xfinity mobile cruise plan

Stay Connected

Cellular at Sea is a convenient, accessible, and affordable,
cruise mobile phone service at sea.

How do you stay connected at sea?

Select your usage profile:, moderate usage.

• For about an  hour each day while at sea.

HEAVY USAGE

• A lot of e-mail and Internet browsing
• Several video calls
• Constantly streaming music
• Watching a lot of videos
• Using a lot of apps

For most of the day at sea.

Using Cellular At Sea

How does it work.

Cellular at Sea service is available once the cruise ship reaches 12 nautical miles from land (this is about 1 hour after the ship departs the port).

While at sea, your phone will say “Cellular at Sea” or “901” to indicate service is available (be sure “Airplane Mode” is OFF).

Use your phone as normal to make and receive calls, texts, and use data services.

Calls, texts, and data are transmitted over satellite from ship to land.

Have a Question?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

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Excellent Choice

Cellular at Sea service is perfect for moderate phone use while at sea. Let's make sure service is available on your cruise ship and with your wireless carrier.

Please let us know the following:

Service Available

WIRELESS CARRIER:

VOICE CALLING: Contact Carrier

TEXT MESSAGES: Contact Carrier

DATA SERVICES: Contact Carrier

YOUR PHONE:

We recommend 
Wi-Fi Internet!

A majority of cruise lines offer 
Wi-Fi packages for heavy internet use. Please contact your cruise line for rate details.

Lets Connect!

Let’s Connect! We’d love to keep in touch so you are the first to know about new ways to stay connected at sea.

Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

Most travelers depend on their cellphones for directions, photos, recommendations, wake-up alarms and ride hailing, not to mention calls and texts. But if your vacation plans involve a cruise, you will need to consider rethink your phone use. Simply put, you can't use a cellphone on a cruise the way you can on land without incurring outrageous roaming charges.

What's the smartest way to use your smartphone at sea without racking up a bill that costs more than your inside cabin? Will a cellphone even get reception in the middle of the ocean?

Here's your guide to using cellphones on cruise ships and avoiding high fees while you sail the high seas.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Do cellphones work on cruise ships?

Yes, you can make calls, text, and even video chat from a cruise ship. In port, you can connect to local roaming networks. At sea, you can either make calls via a satellite connection or pay for the ship's Wi-Fi (also via satellite) and make Wi-Fi calls, text or video chat via the internet.

Bandwidth and connection speed can be an issue at sea. You may experience lag time on calls or slow connection speeds. Depending on where your ship is in the world and whether anything (like a mountain range) is blocking the connection to the satellite, your phone may not work temporarily for calls or Wi-Fi access.

Any part of your phone that does not require a network (downloads, photo apps, alarm clocks) will function as normal on board.

How can I avoid cellphone charges on a cruise?

Once you've drifted away from the nearest land-based cell tower, however, your phone will go into roaming mode. That's when hefty charges can start to accrue. We're not talking about your average international roaming charges, but extra-expensive satellite roaming charges.

Surfing the internet, using social media, reading emails or checking the weather will all use data charged at a premium rate. Phone calls and messages, regardless if they are incoming or outgoing, will also be charged at a premium.

If you want to avoid extra charges from your mobile phone service provider, put your smartphone on "airplane mode" sometime between boarding and when the ship sets sail. Even if you're not actively using your phone, your smartphone is constantly utilizing data in the background, racking up charges you're not even aware of. Better to keep cellular service off.

Airplane mode will switch off your phone's transmitters for cell signal (calls and text messages) and data (browsing the web, using apps) ensuring you will not be privy to unwanted charges. But don't worry: Your smartphone won't be completely useless for the trip. Toggle on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features and make use of your phone in other ways.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

What if I accidentally use roaming services while on board?

It's up to you to make sure your phone settings are adjusted to keep you from roaming at sea. Expect an alert via SMS text that you're headed into roaming territory, but beyond that, service providers won't necessarily notify you of overages and fees — you'll just be surprised with a large charge on your next bill.

Keep a watchful eye on your "airplane mode" setting, ensuring it's always on when you're on board your cruise ship. If you forget, you won't be charged for incoming calls you don't accept, but some service providers will charge for unread text messages that arrive while your phone is roaming.

Use the ship's Wi-Fi to monitor usage on your service provider's app. If something seems off, contact the service provider's customer service.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on ships

Can I access cruise-specific phone plans and costs?

If you plan on using your phone at sea, some service providers have cruise-specific plans available for when you're at sea. These plans charge a premium for use through the ship's satellite connection.

