publisher=Internet News|author= Andy Patrizio|date=November 2, 2007|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> After more widespread confirmation that Comcast was throttling BitTorrent traffic,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna21376597|title=Comcast Blocks Some Internet Traffic|author=Peter Svensson|website=[[NBC News]]|date=November 19, 2007|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> Comcast said it occasionally delayed BitTorrent traffic in order to speed up other kinds of data, but declined to go into specifics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/comcast-were-delaying-not-blocking-bittorrent-traffic/comment-page-3/|title=Comcast: We're Delaying, Not Blocking, BitTorrent Traffic|publisher=New York Times Bits|author=BRAD STONE|date=October 22, 2007|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> Following the announcement of an official investigation by the FCC,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2008/01/fcc-to-investigate-comcast-bittorrent-blocking/|title=FCC to investigate Comcast BitTorrent blocking|publisher=ArsTechnica|author=Ryan Paul|date=January 9, 2008|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> Comcast voluntarily ended the traffic discrimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/03/27/comcast-and-bittorrent-enemies-become-netneutral-friends.html|title=Comcast and BitTorrent: Enemies Become "Net-Neutral" Friends|publisher=CNBC|author=Julia Boorstin|date=March 27, 2008|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> The FCC investigation concluded that Comcast's throttling policies were illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10004508-38.html#!|title=FCC formally rules Comcast's throttling of BitTorrent was illegal|publisher=Cnet|author=Declan McCullagh|date=August 1, 2008|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> However, after filing a lawsuit in September 2008,<ref>[http://www.multichannel.com/content/comcast-sues-fcc-over-network-management-finding Comcast sues FCC over network management finding]. Multichannel.com. Retrieved on February 9, 2013.</ref> Comcast overturned the illegality of its network management in 2010, as the court ruled that the FCC lacked the authority to enforce net neutrality under the FCC's then current regulatory policy. The court suggested instead of its current framework, the FCC move to a [[common carrier]] structure to justify its enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20001825-38.html|title=Court: FCC has no power to regulate Net neutrality|publisher=Cnet|author=Declan McCullagh|date=April 6, 2010|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> As of February 2014, the FCC has announced a new justification,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/business/fcc-to-propose-new-rules-on-open-internet.html|title=F.C.C. Seeks a New Path on 'Net Neutrality' Rules|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=EDWARD WYATT|date=February 19, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> but avoided the more extensive regulation required by the common carrier framework.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/19/5425808/fcc-chair-announces-plan-for-new-net-neutrality-rules|title=The FCC has a plan to save net neutrality, but no one likes it|publisher=TheVerge|author=Adi Robertson|date=February 19, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref>

In 2010, [[Netflix]] signed an agreement with [[Level 3 Communications]] to carry its data. Shortly after, Level 3 entered a heated dispute concerning whether Level 3 would have to pay Comcast to bridge their respective networks, in an agreement known as [[peering]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2010/11/29/level-3-comcast-in-a-cat-fight-over-online-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130005539/http://gigaom.com/2010/11/29/level-3-comcast-in-a-cat-fight-over-online-video/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2010|title=Level 3, Comcast in a Cat Fight Over Online Video|author=Stacey Higginbotham|work=Gigaom |date=November 29, 2010|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> The disagreement continued as Netflix's current carrier, [[Cogent Communications]], explicitly placed blame for Netflix bottlenecks on Comcast and several other ISPs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/02/21/netflix-cogent-verizon/|title=Netflix's internet provider claims Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner are causing streaming bottlenecks (update)|publisher=Endgadget|author=Ben Gilbert |date=February 21, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> In February 2014, after rumors surfaced that Comcast and Netflix had reached an unspecified agreement,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2014/02/21/comcast-netflix-peering/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221235816/http://gigaom.com/2014/02/21/comcast-netflix-peering/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2014|title=Sources: Netflix and Comcast have reached a peering agreement|author=Stacey Higginbotham|work=Gigaom |date=February 21, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> the companies confirmed that Netflix was paying Comcast to connect to its network.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-fi-ct-netflix-comcast-20140224,0,1476262.story|title=Netflix to pay Comcast for smoother online video streaming |newspaper=LA Times|author=Dawn C. Chmielewski|date=February 23, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> The details of the agreement are not public,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://business.time.com/2014/02/23/comcast-netflix-deal/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224021332/http://business.time.com/2014/02/23/comcast-netflix-deal/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2014|title=Comcast's Traffic Pact With Netflix Is Shrouded in Secrecy|publisher=Time|author=Sam Gustin |date=February 23, 2014|access-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> and speculation disagrees about whether the agreement is a precedent against [[net neutrality]], or a continuation of normal peering agreements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-24/netflixs-deal-with-comcast-isnt-about-net-neutrality-except-that-it-is|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225151942/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-24/netflixs-deal-with-comcast-isnt-about-net-neutrality-except-that-it-is|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 25, 2014|title=Netflix's Deal With Comcast Isn't About Net Neutrality—Except That It Is|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|author=Joshua Brustein|date=February 24, 2014|access-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref>

