Comcast® Wireless Internet at a glance
In addition to being the largest cable provider in the United States, Comcast offers a line of high-speed internet through their Xfinity® brand. Their home service is mainly wired using their cable infrastructure, though subscribers to their Xfinity internet system can use one of their many Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots at no additional cost. Comcast previously offered a service called Xfinity 2go, which could connect to a 3G or 4G network; however, as of August 31, 2012, they discontinued that service.
Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots
With the cancellation of Xfinity 2go, Wi-Fi hotspots are Comcast’s flagship wireless feature. When inside a coverage area, customers can connect their laptops, tablets, phones, and other wireless devices to the Xfinity network.
Where are they located?
Comcast is constantly adding to the thousands of Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots currently active. A search bar on Comcast’s website allows users to search for hotspots by city, state, or zip. They also offer a mobile app that provides a similar feature, but on the go. Once located, a customer can simply log in with valid Xfinity information, and then access the network.
The main concentrations of Wi-Fi hotspots are currently in the Mid-Atlantic, with strong coverage from Virginia to Connecticut, and in California. However, beyond that area, coverage is still expanding, so be sure to use the search features to find hotspots near you.
Getting started with Xfinity
To connect to the internet via an Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspot, you need three things:
- A location within a coverage area – In order to access Xfinity’s wireless internet, you need to physically be inside of a hotspot. Then, the wireless network should show up on your device. Which leads to…
- A wireless-ready device – Laptops, tablets, phones, and most other wireless devices should all be compatible with these hotspots.
- Xfinity log-in information – This is given out upon signing up for Comcast service. Non-customers can sign up trial periods, which give access to the network on a limited basis.
More about Comcast wireless Internet:
The cancellation of Xfinity 2go certainly dealt a blow to the breadth of wireless services offered by Comcast. Their 3G coverage is quite expansive nationwide, and their 4G coverage, while spotty, was working its way into most major U.S. cities. Keep an eye out for future developments in Comcast’s mobile capacity.
Comcast doesn’t have the coverage of the large phone companies, but it does have other services—cable, home internet and phone—that can be bundled together with their wireless internet service. If you’re in an area with access to lots of hotspots, Comcast could offer you lots of value.
As with any wireless internet service provider, it’s important to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of these services. Prioritize the features in your own life, and then decide which provider works best for you.