Once you're in port, double-check whether your phone is connecting via the ship or the local land-based cell tower. Depending on the port, there might not be land-based reception. Cruise versus land-based roaming charges differ, with land-based reception often the less-expensive option.

These are the major US carrier's cruise plans. Note the difference between SMS (text only, up to 160 characters long) and MMS (a message that contains media including photos, videos and audio files).

Verizon : Verizon's "Pay As You Go" cruise rates are $0.99-$2.99 per minute for voice calls, depending on your destination and the country you're calling. Data rates are $2.05/MB, 25 cents for a sent SMS, 5 cents for a received SMS and 25 cents for a sent or received MMS, available on most cruises. If you're on one of the 400 ships that host Verizon ( check the list here ), Verizon will send you a text message alert offering you a $20 monthly plan with 50MB of data. Be careful, because 50MB will go quickly on a modern smartphone and overage fees start at $20 for 50MB.

AT&T : AT&T's two cruise packages are both one-time charges that don't recur. AT&T Cruise Talk & Text ($50) includes 50 minutes, overage at $2 per minute. AT&T Cruise Talk, Text & Data ($100) offers unlimited talk, text and 200MB of data with $2/MB overage fees.

T-Mobile (and now Sprint) : T-Mobile doesn't feature cruise-specific packages. The provider's rates on cruises are considered international roaming and charged accordingly with no data option. It costs 50 cents to send a text; received texts are taken from your domestic texting plan's allotment, and a pricey $5.99 per minute applies to voice calls. Check specific ship availability and pricing here: T-Mobile on cruises .

US Cellular : US Cellular features roaming coverage on select cruise ships only with recurring plans. Prepaid plans are not eligible to connect while at sea. Rates are $4 per minute for voice calls made and received while at sea, 80 cents per sent text, 25 cents per text received, and $20/MB of data.

Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile : There is currently no cruise ship roaming access for Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile customers. Consider buying a prepaid International SIM card that has coverage on cruise ships and in international ports to avoid outages and manage costs.

Can I use my phone in port?

Once you've arrived in port, be wary of international roaming charges that might differ from your at-sea rates and change by country. Check your provider's international plans and rates for each port you plan to visit on your itinerary.

Consider opting for an international SIM card that can keep you connected while in foreign countries and help with budgeting and allotting usage. International SIM cards offer the benefit of choice and variety, with an open market of plans that fit your budget and usage needs. You'll be using a different phone number with that new SIM card, but you'll still be able to access your web-based apps, email, and internet messaging like WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage.

Pro tip : Pack a paper clip to easily eject and swap out SIM cards.

Can I use the ship's Wi-Fi on my cellphone?

Nearly all major cruise lines sailing today have ship-wide Wi-Fi available. It's pricey and can be slow or finicky, even on the cruise lines that bill their internet as the "fastest at sea." However, you can definitely access the ship's Wi-Fi on your phone if you purchase a plan.

Because the internet connection comes via satellite, passengers cannot rely on the same high-speed access as land-based, wired providers offer. Activities like video conferencing, high-definition streaming and online gaming are going to be more of a challenge on your phone at sea. Plan for spotty coverage.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

However, depending on the plan you choose, you will be able to text, voice call, video call, check email, and stream music and video. Make sure you have enabled your smartphone's Wi-Fi calling, texting and video call options, or have downloaded apps to do these things pre-cruise.

Download your cruise line's app prior to boarding, and you'll be able to browse onboard internet packages available through the ship's satellite internet service. Most cruise lines offer a few basic web-based services for free via their cruise app, including viewing activity schedules and deck plans, ordering food delivery and making reservations for shows or restaurants. Some even offer in-app texting (sometimes for a minimal fee).

Related: The ultimate guide to international smartphone use

What are the best ways to use my cellphone on a cruise?

There are plenty of ways to use your phone on board without incurring unwanted charges and fees.

Depending on your cruise line's app, your smartphone might have the ability to unlock your cabin door, help you make dinner reservations, or even order a burger and cocktail to be delivered to you poolside. Just as we've seen landside, cruise ships have begun to use QR codes to replace physical bar and restaurant menus.

Smartphones make great cameras for capturing the many fun moments on board and in port. Consider a waterproof case or a plastic waterproof pouch to have the freedom and fun of bringing your phone with you in the ship's pool and to the beaches at port.

Use your phone as an alarm clock to make sure you're up at the right time for excursions, pool parties and dinner reservations.

Prior to boarding, always download media (movies, TV shows, music, books, podcasts, etc.) via your fast and cheaper home internet so you will have free entertainment at the ready on your vacation.

But remember, your cellphone won't be useful to you if you run out of battery life. Double-check that you have packed the right chargers and outlet plugs, especially for accessories like Bluetooth earphones.

