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Comcast launches NOW prepaid Internet and mobile brand
Comcast’s NOW brand offers prepaid Internet and mobile services nationwide. But is it truly expanding affordable access or just capitalizing on subsidy expiration?
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Cable giant Comcast announced the nationwide launch of its NOW brand of prepaid Internet and mobile services this week.
The NOW offerings promise “no contract” options at “affordable” prices, but a closer look raises questions about the company’s true motives and how much consumers will really benefit.
According to Bill Connors, President of Connectivity and Platforms at Comcast, “NOW is a simple, reliable, and low-cost way for people to get Internet and Mobile service on their own terms.”
However, the timing of this launch, just as government subsidy programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program are set to expire, suggests Comcast may be more focused on capturing customers losing benefits than genuinely expanding affordable access.
Under the NOW brand, Comcast offers prepaid Internet plans starting at $30 per month for 100 Mbps speeds and $45 for 200 Mbps.
On the mobile side, NOW Mobile offers unlimited plans for a flat rate of $25 per line, regardless of whether a customer has Xfinity Internet or NOW Internet.
According to a company spokesperson, customers need one of those services to access NOW Mobile. If they discontinue Xfinity or NOW Internet, the price per line remains $25.
It’s also worth pointing out that this is the price with taxes and fees included. So, what exactly are subscribers getting for that price?
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Nationwide 5G
- Access to over 20 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots
- Flexibility to pause and resume your service
As government subsidies wind down, consumers seeking budget connectivity choices will have to decide if Comcast’s NOW is really the answer or just more of the status quo wrapped in slick new marketing.
Those interested can find more details at Xfinity stores and online.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article misstated the pricing for Comcast’s NOW Mobile service; it has now been updated to reflect the correct $25/line flat rate pricing.
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