==Cable telephony==
'''Xfinity Voice''' (formerly '''Comcast Digital Voice''') is a Voice Over IP [[cable telephony]] service that was launched in 2005 in some markets,<ref name="Ben Charny">{{cite web|url=https://news.cnet.com/Comcast-pushes-VoIP-to-prime-time/2100-7352_3-5519446.html|title=Comcast pushes VoIP to prime time|publisher=Cnet|author=Ben Charny |date=January 10, 2005|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> and to all of Comcast's markets in 2006. Comcast's older service, Comcast Digital Phone, continued to offer service for a brief period, until Comcast shut it down around in late 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/2007/10/17/comcast-ends-older-phone-service/|title=Comcast Ends Older Phone Service|publisher=Hartford Courant|author=MARK PETERS|date=October 17, 2007|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref> In 2009, after completing transition from their old service, Comcast had 7.6 million voice customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmcsk.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=442388|title=Comcast Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Results|date=February 3, 2010|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref> As of the end of 2013, Comcast Digital Voice had reached 10.7 million subscribers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmcsa.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=821438|title=Comcast Reports 4th Quarter and Year End 2013 Results|publisher=Comcast|date=January 28, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref>

At the start of 2012, Comcast stood as the United States' third-largest residential line provider,<ref name=LRG>Leichtman Research Group, [https://www.leichtmanresearch.com/research/notes04_2012.pdf "Research Notes,"] First Quarter 2012, pg. 5. The company first gained status as the USA's third largest phone company in 2009. See: [http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Now-Third-Largest-Phone-Company-101317 Comcast Now Third Largest Phone Company], ''DSLreports.com'', March 11, 2009.</ref> supplying 9.34 million residential lines.<ref name=LRG />

Xfinity Voice allows communication over the internet using [[VoIP]], but uses a [[private network]] instead of a [[PSTN|public IP address]], which allows Comcast to prioritize voice data during heavy traffic. In technical terms, on Comcast's [[Hybrid Fiber Coaxial]] network, calls are placed into individual Unsolicited Grant Service flows, based on [[DOCSIS]] 1.1 [[Quality of service]] standards. For the customer, this has the benefit of preventing network congestion from interfering with call quality. Other, non-Comcast VoIP services on Comcast's network must use the lower priority public IP addresses. This separation of traffic into separate flows, or [[Smart pipe]], has been criticised as a violation of [[net neutrality]], whereby all data traffic should be treated equally—[[dumb pipe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/internet-video/smart-pipes-dumb-pipes-and-qos/129650|title=Smart Pipes, Dumb Pipes and QoS|publisher=MultiChannel|author= Leslie Ellis|date=February 17, 2006|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref> The practice was questioned by the FCC in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2009/01/19/fcc-asks-if-comcast-slows-rivals-voip-traffic/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125102636/http://gigaom.com/2009/01/19/fcc-asks-if-comcast-slows-rivals-voip-traffic/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2009|title=FCC Asks if Comcast Slows Rivals' VoIP Traffic|author=Stacey Higginbotham|work=Gigaom |date=January 19, 2009|access-date=March 7, 2014}}</ref> In their response, Comcast stated that services that use [[telecommunication]]s are not necessarily [[telecommunications service]]s, and said that the FCC's designation of Comcast Digital Voice as an [[information service (US law)|information service]] exempted it from telecommunications service regulations on traditional landline. Comcast also said that because Comcast Voice was a separate service, it was unfair to directly compare the data for Comcast Voice with the data for other VoIP services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://downloads.comcast.net/docs/january-30-2009-comcast-fcc-response.pdf |title=In the Matter of Formal Complaint of Free Press and Public Knowledge Against Comcast Corporation for Secretly Degrading Peer-to-Peer Applications, File No. EB-08-IH-1518|publisher=Comcast|author=Kathryn A. Zachem|date=January 30, 2009|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2009/02/comcast-strikes-back-on-fcc-voip-probe/|title=Comcast defends itself against FCC's VoIP probe|publisher=ArsTechnica|author=Matthew Lasar|date=February 3, 2009|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref>

