History of Xfinity in Timeline
Xfinity is the brand name for consumer cable, internet, phone, and wireless services offered by Comcast Cable Communications, a division of Comcast Corporation. Introduced in 2010, Xfinity replaced the previous Comcast branding for these services.
1996: Entry into Internet Services
Comcast started offering internet services in late 1996 through a partnership with the @Home Network, utilizing Comcast's cable lines.
2002: Transition from Excite@Home
After the bankruptcy of Excite@Home in 2002, Comcast transitioned its approximately 950,000 internet customers to its own network.
2003: Start of Significant Increase in Comcast's Digital Basic Cable Subscription Cost
Comcast's Digital Basic cable subscription cost began a significant upward trend starting in 2003.
2005: Comcast Launches Xfinity Voice (Comcast Digital Voice)
Comcast launched its VoIP cable telephony service, Xfinity Voice (originally Comcast Digital Voice), in 2005 in select markets.
2006: Xfinity Voice Expands to All Comcast Markets
Xfinity Voice became available in all of Comcast's markets in 2006.
September 2007: Comcast's "Excessive Bandwidth" Policy
In September 2007, Comcast had a policy of terminating broadband customers for using "excessive bandwidth," a vaguely defined term. Spokesperson Charlie Douglas equated excessive use to downloading 30,000 songs, 250,000 pictures, or 13 million emails in a month.
September 2007: Comcast Accused of Throttling BitTorrent Traffic
In September 2007, rumors circulated that Comcast was throttling or blocking BitTorrent traffic. While Comcast denied blocking websites, it admitted to delaying BitTorrent traffic to prioritize other data.
2007: Comcast Reaches Peak Cable Television Customers
Comcast's cable television customer base reached its peak in 2007, with approximately 24.8 million customers.
2007: Comcast Phases Out Comcast Digital Phone
Comcast's older phone service, Comcast Digital Phone, was discontinued around late 2007 after transitioning customers to Xfinity Voice.
2007: Revenue in 2007
In 2007, Xfinity reported US$23.7 Billion in revenue.
September 2008: Comcast Sued Over Throttling Practices
Following an FCC investigation that found Comcast's throttling practices illegal, Comcast filed a lawsuit in September 2008, challenging the FCC's authority on net neutrality.
October 1, 2008: Introduction of 250GB Bandwidth Cap
Comcast implemented a 250GB monthly bandwidth cap on October 1, 2008, encompassing both uploads and downloads. Exceeding the cap three times in six months could result in service termination for a year.
2009: Comcast Business Class Offers 100 Mbit/s Internet Service
In 2009, Comcast Business Class started offering 100 Mbit/s Internet service, which included Microsoft Communication Services, initially in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
2009: Comcast's Smart Pipe Technology Raises Net Neutrality Concerns
Comcast's use of a private network and traffic prioritization for Xfinity Voice, known as "Smart Pipe," was questioned by the FCC in 2009 for potential net neutrality violations. Comcast defended the practice, arguing that Xfinity Voice is an information service and not subject to the same regulations as traditional telecommunications services.
2009: Comcast Reaches 7.6 Million Voice Customers
By 2009, following the transition from its older service, Comcast had 7.6 million voice customers.
February 2010: Rebranding to Xfinity
In February 2010, Comcast rebranded its consumer triple-play services (Digital Cable, Digital Voice, and High-Speed Internet) under the Xfinity brand. The rebranding coincided with the 2010 Winter Olympics.
2010: Xfinity Brand Launch
In 2010, Comcast launched the Xfinity brand to market its consumer cable television, internet, telephone, and wireless services.
2010: Comcast Wins Lawsuit, Overturning Throttling Illegality
In 2010, Comcast won the lawsuit, with the court ruling that the FCC lacked authority to enforce net neutrality. The court suggested a common carrier framework for the FCC instead.
2010: Netflix and Level 3 Communications Dispute Impacts Peering Agreements
In 2010, a dispute arose between Level 3 Communications, who Netflix had partnered with, and Comcast regarding peering agreements and network bridging fees. This led to Netflix's existing carrier, Cogent Communications, blaming Comcast for bottlenecks.
January 2011: Launch of "Internet Essentials" Program
In January 2011, Comcast introduced "Internet Essentials," a low-cost internet program for low-income families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches. This was a condition set by the FCC for approving Comcast's acquisition of NBCUniversal.
