Prepaid Internet options are on the rise, as Comcast announced footprint-wide availability of their Xfinity Prepaid Internet service, targeting poor credit and “unbanked” market segments. Verizon announced a Fios prepaid Internet offer earlier this month.
The service offers Internet access without the need for a credit check and doesn’t require any contract. Customers are required to purchase an $80 starter kit, which includes a wireless gateway and 30 days of 10 Mbps service. ‘Refills’ of 7 day ($15) and 30 day ($45) packs are available.
“This offering is all about providing customers a flexible and predictable service that can accommodate individual lifestyles and financial needs,” said John Dixon, VP, Consumer Services Group at Comcast in a press release. “Our prepaid service gives people more control over their monthly bills and lets families get easy Internet access for their home whenever they want it.”
Comcast cites a growing target market of households who are ‘unbanked’ or ‘underbanked,’ meaning they either don’t have a bank account or use financial services from non-traditional banking institutions.
Eyeing the successful prepaid wireless models, Comcast has partnered with Boost Mobile to distribute Xfinity Prepaid Internet packs. They currently offer the packs in 800 Boost Mobile stores, but will expand to 4,000 Boost Mobile stores across Comcast’s footprint later this year. Boost Mobile customers can receive a $5 discount on the Internet refills.
Comcast also offers a similar Xfinity Prepaid Video service in limited markets. But that too will expand across their entire footprint later this year.
I am being charged for a account I know nothing about.