Xfinity Fast Internet Package

Xfinity features five internet plans (Fast is smack dab in the middle). Here's a look:

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What you can do with 500 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

In a word, anything. And that goes for the entire family. Streaming a typical HD video or movie requires about 5 Mbps. So, obviously, plenty of bandwidth available, even for a handful of connected devices. The only other online activities that require more are 4K HD streaming and broadcasting your own live stream (both need about 25 Mbps). Unless you have a small army of Youtubers living with you, the Fast plan should cover just about any need.

Check out the table below for more common uses and their bandwidth usage (per user)

Source

Price, Fees and Discounts

Now that we've covered most of the features, let's dig into costs. No hidden or small print -- just the actual list of fees that apply. So, no more sticker shock when that first bill arrives. Overall, the costs with Xfinity Fast are a bit cheaper than Spectrum and other competitors in shared areas. More importantly, Xfinity does a solid job being transparent with pricing so we didn't have to dig too far to find all the fees and costs.

Xfinity Fast: Fees

Modem/Router (xFi)

With Xfinity, you have three different equipment options:

• Your own equipment - use your own modem and router. No monthly cost.
• Xfinity Gateway(xFi) - modem/router combo and their entry-level option. Costs $15/mo, though currently free for 2 years.
• Xfinity XFi Complete - their most advanced modem/router and normally goes for $25/mo. Current specials also have it free for 2 years.

The single biggest reason to upgrade to XFi Complete is it qualifies you for unlimited data. Otherwise, Xfinity has a 1.2 TB data cap that applies to all their plans. $25/mo isn't cheap, so maybe use it for up to 24 months until the free promo expires.

Installation Kit

Getting your service setup is quite easy. You simply connect the equipment to your coax cable and activate the service via the Xfinity app (or call them up). If your residence doesn't already have cable TV/internet wired up (pretty rare these days), a technician will need to visit to get you connected. Either way, Xfinity charges a one-time installation fee of $15 to get your account activated.

Monthly Tax

Based on your state, you may be charged an additional sales tax. If so, it's usually only a couple bucks a month.

Xfinity Fast: Credits

Autopay credit

With any Xfinity service, you qualify for up to a $10/mo discount when you enroll in autopay. That assumes you use your bank account (not a credit card). Using a credit card drops that discount down to $5/mo.

Sample Xfinity Fast Internet Bill (Years 1 and 2)

Ok, now that we've covered the features and individual costs, let's toss everything into a sample bill. The example below assumes you're using their eqiupment (xFi Complete) and enrolled in autopay.

What about hidden fees?

There aren't any. If you go over the data cap or are late with a payment, expect the following...

• Data overage - in any given month, if you go over the data cap of 1.2 TB applies, it'll cost you $10 for each additional 50 GB of data. Otherwise, you speed will be throttled (not cut off) until your next billing cycle.
• Late payment fee - if payment isn't submitted within 2 weeks after your due date, a $10 late fee might be added to your bill (though not always).

Xfinity Internet Features

Other than the free equipment, Xfinity is most known for its huge free WiFi Hotspot network. It's available nationwide and is a huge plus for customers...

Xfinity Fast Data Cap: 1.2 TB

If you're not renting the xFi Complete modem/router ($15/mo), you'll have a 1.2 TB data cap applied to your account. It's a very liberal cap and most households will never come close to it. Reference the table below for an idea of what it takes to get close to the cap in any give month (these activities COMBINED take up about 1.2 TB)...

So, unless you routinely leave movies or Youtube running unattended, it'll be difficult to get anywhere near the cap. Speaking of movies/video, here's a breakdown of how much of each adds up to the cap:

• Streaming SD Video - 1,700 hours (1.2 TB)
• Streaming HD Video - 480 hours (1.2 TB)
• Streaming HD 4K Video - 205 hours (1.2 TB)

How to get this plan

As of today, the best price and promos for the Fast plan are below. Calling tends to be the best way to make sure everything is setup correctly, right from the start...