Who Owns Xfinity & What Network Do They Use?

Nowadays in this ever-rising digital age, it’s imperative that companies big and small branch out and try to provide services in all different areas under their brand. And Xfinity, the telecommunications company that specializes in home internet & phone, TV & streaming, and home security, has succeeded greatly in that with their mobile service. You may not have been aware that Xfinity also has their own cell phone plans but now that you do you may be interested in switching. But who owns Xfinity and what network do they use for your coverage? Let’s talk about it!

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of Xfinity Mobile while also diving into:

• A Quick Summary on Xfinity Mobile
• Who Owns the Carrier
• What Network Does Xfinity Use? Is it a MVNO or MNO?
• Plans, Prices, and Features
• A Few FAQs

A Quick Summary on Xfinity Mobile

First things first, you should know Xfinity Mobile plans require you to purchase or be a current customer of Xfinity Internet and/or NOW to use. 

In order to be on a Xfinity Mobile phone plan you first have to have their Home Internet, which you might not be interested in if you like your current home internet plan. If you are interested in switching up your entire setup, Xfinity has had millions of customers backing up their service for years so it isn’t a bad place to look. Especially when there are some pretty enticing deals to both.

Xfinity doesn't have a ridiculous amount of mobile plans to look through, they keep things simple and easy to understand, all providing service using America’s biggest network.

Who owns Xfinity Mobile?

Comcast Cable Communications, LLC which uses the business name (or trade name) as Xfinity launched Xfinity Mobile in 2017. Comcast itself is the direct “parent” of Xfinity Mobile and all Xfinity’s services.

What Network does Xfinity Mobile use?

Xfinity Mobile since it first started has used the Verizon Wireless network to provide coverage for customers. Xfinity has a partnership with Verizon and also uses their own network of WiFi hotspots to help solidify wireless connection.

When you’re shopping for a new cell phone plan one of the first things you do is look to see what type of network connection you’ll have. Traditionally there are two major options in the US: MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). MVNOs purchase service access wholesale from one of the MNOs that own infrastructure across the country, which gives customers service at a much lower price. Xfinity Mobile is a MVNO of Verizon.

MVNO - What Should You Know:

A common aspect of MVNOs you should know about is they are more likely to subject users to data deprioritization and throttled speeds. Data deprioritization is “the temporary slowing of data speeds for certain customers in order to give priority to other customers.” Which means that those who are direct customers of the “parent” company will get network priority when you’re in a high traffic area like a concert hall or sports stadium, or when there’s network congestion.

Throttling is also more likely to occur with MVNOs and “the dramatic slowing of your data speeds to the point that it becomes almost unusable.” This will happen when you go over a certain number of gigabytes of data for the month, which is referred to as a “data cap.” You’ll see this number displayed somewhere on your carrier’s website. Your normal speeds will slow down until the start of your next billing cycle.

Verizon has the most nation-wide 4G LTE coverage out of every wireless carrier in the country which is no small feat. Covering over 70% of the country, Verizon has had its footprints all over the map giving reliable coverage to even the most rural of areas when it comes to LTE. 

When it comes to 5G however, Verizon loses a few credibility points as they are lower in volume compared to T-Mobile and AT&T. Both T-Mobile and AT&T have more widespread 5G coverage than Verizon, but Verizon’s 5G speeds are definitely performing at a higher rate. They’ve gotten the highest marks in “5G Games Experience, 5G Voice App Experience, and 5G Video Experience,” which means that when you’re in 5G Verizon covered area you’ll get some pretty amazing performance power.

One feature you’ll find on most provider’s websites is a “Coverage” or “Coverage Map” tab, this shows off the network’s coverage all throughout the country and subsequent regions. However, Xfinity Mobile doesn’t have their own coverage map, instead you can only see if your area is covered through Xfinity by typing in your ZIP code, then it will tell you if you are covered by their “5G, 4G LTE, and millions of secure Xfinity WiFi hotspots.”

And if you need any more data Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers.

Xfinity Mobile’s Plans, Prices, and Features

Now that we have some background, let’s take a look at the plan(s), prices, and features of the carrier:

Xfinity Mobile Plans

Xfinity Mobile has three phone plans to choose from, one “limited” By The Gig data plan and two unlimited data plans. You can get up to 10 lines on a Xfinity Mobile plan and that includes a Smartwatch or tablet plan. As an MVNO on Verizon’s network, Xfinity Mobile is on QCI tier 8. The company deprioritizes data, which you know means you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and sports arenas.

Plan One: By the Gig (1GB Shared Data)

This is Xfinity Mobile’s least expensive plan.

This plan gets you 1GB of shared data (with additional devices) for $20/1GB per line. You get unlimited talk, text, and if you use over 1GB you will be charged $20 for each additional GB of usage. If you use over 20GB on this plan your data will slow down to “1.5 Mbps download/750 Kbps upload” speeds. With these speeds, users can expect to send text messages and emails or scroll the internet, but streaming video or playing games will be difficult. 

The plan costs $20 per month for one line. At this rate, you get 1GB of data at $20 per GB. 