Consider bringing a travel power strip (one without surge protection) if your cabin's electronic devices will all need to be charged overnight at the same time. Power brick chargers are essential for topping up power anywhere else on the ship or exploring a port.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Bottom line

Your smartphone will likely go everywhere you go on board a cruise ship, so plan ahead to make sure any and all fees are managed and expected. Cellphone roaming costs can add up quickly, but you can keep costs manageable by opting into a service provider's package deal, buying international SIM cards or using onboard Wi-Fi for calling and web browsing.

Even on a cruise, your cellphone will be your number one travel accessory. Rove freely around the world, phone in hand — just don't roam without understanding the costs first.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Stay Connected Abroad with Xfinity Mobile: A Guide to International Travel

If you’re planning an international trip and want to stay connected while you’re abroad, Xfinity Mobile can be a great option. With Xfinity Mobile, you can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access and phone service in over 200 countries around the world. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your Xfinity Mobile service while traveling internationally.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that Xfinity Mobile offers a range of international travel options to suit your needs and budget. One option is the International Travel Pass, which allows you to use your regular Xfinity Mobile service in over 200 countries for a daily fee of $10. This is a convenient option if you’re planning to be abroad for a short period of time and want to use your phone as you normally would.

Another option is the International Day Pass, which allows you to use your Xfinity Mobile service in over 35 countries for a daily fee of $5. This is a more affordable option if you’re planning to be abroad for an extended period of time and want to keep your phone usage to a minimum.

If you’re planning a longer trip and want to stay connected without incurring any additional fees, Xfinity Mobile also offers a variety of international data plans. These plans allow you to use your phone as you normally would, without worrying about running out of data or incurring overage charges.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges of using your phone abroad. For example, you may be charged for incoming calls and texts, and you may also be subject to data roaming charges if you use your phone outside of the covered countries. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your Xfinity Mobile service and to be mindful of your phone usage while abroad.

In conclusion, Xfinity Mobile can be a great option for staying connected while traveling internationally. With a range of international travel options and affordable data plans, you can stay in touch with family and friends and stay connected to the internet without breaking the bank. So why wait? Start planning your international trip with Xfinity Mobile today!

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7 On Your Side

Cruise passenger hit with huge wireless bill, even after checking with provider xfinity.

PINOLE, Calif. (KGO) -- Before you embark on that long-delayed dream vacation, don't forget to make arrangements with your wireless carrier. One Pinole family thought they did that, only to receive an unpleasant surprise in the middle of their trip.

Two dolphins can be heard squealing as Dany Paredes and his family swims around them in Puerto Vallarta.

"The weather was perfect. It was not too hot. Not too cold," said Paredes.

The seven-day cruise also included stops in Mazatlan and Cabo.

Paredes did everything he thought he needed to do prior to starting his trip -- including calling Xfinity to make sure he could use his cell phone onboard the ship.

"The guy told me that I don't need anything. I'm covered. 'Go ahead, you can use your own phone freely,"' Paredes recalled him saying.

Paredes said he asked the same question numerous times and got the same answer.

"I asked if there's going to be an extra charge for it and he say it's not going to be an extra charge. So that's why I use it," Paredes said.

Xfinity sent him the unwelcome news via text just three days into his trip. His bill had already hit $3,700.

He called to complain, so he says they put him on a global travel package that would cost him $15 a day for three phones.

But by day six, his bill had jumped to $6,000.

That's more than the total cost of his cruise for his wife, son and himself: $3,800.

He says an Xfinity rep promised to take care of it for him.

"They were very nice talking to me. But you know, then they did nothing. And I was keep calling, calling, calling, every week, calling, calling, calling and they told me the same thing," Paredes said.

He called 7 on Your Side and within four hours he says Xfinity agreed to wipe out his bill.

An Xfinity rep told us: "We apologize for the misunderstanding, as cruises are not covered under the global travel pass. Therefore, Mr. Paredes was being charged a 'pay as you go.'"

The company agreed to zero his bill of $8,700.

"$8,700 is not talking about $50. It's a lot of money," said Paredes. "I really appreciate what you guys are doing for people like me."

Read Xfinity's travel policies here.

Take a look at more stories and videos by Michael Finney and 7 On Your Side.

Have a question for Michael and the 7 On Your Side team? Fill out the form HERE !

7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here . As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 3-5 business days for a response.

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What features are included with my Xfinity Mobile service?

When you come on board with Xfinity Mobile, you'll get lots of great features with every line.

Phone service features

With Xfinity Mobile, you get access to the nation's best LTE network, which covers 98% of the U.S. population. If you have a 5G-capable device, our latest plan also connects you to the powerful 5G network, where it's available. Learn more about 5G .

