Comcast has shared today that it will be launching an unlimited wireless plan later this year. This move will make the company the first major cable provider in the US to offer wireless service as it looks to expand its business.
Reuters reports this morning that Comcast will be giving discounts to its customers that bundle services.
Comcast will be using Verizon’s network along with their 16 million Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots.
The cable giant is pricing its plans in line with the other major US carriers’ unlimited plans as the wireless market competition has been heating up. With all the major carriers doing more and more to steal and retain customers, Comcast’s entry into the market could help improve customer choice and drive prices even lower.
It will be interesting to see how Comcast does with acquiring new customers and convincing existing customers to bundle all of their services. They will not be offering any hardware subsidies and there was no mention of financing.
Some factors pushing Comcast into this new market include the company’s interest in improving customer retention and stiff competition from new TV providers like AT&T’s DirecTV Now, YouTube TV (which launched yesterday), and Hulu’s upcoming live TV streaming option.
To start, the new service will only be available in select markets, although specifics weren’t shared.
Not too far behind, Charter Communications is also said to be launching a wireless service next year.
Image via Jeff Fusco/AP Images for Comcast
