I’ll be moving soon and part of the fun of moving is figuring out all of the new utilities. I currently live in an area where Cable Internet is provided by Mediacom and I will be moving where Comcast is the cable provider of the usual Internet duopoly (though fiber installs are currently happening around town!). While shopping my Internet and cable TV options with Comcast, I found that Amazon actually has a “cable store” that they started in March where they sell Comcast’s Xfinity services and I have to say, the experience through Amazon is better than Comcast’s own website.
Perhaps it is just the familiarity with Amazon’s interface but I feel like the information is more clearly presented. I can browse TV, Internet, phone, and combination options including different channel TV packages and Internet speeds. It will tell you if a package is not available in your area and the pricing you can get with no contract, a 12-month, or 24-month term.
Amazon offers a few additional perks beyond the familiar interface. Comcast has a dedicated customer support line for Amazon customers that is promised to be answered in a minute or less. A limited promotion is also offering a free Fire HD tablet ($49 value) if you order Internet or Internet/TV through Amazon and a 10.1″ Fire HD tablet ($229 value) if you order the Triple Play bundle of TV, Internet, and phone. To qualify for the promotion, you must order the service before June 16th, activate your service, and remain a customer for at least 45 days. Later in July, Amazon will send you a claim code to order your free tablet, which is compatible with Comcast’s XFINITY TV Go app.
When ordering through Amazon, TV service comes with 1 set top box though more be added later in the ordering process. It does not come with a modem, which is a plus for those that own their own modem and save on the monthly lease fee. Unfortunately, a technician is required to visit for the installation when going through Amazon which can cost between $0 and $200 where Comcast has a self installation kit available that can be mailed to your door for $10. The process is not too complicated for most people to connect coax connections and TV inputs while the being very convenient.