Enhanced speeds

Xfinity Mobile customers get even faster speeds (up to a 1 GB) on millions of Xfinity Mobile WiFi hotspots nationwide. You can download movies and shows up to 10 times faster than before with enhanced WiFi-on the-go.

WiFi calling

WiFi calling, offered on most Xfinity Mobile iPhones and Android devices, allows you to talk and text over a WiFi network if cellular service isn't available. Learn more about WiFi calling .

Call forwarding

Call forwarding ensures that you never miss a call. You can set this feature to forward all calls or only your unanswered calls. Learn more about call forwarding .

Call waiting

No more busy signals. With call waiting, you always know who's trying to reach you. You can pick up or ignore the call, up to you.

Keep tabs on incoming calls. Caller ID lets you know who's trying to reach you so you're always prepared.

Domestic roaming

With domestic roaming, we've got you covered throughout the U.S., even when you are outside the Xfinity Mobile network.

HD voice (also known as voice over LTE, or VoLTE) allows you to make calls over the LTE network. They have superior audio quality to regular phone calls made over the standard voice network. With HD voice, you can talk and use 4G LTE data simultaneously, and conduct up to six-way conference calls. Learn more about HD voice .

Visual voicemail

Don't worry about missing a call. Callers can leave you a message and you can get back to them whenever you're ready. With visual voicemail, you can view your messages directly on your device without having to dial into voicemail.

International roaming

You’ll be able to use your phone in 200+ countries at competitive pay-as-you-go rates when you travel abroad. You can also add Global Travel Pass to any line on your account to pay a flat daily rate for calls, texts, and data in 170+ covered countries. For details about Global Travel Pass and pay-as-you-go rates, view the Global Travel Pass FAQs .

Mexico and Canada roaming

If you're traveling in Mexico or Canada, you can use your Xfinity Mobile device immediately without having to contact us. On our latest price plan, calls to Mexico and Canada are included with our Unlimited data options. On our previous price plans and with our By the Gig data option, you can add the Mexico and Canada Call Pass for $10 per month to call Mexico and Canada from the United States (U.S.) at a monthly, flat rate.

Personal hotspot

Your Xfinity Mobile phone is more than just a phone. It’s also a personal hotspot, which can be super convenient when you need to connect a computer to the internet and you don’t have WiFi. Learn more about using your phone as a personal hotspot .

Premium messaging block

Only get the text messages you want. With premium message blocking, you can prevent unwanted texts from paid services.

Six-way conference calling

On Xfinity Mobile devices, you can conduct conference calls with up to six people.

Tablet service features

With Xfinity Mobile, you get access on your tablet to the nation's best LTE network, which covers 98% of the U.S. population. If you have a 5G-capable device, our latest plan also connects you to the powerful 5G network, where it's available. Learn more about 5G .

Smartwatch service features: Smartwatch pairing plan

When pairing your smartwatch with your phone through Xfinity Mobile, you get access to the nation's best LTE network, which covers 98% of the U.S. population.

If you have a 5G-capable smartwatch, our latest plan also connects you to the powerful 5G network, where it's available, even if you don’t have your phone or Wi-Fi nearby. Your smartwatch uses your phone’s data to keep you in the know while on the go. Learn more about 5G .

Phone capabilities on your wrist

No need to keep your phone in your hand at all times, because with your smartwatch, you can still use the same great features of making and receiving calls, sending and receiving text messages and more. Your smartwatch is an easily accessible device that keeps you updated without the hassle of holding onto a device.

Note: Data used on your smartwatch counts towards the host phone’s data plan.

Timely notifications

Don’t worry about missing a text or call. Your smartwatch will quickly notify you whenever someone is trying to reach you on your phone.

Health and fitness

Your smartwatch does more than tell you the time. It can also track your heart rate, steps, calories burned and more. Some smartwatches can even assist with heart monitoring and sleep coaching.

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Can I Use My Phone? Guide to Cell Phone Access on an Alaskan Cruise

Can you use your phone on an Alaskan cruise?

Phone usage during a cruise is one of the most common questions that people have when they are ready to board the ship. These days our phones are so much more than just a way to call back home. They represent a way to keep up with our lives back in the real world, whether that be just checking email, posting on social media, or even checking in on work.

For most cruises — like those that go to the Caribbean — the answer is pretty simple. Yes, your phone will work, but you either have to pay for and connect to wi-fi, use the expensive cellular networks on the ship (more on these later) or often pay international roaming charges when in port.

However, sailing on an Alaskan cruise is a different animal. Since you are traveling within the United States, that means your cell phone plan likely offers some service while in port. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as using your phone as you would at home.