Because telephone services over VoIP are not automatically tied to a physical address, Xfinity Voice utilizes [[E911]] to help [[9-1-1|911]] emergency service operators to automatically locate the source of the 911 call.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comcast-launches-comcast-digital-voicer-phone-service-in-santa-barbara-county-61850297.html|title=Comcast Launches Comcast Digital Voice(R) Phone Service in Santa Barbara County|publisher=PR Newswire|author=Comcast Corp.|access-date=March 11, 2014}}</ref> Voice calls are delivered as a digital stream over the Comcast network, signal is converted to analog [[plain old telephone service]] lines at the cable modem, which outputs on standard physical analog style [[RJ-11]] ports.

==Cable television==
Comcast's cable television customers peaked in 2007, with about 24.8 million customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmcsa.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=385958|title=Comcast Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End Results|publisher=Comcast|date=February 18, 2009|access-date=February 16, 2014}}</ref> Comcast had lost customers every year since. However, the first quarterly gain in customers since their peak occurred in the fourth quarter of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-09/business/45995075_1_time-warner-cable-tv-subscribers-comcast-corp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140218011206/http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-09/business/45995075_1_time-warner-cable-tv-subscribers-comcast-corp|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2014|title=Comcast reverses trend, gains TV subscribers|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|author=Bob Fernandez|date=January 9, 2014|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> As of the end of 2013, Comcast had a total of 21.7 million cable customers.<ref name=Q42013>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmcsa.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=821438|title=Comcast Reports 4th Quarter and Year End 2013 Results|publisher=Comcast|date=January 28, 2014|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> The average cost of Comcast's Digital Basic cable subscription had increased 72% from 2003 to 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2012/08/comcasts_annual_rate_hike_mode.html|title=Comcast moderates its annual cable TV rate hike, but the cost of Internet access is rising faster|publisher=The Oregonian|author= Mike Rogoway|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=February 23, 2014}}</ref> In the fourth quarter of 2015, Comcast got 89,000 new video subscribers. This was their highest gain since 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Comcast shrugs off years of cord-cutting losses, adds 89K TV customers|url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2016/02/comcast-shrugs-off-years-of-cord-cutting-losses-adds-89k-tv-customers/|website=Ars Technica|access-date=October 8, 2016}}</ref>

Comcast also charges a Regulatory Recovery Fee of varying size(s) with their Digital Basic cable subscription in order to "recover additional costs associated with governmental programs".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stopthecap.com/2012/07/10/comcasts-nationwide-rate-increase-bill-padding-regulatory-recovery-fees-have-arrived/|title=Comcast's Nationwide Rate Increase: Bill Padding "Regulatory Recovery" Fees Have Arrived|publisher=Stop The Cap|author=Phillip Dampier|date=July 10, 2012|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> Since January 2014, Comcast has also charged a Broadcast TV Fee to "defray the rising costs of retransmitting broadcast television signals(sic)."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/cable-operators/comcast-introduce-150-broadcast-tv-fee/146867|title=Comcast to Introduce $1.50 Broadcast TV Fee |publisher=MultiChannel|author=Mike Farrell|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref>