February 20, 2011: Comcast Launches Xfinity 3D Channel
Comcast introduced Xfinity 3D, a dedicated 3D television channel, on February 20, 2011, offering a range of 3D content, primarily from NBC Sports and Universal Pictures.
March 2011: Launch of Solution Provider Program
In March 2011, Comcast launched the Solution Provider Program, an indirect sales channel allowing telecommunications consultants and system integrators to sell Comcast's Business Class services. The program was initially represented by three national master representatives: Telarus, Intelisys, and Telecom Brokerage Inc (TBI).
2011: Market Leader in Cable Internet
Comcast became the largest cable internet provider in the United States in 2011, holding a 40% market share.
2011: Start of Overcharging
From 2011 to 2015, Comcast charged customers 71 million dollars for its Service Protection Plan without proper disclosure. This period was later scrutinized in a lawsuit filed by the State of Washington.
May 2012: Comcast Soft Launches X1 Platform
Comcast soft-launched X1, a new hardware and software platform for its television services, in Boston in May 2012. X1 offered enhanced internet content support, streaming apps, and a voice-controlled remote.
2012: Comcast Becomes Third-Largest Residential Line Provider in the US
At the beginning of 2012, Comcast became the third-largest residential line provider in the United States, with 9.34 million residential lines.
2012: Comcast's Digital Basic Cable Subscription Sees 72% Price Hike Since 2003
By 2012, the average cost of Comcast's Digital Basic cable subscription had increased by 72% compared to 2003 prices.
2012: Modification of Bandwidth Policy
In 2012, Comcast modified its bandwidth policy, replacing the hard cap with a 300GB data threshold (in some areas) and charging $10 for every 50GB exceeding the limit. Customers could purchase unlimited data for an additional $30.
June 2013: "Internet Essentials" Participation
By June 2013, around 220,000 households were enrolled in the "Internet Essentials" program, out of an estimated 2.6 million eligible households.
2013: Comcast Digital Voice Reaches 10.7 Million Subscribers
By the end of 2013, Comcast Digital Voice had grown to 10.7 million subscribers.
2013: Comcast Experiences First Quarterly Customer Gain Since 2007
After years of customer decline, Comcast saw its first quarterly increase in cable customers in the fourth quarter of 2013.
2013: Comcast Plans Nationwide Rollout of X1 Platform
Comcast aimed to make X1 available nationwide by the end of 2013.
January 2014: Comcast Introduces Broadcast TV Fee
Comcast began charging a Regulatory Recovery Fee and, starting January 2014, a Broadcast TV Fee alongside its Digital Basic cable subscription to offset rising costs associated with government programs and broadcast television retransmission.
February 2014: Netflix Agrees to Pay Comcast for Network Connection
In February 2014, Netflix and Comcast confirmed an agreement where Netflix would pay for direct connection to Comcast's network. The details remain undisclosed, sparking debate about its implications for net neutrality.
February 2014: FCC Announces New Net Neutrality Justification
In February 2014, the FCC announced a new justification for net neutrality, but avoided the common carrier framework.
March 2014: Extension of "Internet Essentials" Program
Comcast announced in March 2014 that the "Internet Essentials" program would be extended indefinitely.
June 25, 2014: Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Broadcasters in Aereo Case
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of broadcasters, including Comcast's subsidiary NBCUniversal, in the American Broadcasting Cos. v. Aereo, Inc. case on June 25, 2014. The ruling determined that Aereo's streaming service violated copyright law by publicly performing copyrighted works without authorization.
December 16, 2014: Comcast Discontinues Xfinity 3D Channel
Comcast shut down its Xfinity 3D channel on December 16, 2014, after a decline in interest and adoption of 3D technology.
2014: Criticism and Lawsuit over Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Policy
Comcast faced criticism and a class-action lawsuit in 2014 over its practice of using customer routers for public Wi-Fi hotspots. Critics argued about potential security risks and abuse of customer resources, while Comcast defended the practice, citing network segregation and minimal bandwidth impact.
2015: Comcast Achieves Highest Subscriber Gain Since 2007
Comcast added 89,000 new video subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2015, marking its highest gain since 2007.
2015: End of Overcharging Period
The overcharging for Comcast's Service Protection Plan, which amounted to 71 million dollars, ended in 2015. This issue was a central point in the lawsuit filed by the State of Washington.
