Comcast Gets Into Home Technical Support Business
Comcast Corporation has launched a new 24×7 technical support and equipment protection program for the growing number of home electronics devices – like laptops, home networking equipment, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi enabled smart phones and tablets – people are connecting to Comcast’s services. Called Xfinity Signature Support, this service offers customers a single source for troubleshooting and support for their home broadband-connected devices. The new offering enables customers to select an enhanced level of technical support with monthly subscription plans and one-time support options and is offered in addition to the 24×7 support Comcast already provides for its video, high-speed Internet and phone services.
According to a 2010 survey by Parks Associates, more than 50 percent of Americans with Internet service look to their broadband provider as their first or second choice in solving their home computer-related technical issues. Additionally, 75 percent of those surveyed prefer to receive all of their technical support services from a single vendor.
With Xfinity Signature Support, Comcast customers will have access to IT specialists who can provide supplementary technical support online, over the phone or in the home. Assistance is available either as part of a monthly subscription plan or on a stand-alone basis for one-time fixes, such as virus removal or connecting printers or game consoles to wireless networks. Xfinity Signature Support also offers extended equipment plans covering computers and flat-panel TVs.
Comcast is initially launching Xfinity Signature Support in the Twin Cities, Atlanta and Chattanooga markets, with plans to make it available in the remainder of the company’s markets in 2011.