Given that you will be traveling through international waters, rugged territory, and out of range of land-based towers, when and what service you have will be constantly changing. 

Here’s more information about us cell phone on an Alaskan cruise.

Traditional Cell Service While in Alaskan & Canadian Cruise Ports

Let’s start by discussing your cell service while in port. Alaskan cruises stop in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Since these are U.S. ports, your cell phone will work just as it would anywhere else in the United States — and have the same charges for data, texts, and calls.

Where you might run into an issue is with coverage. Within the port cities themselves, you should be fine on coverage, even getting high-speed data in many areas . Traveling outside of the ports will likely cause you to drop signal quickly, especially if taking an excursion to the wilderness.

In addition, your coverage is going to depend on your cell service provider. According to their coverage maps, each major company offers service in the Alaskan ports. You can see, however, that coverage definitely varies, with AT&T seeming to offer the widest service.

One thing to note, however, is that even if the map above shows service, it could still be spotty. For example, we personally use Mint Mobile, which is a discount carrier that’s part of the T-Mobile network. During a recent cruise our phone did not have coverage in some ports. However, we noticed that passengers with major carriers seemed able to connect.

Service in Canada In addition, pretty much every cruise from Seattle to Alaska makes at least one stop in Canada. If you are in a Canadian port such as Vancouver or Victoria, then you will be connecting to Canadian cell towers and should have plenty of coverage as these are major cities.

Unless you have international plan or a provider who allows you to call in Canada at no additional charge (many do), then you are going to be charged for international roaming.

The good news is that cell phone companies seem to be adding service in Canada and Mexico to some plans for no extra charge. If not, keep in mind as well that cell providers have international plans that you can purchase for one month which will help bring your per-minute prices down.

It may be that for a one-time monthly fee of only $5-10, you are able to use your phone in a Canadian port when you visit. Just check with your provider before you sail.

Cell Service While on the Cruise Ship

Your coverage gets tricky when you are at sea, and it’s something you should be careful to notice before using your phone.

Since the Alaskan Passage is a relatively small area compared to the open ocean, there might be spots that you can pick up cell service while you are at sea. You’ll want to check at the top of your phone for the name of the network to make sure it’s your carrier before using.

When out of range of land-based cell towers, you can still use your phone if needed, but it will be through service provided on the cruise ship. 

In this case, your carrier bills you at special international roaming rates. We’ve looked up the rates for the big three carriers:

Don’t want to pay these high rates? Some cell providers also have cruise packages that are designed to work on the ship . By paying a set amount ahead of time, you can get service on the ship without worrying about your bill. Just know that it can be pricey.

For instance, AT&T offers a $100 plan that gives you 200MB of data and unlimited talk and text on most cruise ships. You’ll want to get in touch with your provider for more details of their specific plan.

However, given the cost of the plans and service, it’s usually better just to wait until you can connect to a land-based tower in the U.S. or Canada, which is already part of your plan.

Smarter Option: Using the Ship’s Wi-Fi to Use Your Phone

If you’re on an Alaskan cruise, we’d actually suggest using the wi-fi on the ship to keep in touch .

One big change that’s come to cruising in the past decade is the proliferation of wi-fi. What used to be a novelty on cruise ships is now a near necessity. Every major cruise line and ship will offer wi-fi service, usually costing about $15-25 per day.

With online access, there are a number of phones and apps — such as WhatsApp — that allow you to send texts and even make calls through your wi-fi connection.

In other words, instead of expensive per-minute cell service or worrying about roaming, connecting to the ship’s wi-fi gives you an opportunity to keep in touch back home without paying high per-minute rates.

Then, when off the ship in port, you can use your phone as normal assuming there is service and your plan includes the area you are visiting.

How to Avoid Surprise Charges

Unfortunately, we have heard horror stories of people being surprised by high bills on their cell plans after cruising. Whether it be calls made on one network that switches to another network during the call, or apps sucking up data without the user knowing, there are ways that you can get a much higher bill than you expected.

For that reason, we suggest turning your phone into airplane mode while you are aboard the ship (wi-fi will still work when the phone is in airplane mode). When you are on shore in Alaskan ports, then you can use your phone as normal without having to worry about overages.

More on connecting while on a cruise:

• Everything to Know About Internet on a Cruise (Speed, Cost, & More)
• Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Xfinity Mobile's two new plans give customers new premium unlimited options

Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Premium join Xfinity Mobile with HD streaming and more high-speed data.

