Comcast Dips Toes In WiMAX Waters With 2go

We're not entirely sure if this is the mythical "quadruple play" bundle that cable companies had in mind, but whatever the case, it works for Comcast. With mobile broadband usage on the rise and pay-TV seeming less and less potent with the introduction of Hulu and the like, Comcast is making sure to grasp as many revenue generating businesses as it can.

Starting this week in Portland, Oregon, Comcast will kick off its High-Speed 2go service, a data-only 4G service that will be bundled with its at-home Internet, phone and television products. In other words, Comcast is hoping to become a one-stop shop for in-home TV, in-home phone, in-home Internet and on-the-go Internet. It has yet to add voice capabilities to its mobile broadband 2go service, so we guess you'll still need AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile for now -- but we wouldn't doubt if Comcast tried to add that in the future.

Comcast is selling two different data cards and service plans:

• Comcast High-Speed 2go Metro service uses a 4G-only data card giving customers the fastest wireless service within the 4G metro coverage area. The Metro device operates only in a 4G service footprint.
• Comcast High-Speed 2go Nationwide service delivers the fastest metro 4G service plus coast-to-coast access on Sprint’s national 3G network. The Nationwide device automatically switches between available 4G and 3G networks.

For the first time, consumers will have bundled access to both wired and wireless -- sold together at launch as a “Fast Pack” for as low as $49.99 per month for one year. Both new and existing Comcast customers will be eligible for special bundled pricing, with Triple Play customers receiving 4G wireless as an add-on for as low as $30 per month. The $49.99 Fast Pack Metro service includes Comcast’s 12 Mbps home Internet service, a free WiFi router for mobility and extended coverage in the home, and 4G service that will provide up to 4 Mbps download speed when customers are on the go. For an additional $20 per month, consumers can upgrade to the Fast Pack Nationwide service that includes the same services plus nationwide 3G mobile network access.


The company also intends to sell the service to businesses, and if you're wondering, yes -- the service is indeed the same as Clearwire. So with any luck, this service rollout will follow Clearwire's own WiMAX rollout.