Comcast rolls out new AI home-security system for internet users
It’s the Philly-based telecom giant’s latest effort to diversify its services amid a steady erosion of cable subscribers, a leveling-off of broadband customers, and structural changes at the company.
Comcast is launching a new AI-fueled home-security platform, building on its suite of internet-related services for broadband customers as it looks to bulk up that side of its business,
While it’s not the company’s first foray into home security technology, the newest offering combines cybersecurity, parental controls, cameras, and sensors for streamlined protection over its Wi-Fi network. It comes at a slightly higher monthly price than its previous comparable iteration.
The move represents the Philadelphia-based telecom giant’s latest effort to diversify its services amid a steady erosion of cable subscribers and a leveling-off of broadband customers.
The platform, Xfinity Shield, consists of cybersecurity and protection features that are available to existing Wi-Fi customers at no additional charge, as well as a premium tier of AI-powered tools that cost $15 per month.
“It is a combination of things that we’ve had and brand new innovations,” Fraser Stirling, Comcast’s global chief product officer, said in a recent interview. He added that platform creators tried to answer the question: “How do you make these complicated things simple for people?”
On customers’ Xfinity app, they can protect themselves from online threats, limit their children’s screen time, and detect movement in their home while they’re away. Users can customize their settings and notifications for different times, including at night and when they’re away.
Starting Tuesday, existing Wi-Fi customers with advanced Gateway routers can use those tools, though they have to opt in to the Wi-Fi Motion monitoring. The feature detects changes in the radio frequency signals between the Gateway and Wi-Fi-connected devices in the home, without recording video, taking photos, or identifying people, according to Comcast executives.
Wi-Fi customers who want more features can pay $15 a month for a package that includes an indoor camera, door and window sensors, video storage, and the ability to call for emergency help at the tap of a button. Called Xfinity Shield Select, this service can work with a range of compatible hardware including outdoor cameras and smart locks.
The Xfinity Shield services are being rolled out as Comcast changes its company structure and responds to evolving consumer demands.
In June, Comcast executives announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies by spinning off the NBCUniversal media group. Comcast will continue to provide consumer and business services, with a renewed focus on streaming and mobile.
In recent months, Comcast has expanded its Xfinity Mobile services in an attempt to offset the departure of cable and internet subscribers.
The number of broadband customers has plateaued in recent years, while the number of traditional cable TV subscribers has fallen off precipitously. Comcast reported about 10.7 million cable customers in its second-quarter earnings report, down from 11.3 million at the end of last year and 18.2 million in 2021.
Xfinity Mobile, meanwhile, has seen growth, with about 900,000 new wireless lines being added in the first half of this year, according to earnings reports. As of June, there were about 10.2 million Xfinity Mobile lines, with each customer having two lines on average. Many of these connections are part of a free-line-for-a-year promotion, which will end for some customers later this year.
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Only new or existing broadband customers can sign up for mobile, which costs $30 or $45 a month depending on the plan. Wireless uptake represents a fraction of the company’s 28 million home internet subscribers, and brought in about $5 billion last year, out of $71 billion total internet and cable revenue.
Comcast executives are hoping that some internet subscribers are willing to pay for Xfinity Shield Select.
“The more of these products you take from us, the better the experience is,” Stirling said.
Xfinity’s older home-security system and products remain available for existing customers, but the $10-a-month Smart Home indoor-monitoring package is no longer offered to new customers. Current Smart Home customers can keep their plan or switch to Xfinity Shield Select for the newer features. The more traditional home-security system, which includes 24/7 professional monitoring, costs $55 a month and will remain available for new and existing customers.