What you need to know

• Xfinity Mobile is adding two new unlimited plans with more high-speed data and HD streaming.
• The new Unlimited Plus plan comes with 30GB of high-speed data, 5GB of hotspot data, and 720p streaming for $55 with one line and $40 with two lines.
• The Unlimited Premium plan takes highs-speed data up to 50GB and hotspot data up to 15GB for $65 for a single line and $50 for two lines.
• Xfinity Mobile will continue to offer its older By the Gig plans and the old Unlimited plan now called Unlimited Intro.

Xfinity Mobile has two new plans to add to its prepaid service aimed at existing customers. These two unlimited plans are upgrades over the old unlimited plan, which is still available, thanks to adding more high-speed data, high-speed hotspot data, and 720p HD video streaming. The first plan, Unlimited Plus, comes with 30GB of high-speed data and 5GB of high-speed hotspot data. The top Unlimited Premium plan takes high-speed data up to 50GB with 15GB of hotspot data.

These plans join Xfinity Mobile's two existing plans with the old unlimited plan being renamed to Unlimited Intro.

Xfinity Mobile now has four plans starting with the cheapest By the Gig option that starts at just $15 per month with 1GB of data. The next plan is Unlimited Intro with 20GB of high-speed data and unlimited hotspot data at 600Kbps. This unlimited plan was already competitive with the best phone plans thanks to its low $45 per month price for one line and multi-line savings bringing that price even lower with two or more lines.

The first new plan, Unlimited Plus builds on Unlimited Intro by taking the high-speed data up to 30GB and adding 5GB of high-speed hotspot data. Video streaming resolution also gets a bump to 720p HD with this plan making it a good option for those that never miss a stream from their favorites on Twitch or Youtube. Of course, the quality bump also carries over to services like Netflix.

Unlimited Plus costs $55 per month with a single line or $40 per month when you bring two lines to Xfinity Mobile.

The largest Unlimited Premium option takes high-speed data up to 50GB and hotspot data up to 15GB making it the perfect plan for those that do a lot of downloading or use their phone for streaming TV or video often. This plan starts at $65 per month for a single line and $50 per month when you bring two lines to Xfinity Mobile.

Xfinity Mobile is a wireless carrier for existing Xfinity customers that uses Verizon's LTE and 5G network as well as its own hotspots for most of its coverage. Xfinity is also focused on building some 5G coverage of its own with equipment provided by Samsung . The carrier passed five million subscribers in late October, just five years after launching.

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Xfinity customers only

If you have Xfinity service at home, there's a good chance you could save on wireless service by getting it from the same company. Built on Verizon's network, Xfinity Mobile should have excellent coverage for most people.

When Samuel is not writing about networking or 5G at Android Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.

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Sunday, April 28th, 2024 11:00 AM

huge extra San Francisco charge on my Xfinity Mobile bill

Why do I have a $6.10 San Francisco Access Line Tax on my bill?  I live in the East Bay and never go to San Francisco.

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How to pair your xfinity remote to your tv.

Make sure your Xfinity remote is working properly with your TV

TV or streaming remotes are among the most important tech devices in our homes. They're necessary to control the media you watch on your TV, and ensuring a good connection is essential. Comcast's Xfinity has several remotes to control its streaming devices, which can also be used to control your TV, whether it's a Google TV or not. This guide shows how to pair these remotes with your TV.

Best Xfinity Mobile plans in 2024

Xr16 - voice remote.

The XR16 works with a Flex TV Box provided by Xfinity, so you need the box and your TV to make the remote work.

• Turn on your TV and Flex TV Box.
• Change your TV input so that it's on the Flex TV Box input.
• Press and hold the Microphone button and say "Program Remote." If your Flex TV Box is new, you must pair your remote with the Flex TV Box before you can pair it with your TV.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the remote for your TV.

When you complete this process, your remote can control your TV.

XR15 - Voice Remote

The XR15 works with the X1 TV Box, so make sure that box is also plugged into your TV.

• Turn on your TV and X1 TV Box.
• Change your TV to the X1 TV Box input.
• Make sure your remote is paired to your X1 TV Box.
• Look up the component codes for each piece of hardware you want to control with your TV on a phone, tablet, or computer. To find these codes, go to the Xfinity remote support page , select your remote, and select the type of device you want to pair. Then, search the list for your device's model to find a corresponding code.
• When you have the codes, press and hold the Xfinity and Mute buttons until the light at the top of your remote turns green.
• Use the number buttons to type the component code for the device you want to pair.

When the component is paired properly, the light at the top of the remote blinks green twice. If it doesn't work, it blinks red. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for additional devices you want to pair to the remote.

XR11 - Voice Remote

Pairing the XR11 is similar to the XR15 but with slight differences due to remote layouts.