In May 2012, Comcast softlaunched X1 (codenamed "Xcalibur"), a new hardware and software platform for its television services in Boston. It features wider support for internet content and video streaming apps, and a remote control with [[Speech recognition|voice recognition]] input. X1 was scheduled for nationwide availability by the end of 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/12/comcasts-x1-cable-boxes-now-serve-up-youtube-videos-alongside-traditional-tv/|title=Comcast's X1 cable boxes now serve up YouTube videos alongside traditional TV|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|access-date=May 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/comcast-x1-dvr-iphone-app-launch/|title=Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app (update: video)|work=Engadget|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/20/comcast-x1-available-florida-tennessee-georgia-maryland/|title=Comcast's X1 availability widens, mass-deployment still planned by year's end|work=Engadget|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/12/16766068/xfinity-x1-remote-find-phone|title=Comcast's redesigned X1 voice remote can locate your cellphone|work=The Verge|access-date=May 23, 2018}}</ref> Comcast has licensed the X1 platform as [[middleware]] to other providers, including [[Cox Cable]] (as "Cox Contour"),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baumgartner |first=Jeff |date=November 11, 2015 |title=Cox Inks National X1 Deal with Comcast |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/cox-inks-national-x1-deal-comcast-395239 |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=Multichannel News |language=en}}</ref> and Canadian providers [[Shaw Communications|Shaw]] (as "Shaw BlueCurve TV"),<ref name="fp-bluesky">{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Emily |date=January 11, 2017 |title=Shaw Communications Inc. launches Comcast's X1 TV platform to wrestle back market share from Telus |website=Financial Post |url=https://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/shaw-communications-inc-launches-comcasts-x1-tv-platform-to-wrestle-back-market-share-from-telus |access-date=January 12, 2017}}</ref> [[Rogers Cable|Rogers]] (as "Rogers Ignite TV")<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dobby |first=Christine |date=August 19, 2018 |title=Rogers launches long-delayed internet-TV service, Ignite TV, as telecom battle heats up |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-rogers-launches-long-delayed-internet-tv-service-ignite-tv-as/ |access-date=November 5, 2022}}</ref> and [[Vidéotron]] (as "Helix").<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Daniel Frankel |date=August 29, 2019 |title=Videotron Launches X1-Based Helix |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/videotron-launches-x1-based-helix |access-date=January 22, 2023 |website=Multichannel News |language=en}}</ref> Rogers (which had meanwhile acquired Shaw) announced a deeper technology partnership with Comcast in April 2024, and began rebranding its cable TV and internet products as "Rogers Xfinity" later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2024/10/29/rogers-rebrands-ignite-tv-to-xfinity/|title=Rogers rebrands Ignite TV to Xfinity|first=Brad|last=Bennett|work=MobileSyrup|date=October 29, 2024|access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref>

