Comcast routers broadcasting free Wi-Fi to neighborhood

Computer0304 said:

So this is comcast's way of offering people cheap internet? By allowing users to by a slow speed for home but connect to someone who could have a very fast speed and steal bandwith by POSSIBLY playing MMOs and etc.

No.

Computer0304 said:

Oh ok then. Sorry if that offended you in any way.

You didn't offend me. Just gave you a simple answer.

A Guy said:

Only existing Comcast customers can access these hotspots. All Comcast internet customers have high speed internet. Even the lowest tier cable internet is high speed. This is only a perk for Comcast broadband subscribers.

I am an XFINITY customer, do I get free access?

XFINITY WiFi is available for no additional charge to XFINITY Internet and Comcast Business Internet customers who subscribe to one of the following:
Performance tier and above
Business Starter tier and above

If you are a new subscriber, you can begin using XFINITY WiFi right away, even before your XFINITY Internet service has been installed at home.

A Guy

Cox users can connect to Comcast's hotspots as well as other companies' customers. You just need the right level account with a partnering provider.

Cable WiFi® | Internet access brought to consumers through a collaboration among U.S. Internet service providers

Bright House Networks, Cox Communications, Optimum, Time Warner Cable and XFINITY allow each other's high-speed Internet customers to access more than 200,000 WiFi hotspots. CableWiFi is the wireless network name created as an extension of the WiFi services offered by Internet service providers listed here.

Source:

Does anyone actually find these hotspots useful? Whenever I've tried the Comcast "XfinityWifi" or "ATTWifi" ones here in DC, they are all slow as hell. I don't know whether to blame a crappy/slow base station/wireless protocol (b/g) or insufficient backhaul. (T-1... yikes!)

No, they are not useful to me at all. I have the Republic Wireless cell phone service, which, if you're not familiar with it, is generally WiFi prioritized over cell towers, so I am always looking for good WiFi coverage. The few Xfinity hotspots in my area will RARELY allow me to make WiFi phone calls. The free WiFi at McDonalds is vastly superior and just as prolific and I can always count on them to allow phone calls.