• When you have the codes, press and hold the Setup button on your remote until the light at the top blinks green.

How to export your Xfinity emails

Other xfinity remotes.

Xfinity makes several other remotes that do not have voice functionality. These remotes are all paired to your TV using the same method.

• Turn on your TV.
• Press your remote's TV ( Power ) button if it has one. Not all remotes have this button. If yours doesn't, continue to the next step.
• Press and hold the Setup or Set button on your remote until the light at the top turns green or flashes twice, depending on your remote model.
• Enter the component code for the device you're looking to pair.
• Use the remote's TV button to see if it turns off the TV. If it works, the pairing was successful. If not, try steps 4 and 5 again.
• To pair your remote to another device, press the applicable button on your remote (for example, Aux for a sound device) and follow steps 4 and 5.

This methodology pairs your TV and other components with your Xfinity remote.

Gotta control 'em all

Comcast's Xfinity service has several remotes for its streaming devices and other products. These remotes can be used to control your TV in addition to Xfinity services and are fairly easy to pair. If you also use Xfinity's mobile service but want to move to another carrier, you'll need to get a port-out PIN .

Comcast Launches NOW – a New Brand and Product Portfolio that Redefines Low-Cost Internet, Mobile and TV

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Key Takeaways

Philadelphia, PA

Today Comcast introduced NOW, a new brand of quality, low-cost Internet, mobile and streaming TV products that consumers can purchase month-to-month, whenever they want.

NOW Internet is a prepaid service that provides more reliability than fixed wireless options for a better price. NOW Mobile is a new prepaid service that includes unlimited 5G data combined with access to more than 23 million WiFi hotspots, unlike any other provider in the prepaid category.

WiFi hotspots accessible through NOW

Backed by the powerful Xfinity network and the most reliable 5G, NOW delivers a connection customers can rely on for Internet, mobile or streaming in their homes or on the go. NOW products are designed to be incredibly simple with all-in pricing, no contracts or credit checks. Customers can sign up, pause, or cancel online, anytime.

“Consumers have told us they want low-cost, easy-to-use connectivity and entertainment options that deliver the same reliability and consistency of our leading Xfinity services,” said Dave Watson, President and CEO of Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast.

With NOW, we’ve developed a new product construct from the ground up to be simple and easy for anybody who wants Internet, mobile or TV on their own terms without sacrificing quality. It rounds out our product offering to provide something for every consumer segment of the market and plays to our strengths in superior network capabilities, WiFi and streaming.

Unveiling the Full NOW Portfolio & Pricing

NOW Internet and Mobile join NOW TV and NOW WiFi Pass to create a comprehensive portfolio of quality, low-cost products that consumers can purchase month-to-month, whenever they want.

• NOW Internet customers will be able to choose between two prepaid options: 100 Mbps for $30/month, or 200 Mbps for $45/month. Each tier includes unlimited data and an Xfinity gateway.
• NOW Mobile will provide unlimited 5G data, talk and text for $25/line and will be the only prepaid wireless option that seamlessly connects customers to more than 23 million Xfinity hotspots.
• NOW TV  is a streaming offering for Xfinity Internet customers that includes live and on-demand programming from 40+ networks, more than two dozen integrated FAST channels, and Peacock Premium, all for $20/month.
• NOW WiFi Pass gives customers unlimited access to more than 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots for $20 for 30 days.

A New Option for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Customers

The NOW portfolio is poised to be particularly impactful for Americans looking for cost-effective connectivity. The federal government recently announced that April is the last full month of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if it does not receive additional funding. NOW Internet and Mobile will provide customers enrolled in ACP with another option for affordable, reliable connectivity – supplementing Comcast’s longstanding low-income broadband adoption options Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus , and Xfinity’s current suite of offerings .

Initial customer trials for NOW Internet and Mobile have already begun in Hartford – New Haven, Houston, and Miami, with a full-scale national launch across all Comcast service areas expected in the coming weeks. NOW TV and WiFi Pass are available today, everywhere Comcast provides service.

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More from comcast, our company, connectivity & platforms, content & experiences.

Xfinity Mobile Customers Can Now Access Millions of Gig-Speed WiFi Hotspots

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Xfinity Mobile announced this week that starting now, customers can access millions of gig-speed WiFi hotspots across the country. If you’re a Comcast customer, you might already be aware that in many areas, Xfinity-powered hotspots are available for using whenever you may want. This news builds upon this infrastructure for Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers, with Comcast enabling WiFi Boost and literally boosting the WiFi speeds.