In 2019, Comcast launched Xfinity Flex, an add-on for Xfinity Internet that offers subscribers a [[digital media player]] based on the X1 platform with access to [[over-the-top media service]]s. The service is marketed as an alternative to the full Xfinity TV service for [[Cord-cutting|cord-cutters]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=March 21, 2019 |title=Comcast announces $5-per-month Flex streaming platform for cord cutters |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/21/18276040/comcast-flex-streaming-announced-features-pricing |access-date=December 15, 2024 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keck |first=Catie |date=December 9, 2021 |title=Comcast now sells Xfinity Flex users internet cable TV from YouTube |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/9/22826856/comcast-xfinity-flex-youtube-tv |access-date=December 15, 2024 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> In October 2021, Comcast launched XClass TV, a line of [[Hisense]]-manufactured [[smart TV]]s based on X1, and sold exclusively through [[Walmart]]; they marked the first X1-based product to be sold directly at retail to consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Comcast Launches XClass TV, Its First TV Sets in the U.S., Taking Streaming Platform Direct-to-Consumer |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/comcast-xclass-tv-streaming-hisense-1235092484/ |access-date=December 15, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frankellast |first=Daniel |date=September 7, 2022 |title=Has Comcast's XClass TV Drive Stalled Nearly One Year After Launch? |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/has-comcasts-xclass-tv-drive-stalled-nearly-one-year-after-launch |access-date=December 15, 2024 |website=NextTV |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, both Xfinity Flex and XClass TV were brought under Comcast's [[Xumo]] joint venture with [[Charter Communications]], and rebranded as Xumo Stream Box and Xumo TV respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winslow |first=George |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Comcast, Charter Streaming Joint Venture Branded as 'Xumo' |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/comcast-charter-streaming-joint-venture-branded-as-xumo |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=TVTechnology |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Comcast And Charter Name Their Streaming Joint Venture Xumo, Set Related Rebrand Of Flex And XClass TV & Outline Plans For Timing Of Launch |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/comcast-charter-name-streaming-joint-venture-xumo-rebrand-flex-xclass-tv-1235161238/ |access-date=May 11, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Retransmission fees===
Beginning in the mid-2000s, the prices of retransmission fees, requirements for cable companies to retransmit television broadcasters content, have become more expensive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/07/14/tv-retrans-fees/2512233/|title=Retransmission fee race poses questions for TV viewers|publisher=USA Today|author=Roger Yu|date=August 2, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> These fees (and the arguments over them between broadcasters and distributors) caused [[Blackout (broadcasting)|blackouts]] of certain (influential) television programming. The [[U.S. Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) then reviewed its rules for broadcasters and distributors to make any possible changes to them in response to the high-profile blackouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/fcc-consider-forcing-bcasters-distributors-play-nice-125284|title=FCC to Consider Forcing B'casters, Distributors to Play Nice|publisher=AdWeek|author=Katy Bachman|date=March 3, 2011|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> Comcast has had ten year agreements with [[CBS]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/business/media/03cbs.html|title=CBS and Comcast Reach a 10-Year Deal on Fees|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=BRIAN STELTER|date=August 2, 2010|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> [[Disney]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS230102746820120104|title=Disney-Comcast Make 10-Year Xfinity Multi-Platform Deal (Breaking)|publisher=Reuters|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> and the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415351,00.asp|title=Fox, Comcast Re-Up Xfinity Content Deal|publisher=PC Magazine|author=Damon Poeter|date=February 12, 2013|access-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> for distributing and reproducing content. The financial details of the deals are not known.

Due to retransmission fees becoming more expensive every year, broadcasters pay more expensive substantial fees for retransmitting [[broadcast television]]. Comcast instated Broadcast TV Fee (as a part of the Digital Basic cable subscription) to gain lost profit from paying more expensive fees to retransmit programming content. Comcast's subsidiary, [[NBCUniversal]], was one of several broadcasters party to [[American Broadcasting Cos. v. Aereo, Inc.]], over the question of whether [[Aereo]] is a retransmitter (which would require it to pay retransmission fees).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-06/business/45885511_1_retransmission-fees-tv-stations-similar-fees|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114210931/http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-06/business/45885511_1_retransmission-fees-tv-stations-similar-fees|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 14, 2014|title=Fight continues over cable retransmission fees|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|author=Bob Fernandez|date=January 6, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> The case was decided on June 25, 2014, in favor of the broadcasters in a 6–3 decision.<ref>''American Broadcasting Companies v. Aereo'', 573 U. S., (slip op.)</ref>

==Home security and automation==
Comcast has a home security and [[home automation]] service known as Xfinity Home in some of its service areas. The service has a burglar and fire alarm, surveillance cameras, and wireless motion sensors put on doorways and windows to detect when said doorway or window was opened, and to detect when someone was in a house when it was vacant, However, Xfinity Home had{{when|date=June 2022}} a vulnerability that when exploited, falsely reported that all was well. The wireless motion sensors Xfinity Home used could also be easily jammed, and thus disabled, by radio frequencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Longenecker|first=David|date=January 6, 2016|title=Putting the Comcast vulnerability in context|url=https://www.csoonline.com/article/3019735/putting-the-comcast-vulnerability-in-context.html|access-date=November 21, 2021|website=CSO Online|language=en}}</ref>