April 27, 2016: Announcement of 1TB Data Threshold
Comcast announced a trial increase of its data threshold to 1TB on April 27, 2016, citing that a very small percentage of customers approached this usage limit.
June 2016: Implementation of 1TB Data Threshold
Comcast implemented the 1TB data threshold in June 2016 after trials.
August 2016: Washington State Lawsuit
In August 2016, Xfinity and Comcast were sued by the State of Washington over claims of violating the Consumer Protection Act by overcharging for call service fees and improper credit screening practices. The lawsuit involved 445,000 alleged violations and a total of 71 million dollars unknowingly paid by customers from 2011 to 2015.
October 2016: Expansion of Bandwidth Thresholds
In October 2016, Comcast announced the implementation of bandwidth thresholds in most markets (except New York and the Northeast) effective November 1, 2016.
November 1, 2016: Implementation of Data Usage Plan
Comcast's data usage plan, including bandwidth thresholds, was implemented in most markets starting November 1, 2016. The plan did not apply to specific service tiers and customer groups.
2016: Revenue in 2016
Xfinity's revenue increased to $50.04 billion in 2016.
2016: Sponsorship of Carl Edwards
In 2016, Xfinity sponsored NASCAR Cup Series driver Carl Edwards at Richmond Raceway. Edwards won the race with a bump and run on teammate Kyle Busch.
April 6, 2017: Comcast Launches Xfinity Mobile
Comcast launched Xfinity Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), on April 6, 2017, utilizing Verizon's mobile network.
May 2017: Launch of xFi Platform and Advanced Gateway
In May 2017, Comcast launched its xFi platform, offering a new software platform for its modems and routers. The platform featured a redesigned configuration interface, remote management via a mobile app, and smart home device integration. Comcast also introduced the xFi Advanced Gateway, a router designed for faster Wi-Fi speeds, and support for various technologies.
June 19, 2018: Class Action Lawsuit in Illinois
On June 19, 2018, Illinois customer Elizabeth O' Neill filed a class action lawsuit against Comcast, accusing them of opening Xfinity Mobile accounts without customer consent and failing to notify customers of unauthorized account infiltrations. The case was moved to arbitration per the subscriber agreement.
July 26, 2018: High-Speed Internet Customers
As of July 26, 2018, Comcast reported having 26.5 million high-speed internet customers.
2018: Xfinity Mobile Surpasses 1 Million Subscribers
By the third quarter of 2018, Xfinity Mobile had gained over 1 million subscribers.
June 2019: Lawsuit Ruling
In June 2019, a King County court judge ruled in favor of Washington State and against Comcast, ordering Comcast to pay 9.1 million dollars in penalties and provide restitution to customers within 60 days.
May 18, 2020: Xfinity Mobile Announces 5G Plans
Xfinity Mobile unveiled its plans for incorporating 5G data on May 18, 2020.
November 23, 2020: Announcement of 1.2TB Data Cap
Comcast announced a new 1.2TB data cap on November 23, 2020, for remaining Northeast areas, to be implemented in March 2021.
2020: Sponsorship of 23XI Racing
Since 2020, Xfinity has sponsored NASCAR Cup Series drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace on 23XI Racing, promoting Xfinity Mobile and Xfinity 10G. They have also sponsored the Xfinity 500.
March 2021: Postponement of 1.2TB Data Cap
The implementation of the 1.2TB data cap, scheduled for March 2021, was postponed due to concerns from the Pennsylvanian attorney general regarding its impact on customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023: Leadership in 2023
As of 2023, Xfinity's CEO is Dave Watson, its chairman is Brian L. Roberts, and its CFO is Catherine Avgiris.
2023: Xfinity Data Breach
In 2023, an Xfinity data breach exposed the personal data of 35.8 million people, including usernames, passwords, and answers to security questions, due to a vulnerability in the Citrix software used.
2023: Misleading Marketing Ruling
In 2023, the Better Business Bureau ruled that Comcast's marketing of its "Xfinity 10G Network" was misleading, as the service did not provide 10 gigabit end-user speeds.
January 2024: Agreement to Stop Misleading Branding
In January 2024, Comcast agreed to stop using the "Xfinity 10G Network" branding in a misleading manner, following a ruling by the Better Business Bureau.