Comcast Adds Nearly 200K Wi-Fi Hotspots

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBSDetroit.com) - Comcast is rolling out more than 190,000 new Xfinity Wi-Fi hot spots this month at businesses and residential locations throughout Michigan.

The hotspots link customers with high-speed connections provided by Xfinity.

"Having the largest WiFi network in the region and the nation is a major benefit for our customers, who are turning to WiFi more than ever because they want high-speed 24/7 Internet access to their TV, communications, home security and automation, and other XFINITY services on the go," said Tim Collins, senior vice president for Comcast in Michigan in a release. "Statewide, these 190,000 WiFi hotspots across Michigan will allow many XFINITY Internet customers and non-customers alike to access their favorite TV shows and movies and manage other mobile tasks, such as email, social media and web surfing, without eating into their wireless data plans."

To access the network at coffee shops, waiting rooms, and other businesses, web surfers can select "xfinitywifi" from available networks on their wireless devices. Comcast customers can add their Comcast ID, or email, and password to access the Internet.

Residential customers can also offer a second signal in their home for guests, which is separate from their private network.

Non-Comcast customers can access these networks and get two, free 60 minute sessions a month.

Business owner Errol Service said customers have come to expect easy access to the Internet - with quick speeds.

"You know how impatient some people get. Having faster access to the Internet is what it is all about," said Service, who has the Xfinity Wi-Fi at his McDonald's restaurant at 18201 Mack in Detroit.

This announcement comes as the Comcast is looking to purchase Time Warner Cable. As part of the merger negotiations, Comcast has reached an agreement with Charter Communications to spin-off of Michigan operations to a newly formed holding company.

The new company, SpinCo, will continue to provide "top-quality video, broadband, and voice services," according to  release. This is contingent on regulator approval, officials stated.