If you live or work in an area serviced by Comcast, odds are you see the "xfinitywifi" in your list of WiFi Access Points on your phones, tablets and laptops. For me they are everywhere! But what or who are they for?
What's that all about?
Well, Xfinity (Comcast) wants their clients to be able to connect to WiFi anywhere there is a Xfinity Modem nearby and they can!
I'm an Xfinity client! That's great for me!
Yes, it is great for you. But, it's not just for Comcast clients! That's right. The first time you connect to an "xfinitywifi" Access Point, you get a splash page. If you look closely, you'll see that Comcast is happy to sell service by the day.
Service by the day doesn't sound so bad. But, WAIT! That modem is using someone's power. Maybe even your power. Also, that modem is being rented.
So, let's say that I am a Comcast Xfinity client and I am renting the modem from Comcast. ($10/month as of this post.) I am paying Comcast for the modem and providing the power for that modem, so that Comcast can sell bandwidth on that modem!
This sounds silly! But, that doesn't make it any less true.
But, wait there's more?!?
There is more! Comcast is now in the Mobile business. This means that Comcast mobile phones can route traffic over the modem that I am renting and for which I provide power.
So, my money is being leveraged by Comcast?
It sure is! What's more, if Comcast isn't already routing calls over those WiFi connections, it's a safe bet they will do just that in the future! And, why shouldn't they? It costs them NOTHING!
I don't like this, what can I do?
Well, if you're a Comcast client and rent a modem, you can buy your own. Amazon, Staples, Officedepot, BestBuy, Walmart and Target all have them. You can get a separate modem and WiFi router. Or, you can get an all-in-one.
I want my own modem. But, I'm not a techie!
Pay someone to do it! Don't even purchase the equipment, yet. Let them help you find what you need. If they sell parts, great! Buy them! Otherwise, let them provide you with a list of what you need and then have them install the equipment once it has arrived.
Don't buy the oldest/cheapest equipment!
Odds are that you don't need the biggest, baddest, fastest and most expensive modem and router. But, don't go with the oldest/cheapest available either. You don't want to have to replace it that often. So, get equipment that will do more than you need. This way, when Comcast increases the speed of your connection, you'll likely be ready for it. Just don't break the bank!
I like to look at the cost of the suggested modem (be it modem only or with WiFi router) and divide by the amount I pay for modem rental. This tells me how long it takes to pay for itself. An $80 modem, for instance, takes 8 months to pay for itself. Not bad, given modems can operate for 1-5 years, sometimes longer. The savings can add up!
If you decide to go with a separate WiFi router, I don't recommend including that cost with the cost of the modem. Why? Well, in my experience separate routers are replaced far less often than the modems to which they are connected. I have 10 year old routers that are just now getting to the point that they can't keep up with my internet connection speed.
CONCLUSION
I don't have a problem with Xfinity/Comcast expanding their WiFi network through Comcast provided equipment. However, I don't think I should be footing the bill! And, I don't. And, I don't think you should either.
Posts