==Xfinity Mobile{{anchor|Xfinity Mobile}}==<!-- Other articles link here. -->
{{Infobox company
| logo = Xfinity Mobile.svg
| name = Xfinity Mobile
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/}}
| founded = April 6, 2017
| industry = Telecommunications
| key_people = Greg Butz (President)
}}

On April 6, 2017, Comcast launched '''Xfinity Mobile''', a [[mobile virtual network operator]] ([[MVNO]]) on the [[Verizon Wireless|Verizon mobile network]].<ref name="fw-xfinitymobile">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/comcast-xfinity-mobile-a-no-frills-mvno-service-primarily-designed-to-prevent-churn|title=Editor's Corner—Comcast Xfinity Mobile is a no-frills MVNO service primarily designed to prevent churn|website=FierceWireless|language=en|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>

Xfinity Mobile provides [[Prepaid mobile phone|prepaid]] (with users able to purchase data in 1&nbsp;GB bundles) and monthly unlimited plans, with the latter throttled after 20&nbsp;GB of use. The service is sold exclusively to Comcast internet subscribers, and includes access to Xfinity WiFi.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/04/06/comcast-wants-be-your-new-cellphone-carrier-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/ | title=Comcast wants to be your new cellphone carrier. Here's everything you need to know.|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name="fw-xfinitymobile" />

Analysts perceived Xfinity Mobile as being a response to AT&T's acquisition of [[DirecTV]], which added the national satellite provider alongside its existing [[AT&T U-verse|wireline]] and [[AT&T Mobility|wireless]] services, and an increased push towards [[mobile television]].<ref name="phillycom-xfinitymobile">{{cite web|title=Comcast plunges again into cell phone service. Can it overcome past failures?|url=https://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/comcast-nation/Comcast-to-launch-Xfinity-Mobile-by-mid-year-making-it-part-of-the-Internet-TV-bundle.html|website=Philly.com|access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref> In the third quarter of 2018, Xfinity Mobile surpassed 1 million subscribers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lightreading.com/earnings-reports/comcast-surpasses-1m-xfinity-mobile-lines/d/d-id/747091|title=Comcast Surpasses 1M Xfinity Mobile Lines|website=Light Reading|language=en|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref> On May 18, 2020, Xfinity Mobile announced plans with [[5G]] data.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Comcast is launching 5G plans for Xfinity Mobile customers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/18/21262142/comcast-5g-xfinity-mobile-plans|last=Lyons|first=Kim|date=May 18, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=May 24, 2020}}</ref>

==Xfinity 3D==
Comcast ran a [[3DTV]] channel known as '''Xfinity 3D''' from February 20, 2011<ref name=launch>[http://www.multichannel.com/article/464122-Comcast_To_Launch_24_Hour_Xfinity_3D_Channel.php Comcast To Launch 24-Hour 'Xfinity 3D' Channel] ''Multichannel News'' February 17, 2011</ref> until December 16, 2014, on Xfinity cable systems.<ref name=launch/> The channel mainly featured [[NBC Sports]] and [[Universal Pictures]] content in the format, along with content from other studios and demonstration films in the 3D format.

==Comcast Business==
{{Main|Comcast Business}}
In addition to residential consumers, Comcast also serves businesses as customers, targeting small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and mid-sized businesses of 20–500 employees.<ref>[https://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/113495-Comcast_Speeds_Up_Business_High_Speed_Data_Offering.php Comcast Speeds Up Business High-Speed-Data Offering], Glen Dickson, [[Broadcasting & Cable]], April 29, 2008.</ref> In 2009, [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul]] became the first city in which Comcast Business Class offered 100&nbsp;Mbit/s Internet service, which includes Microsoft Communication Services.<ref>
[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-launches-100-mbps-high-speed-internet-service-for-businesses-in-the-twin-cities-2009-09-08 Comcast Launches 100 Mbps High-Speed Internet Service for Businesses in the Twin Cities], [[Business Wire]] press release, September 8, 2009.</ref> Comcast Business Class Internet service does not have a bandwidth usage cap.<ref>{{cite web|title=Comcast Business Class Overview|url=http://www.telarus.com/carrier-information/comcast-business.html|publisher=Business Class Cable News|access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name="BusinessWire 2011 expansion">{{cite web| url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110824005803/en/Comcast-Business-Services-Extends-Availability-Metro-Ethernet |title= Comcast Business Services Extends Availability of its Metro Ethernet Services through its Solutions Provider Program |publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date= August 24, 2011 }}</ref>

