Comcast is launching Xfinity Mobile into an already jammed cellphone market, but the internet giant and largest cable provider in the U.S. thinks it has a plan.
Xfinity Mobile will target Comcast's existing customers as becomes available over the next few weeks, said National Public Radio, and Comcast hopes they will be attracted to the potential savings of bundling mobile with its other services.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Xfinity Mobile will offer unlimited talk, text, and data at $65 per line, but will offer Internet and cable bundles starting at $150 a month. The cellphone plan includes a $12 per gigabyte pay-as-you-go option, generally lower most major carriers.
"We're doing mobile differently by bringing our customers the best networks and a product designed to save them money in an increasingly data-driven world," said Greg Butz, president of Comcast Mobile.
"Mobility is more important than ever to consumers, so we've designed Xfinity Mobile the way mobile should be – a simple solution for Internet and entertainment in and out of the home."
NPR said Comcast's new services will depend on Comcast's own Wi-Fi network and Verizon's phone network, which Comcast signed a resale contract with years ago.
Some, though, are skeptical of the mobile service.
"Comcast, a cable company notorious for poor customer service, now wants to be your cellular provider, as well," said Tech Crunch's Sarah Perez. "… There are more than a few caveats about Xfinity Mobile, however."
"… For starters, the service is initially only available to Comcast's 25 million Internet customers, or any new customers who sign up for its broadband in the markets where Comcast has its footprint. In addition, to get its lowest per line price on its unlimited plans, you have to buy its 'best' (read: more expensive) X1 packages."
Bloomberg said Comcast is looking for new streams of revenue through Xfinity Mobile as customers get rid of traditional television packages while rivals AT&T Inc. and Charter Communications Inc. are nipping at its heels after new acquisitions.