Plan Two: Unlimited

This is Xfinity’s first unlimited plan.

This plan gets you 30GB of premium data for $40/mo for one line (and $20 for each additional line added to the account). Premium data will not slow down no matter how much network traffic in your area. After you’ve used over 30GB your speeds will then slow down to 1.5 Mbps download/750 Kbps till the start of your next billing cycle. This plan also comes with Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data.

The plan costs $40 per month for one line. At this rate, you get your full speed 30GB of data at $1.33 per GB. 

Plan Three: Unlimited Plus

This is Xfinity’s biggest plan yet.

This plan gets you 50GB of premium data for $50/mo for one line (and $30 for each additional line added to the account). After you’ve used over 50GB your speeds will then slow down to 1.5 Mbps download/750 Kbps till the start of your next billing cycle. This plan comes with unlimited talk and text, along with 15 GB of 5G, then unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data.

The plan costs $50 per month for one line. At this rate, you get your premium 50GB of data at $1.00 per GB.

The Features:

While Xfinity Mobile offers premium data and potential additional line savings, it’s good to take a look at their features. If you’re someone who considers themselves to be a traveler, talk to your international friends and family a lot, or are looking for a bit more “perk” with your plan then this section will break down all of that juicy info so you can know what you’re potentially gonna get: 

• Domestic Roaming Data

• Xfinity Mobile offers domestic roaming data with their plans.

• Mexico & Canada Connection

• According to the Xfinity Mobile Support page:

“With Unlimited Plus, you receive the Mexico and Canada Unlimited Plus Pass, which includes up to 5 GB of data at 5G or 4G LTE speeds and then unlimited data at up to 256 Kbps for the remainder of your billing cycle.

With Unlimited, you receive the Mexico and Canada Unlimited Plus, which includes unlimited data at up to 256 Kbps.”

For the “By The Gig” plan you can purchase a Mexico and Canada Call Pass for $10 per month per line.

• International Connection

• Xfinity Mobile supports International roaming for phones and tablets in over 200 countries. You can purchase a “Global Travel Pass to any phone line and pay a flat rate for calls, text messages, and data for $10 per day per line.” The Global Travel Pass includes 512 MB of LTE data per pass per day and then unlimited 2G speeds after. Or you can choose to Pay As You Go with subjective rates depending on the country.

• Video Streaming Quality

• Xfinity Mobile’s Unlimited plan stream at 480p Standard Definition. While their By The Gig and Unlimited Plus plans stream at 720p High Definition. 

• Streaming Services and Cloud Storage

• Xfinity Mobile does not offer these features.

• Device Financing

• Xfinity Mobile offers DPPs (Device Payment Plans) to pay for the cost of a phone, tablet, and Smartwatch over a period of 24 months if you are eligible through their program.

• WiFi Calling

• Xfinity Mobile offers WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception.

• Spam Protection and Free Trial

• Xfinity Mobile does not offer these features.

A Few FAQs - What You Need to Know about Xfinity Mobile

You’ve read a lot about the carrier, but you still might have a few questions regarding specific things and this section is all about answering them.

• Does the carrier support dual SIM, allowing you to use more than one plan on the device?

Yes! Xfinity Mobile supports dualSIM and eSIM capable devices. According to Xfinity itself, “Yes. Xfinity Mobile supports compatible eSIM-compatible devices, as well as devices that require a pSIM card.” They even sell dualSIM capable devices on their website shop page which you can view here.

• Is the network GSM or CDMA?

“GSM” and “CDMA” are two slightly outdated terms and technologies describing wireless networks. Nowadays it’s VoLTE or 5G, since Xfinity Mobile is under the Verizon umbrella and Verizon in the past was CDMA, older GSM devices may not work under Xfinity’s network. We recommend Checking Your Device’s Compatibility with the Xfinity Mobile website so you can be sure your current device will work with their network.

• What are some MVNOs that leverage the same towers?

Since Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon to provide network coverage to its customers you will be on the same network as these other popular MVNOs:

-US Mobile

-Straight Talk Wireless

-Red Pocket Mobile

-Visible Wireless

-Total Wireless

-Family Mobile

• What if I have a question and need help? What is the best way to reach them?

Xfinity has many retail stores all over the country where you can get in-person help, to find a store near you, use their store locator. For online support or support over the phone you can chat, text, or call using this number: (888) 936-4968.

Wrapping Up

Since Xfinity Mobile requires you to sign up for their internet in order for you to use their service, it may not be the best new wireless carrier for you. Now if you have Xfinity and have liked your experience with them as your Home Internet or Security provider then we recommend looking at their Unlimited plan. Their By The Gig and Unlimited Plus plans are expensive, especially if you plan to use more than 1GB of data a month. We recommended checking your data usage before committing to a plan or carrier.

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare between features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!

And if you want to compare and contrast Xfinity Mobile to over 1,200 other phone plans so you know you’re getting the service that’s right for you, then make sure to check out the REALLY compare page which allows you to look at pricing, coverage, what phone plans are available, current deals and steals, and how you can make the most of your potential phone bill.