Comcast Business services used to be sold exclusively through direct sales employees. In March 2011, Comcast created an [[Sales outsourcing|indirect sales channel]] called the Solution Provider Program, a comprehensive indirect channel program that enables telecommunications consultants and [[system integrator]]s to sell Comcast's services such as Business Class Internet, Voice, and high-capacity [[Fiber-optic communication|Ethernet]] services to small and mid-market businesses. The program offers recurring commissions for sales partners based on monthly revenue, and Comcast will provide, install, manage and bill for these services. For the initial launch of the Solutions Provider Program, Comcast enlisted three national master representatives—[[Telarus]], based in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]; Intelisys, based in [[Petaluma, California]]; and Telecom Brokerage Inc (TBI), based in [[Chicago]]. Sub-agent sales partners must work with one of these three partners in the early stages of the program.<ref>{{cite news|last=Henderson|first=Khali|title=Comcast Launches Agent Program |url=http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2011/03/comcast-launches-agent-program.aspx|access-date=March 14, 2011|newspaper=Channel Partners|date=March 14, 2011}}</ref>

==NASCAR sponsorship==
Xfinity currently sponsors the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]] and is a premier sponsor of the [[NASCAR Cup Series]]. On February 4, 2025, the company announced it will no longer sponsor the Xfinity series after 2025 but will remain an premier sponsor of the Cup Series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srigley |first=Joseph |date=February 4, 2025 |title=Comcast Renews NASCAR Partnership, 'Xfinity Fastest Lap' Program Added for 2025 |url=https://tobychristie.com/nascar/cup-series/comcast-renews-nascar-partnership-xfinity-fastest-lap-program-added-for-2025/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |website=TobyChristie.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They currently sponsor [[23XI Racing]] drivers [[Tyler Reddick]] and [[Bubba Wallace]] promoting Xfinity Mobile and Xfinity 10G. Since 2020, they have sponsored the penultimate race in the Cup Series, the [[Xfinity 500]] at [[Martinsville Speedway]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jayski.com/2020/08/06/martinsville-speedway-to-sost-nascars-penultimate-races-of-the-season-on-oct-30-nov-1/ |title=Martinsville Speedway to sost NASCAR's penultimate races of the season on Oct. 30-Nov. 1 |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media |date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref>

