Comcast is trying to restore its reputation among cable cutters and cutters by offering a free HDR Infinity Flex 4K streaming box to its internet-only subscribers.
While the offer is new as of this week, the box itself was announced in March and originally cost € 5 a month for subscribers. Fortunately, Comcast has decided to cut monthly costs during one play to get boxes to more of its subscribers' homes.
Why would Comcast, a company known for equipment rental costs, donate something for free? In a press release, the company says that releasing the streaming box to consumers will make it easier for them to upgrade to the upcoming Xfinity TV streaming service, which will launch next year.
It doesn't hurt that Comcast also hedged its bets on its service by eliminating the competition on the Flex. The box is not compatible with Sling TV, YouTube TV, PlayStation Vue, DirecTV Now, or Hulu with Live TV. Comcast service will be your only option if you ever decide you want a cable broadcast service.
What if you have more than one TV in the house that requires a streaming box? Comcast will rent you a second box for $5 a month... which is a bit ridiculous when you consider that the one-time cost of an Amazon Fire TV stick is $39.99.
So yeah, it's still Comcast.