Comcast’s hotspot footprint is borderline unbelievable. According to the company’s figures, they manage a network of over 23 million WiFi hotspots. Coupled with the data that 90% of the Xfinity Mobile’s data traffic takes place over WiFi and not cellular, an investment to make the WiFi experience faster should be a welcomed one for customers.

From what we can tell, customers don’t need to enable or do anything to benefit from these speed increases. Should you find yourself on a boosted WiFi hotspot, you should see the speed benefits automatically. Comcast notes that all of this is achievable thanks to its growing fiber network, so we assume that as long as the hotspot you’re connected to is attached to that, you’ll have the gig speeds.

Speed is king.

• Xfinity Mobile

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Comcast's new mobile service just matched Visible’s $25 unlimited plan — here’s why I’m not switching

It's not because of the cheap cost of the service either

I’m always looking at ways to cut down on my monthly expenditures. One of the best things I’ve done was ditching my postpaid wireless service and switching to a $25/month unlimited data plan from Visible , which happens to be one of the best cheap cell phone plans you can find right now. 

But Visible's getting some competition, courtesy of Comcast. The internet provider already operates Xfinity Mobile , a mobile carrier that has one of the better unlimited data plans of its own, especially if you can take advantage of discounts by adding multiple lines. Now, Comcast is launching a lower-cost option that matches Visible's lowest rate.

Similar to Visible, the new NOW Mobile service from Comcast gives customers access to an unlimited plan for $25/month. This beats the $40/month unlimited plan that the cable company charges for a single line of its Xfinity Mobile service.There are differences between the two, like how speeds are throttled after 20GB of data with NOW Mobile (versus Xfinity Mobile’s cap of 30GB), but the new plan is an option for those looking to cut back on their spending.

I’m thrilled by the new low-cost wireless service option available via NOW Mobile, but it’s not enough to persuade me to drop Visible in the interim. Here’s why.

Only available to Xfinity/NOW cable customers

What I love about Visible is that there's no prerequisite to coverage, meaning I don’t need to have an existing service to get it, so anyone can go online and sign up for the service. Meanwhile, NOW Mobile is only available to existing customers with either Xfinity internet service or the newly launched low-cost internet service also available under the NOW brand — so you can’t just sign up for this unlimited cell phone plan unless you are getting broadband service from Comcast in some way.

That wasn’t a problem more than a year ago when I still had Xfinity’s TV and home internet service in my apartment, but I’ve since made the switch to Verizon FIOS because Xfinity wasn’t available in the area where I bought my home. This is what really sets apart the two services, as the Verizon-backed Visible service is open to anyone.

Not everyone needs or wants at-home internet service, but it doesn’t help those looking to save money by requiring them to have a totally different service in order to get on NOW Mobile. (NOW's reason for this requirement is that it takes advantage of Comcast's network of 23 million-plus Wi-Fi hotspots.

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No option for smartwatch data

Another reason why I’ve stayed with Visible for the last year is because it’s one of the few prepared service providers that give customers the option to add data service to their wearables and smartwatches. I previously had Mint Mobile , which I've found incredibly reliable and speedy with its service, but unfortunately it didn’t offer data service for wearables.

It’s one of those annoyances I’ve had when I briefly had Xfinity Mobile, which I thought would somehow be available with NOW Mobile — but that’s not the case. Most people may be satisfied by just the Bluetooth connection between their smartwatch and phone, but I can’t tell you how helpful it is to have dedicated cellular service on my Apple Watch Series 9 . It’s only a $5/month add-on with my Visible service, allowing me to make and receive phone calls directly on my Apple Watch without having my iPhone 14 Pro Max nearby.

Visible’s annual plan saves me more

As much as I’m thrilled about NOW Mobile's cheaper cell phone plan, it still doesn’t beat Visible when it comes to the long term savings. That’s because of Visible's new annual plans, which essentially let customers pay a year’s worth of service upfront . For example, Visible charges $275 for an entire year’s worth of service — whereas the standard rate for its $25/month plan for 12 months turns out to be $300. You’ll save $25 in the process by choosing to pay annually, which comes to about $23/month.

Sure, the savings may not be enough to cover any of the best streaming services around, but there’s one photo editing app I use religiously that charges a subscription of $2/month for premium features. I’ll take the savings I’d get from Visible and apply it to that.

There’s one big incentive with NOW

All is not lost with Comcast's NOW Mobile service. Why’s that? Well, there’s one incentive that I love and that I've already mentioned — access to those 23 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. In densely populated states like New Jersey and New York, I usually find an Xfinity hotspot whenever I’m out and about.

They’re helpful because they let users tap into fast speeds for sending large files or streaming content. It’s also useful in places where I suddenly find myself in a cellular dead zone. Still, it’s not enough to convince me to ditch Visible.

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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