==Controversies==
Xfinity and its parent company, Comcast, were sued in August 2016 in [[King County Superior Court]] by the State of Washington (AG Ferguson, Washington's Attorney General) for $100 million<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Finley|first=Klint|title=Comcast Is Facing a $100 Million Lawsuit Over Its Service Plan|language=en-US|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/08/comcast-facing-100-million-lawsuit-service-plan/|access-date=November 21, 2021|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> over claims that Comcast violated the state's Consumer Protection Act 445,000 times over its Service Protection Plan<ref>{{Cite web|last=Havil|first=Dave|date=June 7, 2019|title=AG Ferguson: Judge finds Comcast violated the Consumer Protection Act nearly half a million times • Newstalk KBKW|url=https://kbkw.com/ag-ferguson-judge-finds-comcast-violated-the-consumer-protection-act-nearly-half-a-million-times/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608195708/https://kbkw.com/ag-ferguson-judge-finds-comcast-violated-the-consumer-protection-act-nearly-half-a-million-times/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 8, 2019|access-date=November 21, 2021|website=Newstalk KBKW|language=en-US}}</ref> by over charging for call service fees, knowingly using improper credit screening practices, and by lying about the costs of its Service Protection Plan to 49,660 customers on support calls.<ref>{{Cite news|title=AG Ferguson: Judge finds Comcast violated the Consumer Protection Act nearly half a million times}}</ref> The amount that the customers unknowingly paid for the plan from 2011 to 2015 was $71 million. However, when asked for recorded customer service calls discussing the Service Protection Plan, Comcast said that it was "too burdensome". Eventually it gave 4,500 samples of the requested calls, but was accused of deleting many other calls by Washington. In response, Comcast said that it was "not under any obligation to preserve them" and that it deleted customer service calls routinely. It accused Washington of only "listening to 150 calls when we gave 4,500 of them",<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[USA Today]]
  |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/12/22/washington-expands-lawsuit-against-comcast-alleges-illegal-conduct/977221001/
  |title=Washington expands lawsuit against Comcast, alleges illegal conduct
  |author=Sally Ho |date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> and said that "customers receive an email confirmation when they sign up for the protection plan". The lawsuit lasted until June 2019, when a King County court judge, Judge Timothy Bradshaw, ruled in favor of Washington State and against Comcast, ordering Comcast to pay $9.1 million in penalties in addition to providing restitution to customers within 60 days.<ref name=seatimes2019>{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/judge-rules-comcast-violated-state-consumer-protection-act-in-partial-win-for-attorney-general-bob-ferguson/|title=Comcast faces $9.1 million in penalties after it charged nearly 31,000 people for a plan without their knowledge|work=[[The Seattle Times]]|last=O'Sullivan|first=Joseph|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>

Xfinity and its parent company Comcast were sued through putative class action on June 19, 2018, by Illinois customer Elizabeth O' Neill, over accusations of opening Xfinity Mobile accounts for customers without their consent, and failing to notify customers when the same accounts were infiltrated without their authorization to buy new cell phones from Comcast's website.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Comcast.pdf | title=Class Action Complaint - Plaintiff v. COMCAST CORPORATION |access-date=September 9, 2023}}</ref> {{Primary source inline|date=October 2023}}They had done this by using information from the customer's already established internet and cable accounts. The case was ruled to be solved in arbitration in accordance with the subscriber agreement she had agreed to.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Comcast Lawsuits {{!}} Examples of Class-Action and Small-Claims Cases Against Comcast|url=https://donotpay.com/comcast-lawsuit/|access-date=November 21, 2021|website=DoNotPay|language=en}}</ref>

In 2023, Comcast began to market all Xfinity broadband services as the "Xfinity 10G Network", in relation to its recent introduction of 10-gigabit fiber service for business customers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> In 2024, the National Advertising Division of the [[Better Business Bureau]] (BBB) ruled that Comcast's marketing of its broadband service as the "Xfinity 10G Network" was misleading, as "[[10G]]" could be insinuated as referring to 10 gigabit service. This service is not available to all households or [[Multifamily residential|multifamily]] buildings as it requires installation of a [[fiber optic]] [[local loop]], as DOCSIS isn't capable of 10 gigabit end-user speeds.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=October 16, 2023 |title=Comcast resists call to stop its misleading "10G Network" claims |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/10/comcast-should-stop-advertising-slower-speeds-as-10g-industry-group-says/ |access-date=October 16, 2023 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref> In January 2024, Comcast agreed to stop using the "Xfinity 10G Network" branding in this manner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Comcast reluctantly agrees to stop its misleading "10G Network" claims |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/01/comcast-to-stop-calling-entire-network-10g-as-name-is-ruled-misleading/ |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Data breach==
On December 20, 2023, it was revealed that an Xfinity data breach had exposed the personal data of 35.8 million people, including usernames, passwords, and answers to security questions, due to a vulnerability in the Citrix software used.<ref>{{cite news| last=Cerullo | first=Megan | title=Xfinity hack affects nearly 36 million customers. Here's what to know. | publisher=CBS News | date=December 20, 2023 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/xfinity-hack-customers-usernames-passwords/}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|https://www.xfinity.com/}}

{{Comcast}}
{{Internet service providers of the United States}}
{{CATV USA}}

[[Category:Comcast subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Internet service providers of the United States]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Cable television companies of the United States]]
[[Category:VoIP companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1981]]