Comcast has started to sell emerging lineup of prepaid Internet and TV products in the Detroit area at a small batch of retail outlets, a move that follows up its initial prepaid retail tests in parts of Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey.
Comcast is testing its prepaid Internet product in most of its markets now, offering it only to customers who do not already get services from the operator or likewise do not qualify for any of Comcast’s post-paid products. Detroit currently is the only market where Comcast is testing a prepaid TV product.
Comcast declined to comment on its latest round of retail activity, but according to a page dedicated to Comcast’s prepaid products, the operator recently added a retail component in the Detroit area for its prepaid Internet product. Employees at two Detroit-area retail outlets confirmed that they are now selling both Comcast’s prepaid Internet and prepaid products. Comcast has also set up a number (855-75-PREPAID) to take and fulfill orders for its prepaid offerings.
In the Detroit area, retail outlets such as Boost Mobile, Link, Detroit Check Cashing, Boulevard Check Cashers and Diamond Communications are selling Comcast’s’ prepaid products. Other retail sites include Micro Computers in Dearborn, E&C Cellular in Pontiac, Wireless Proz in Warren; and certain Boost Mobile outlets in Lansing and Ingham.
Comcast’s prepaid products share several cost similarities.
The prepaid TV product features a $69.95 starter kit that includes a digital transport adapter (a simple, downstream-only channel zapper), remote control and 30 days of a video lineup of more than 35 channels (no ESPN). Those customers can refill service in increments of seven days for $15 or 30 days for $45.
The prepaid Internet offering also includes a $69.95 starter kit along with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and 30 days of service, and offers refills for $15 for seven days or $45 for 30 days. The prepaid Internet service limits speeds to 3 Mbps downstream and 768 kbps upstream.
