Xfinity Internet Plans and Deals for Seniors

Xfinity Internet Overview

Xfinity offers a wide variety of internet plans, ranging between $19.99 and $299.95 per month. For low-income individuals, the company also has an Essentials plan for only $9.95 per month, available to those enrolled in state or federal assistance programs.

At checkout, you may also choose to rent an Xfinity Gateway, the company’s modem and router combo. Alternatively, you could simply connect to the new Internet plan with compatible third-party Wi-Fi equipment. Once subscribed, you will receive a Getting Started Kit with detailed instructions, devices, and connection wiring. By referring to the literature in this package, you may easily set up the equipment and activate your Internet service. For those of us unsure of our setup skills, Xfinity also offers installation for a one-time fee.

The Xfinity Internet Essentials Plan

The Internet Essentials Plan, priced at just $9.95 a month, was launched to democratize Internet service. For older adults who would love to have a simple, no-frills internet plan, Xfinity’s Internet Essentials package is ideal. Apart from the great value of this plan, here are several highlights to consider:

• No activation or equipment rental fees
• No credit check
• In-home Wi-Fi included
• No long-term contract (cancel anytime without any termination charges)
• Access to nationwide Xfinity WiFi Hotspots

That said, to qualify for the package, you have to:

• Receive either state or federal assistance specific to your geographic location, such as SSI or Veteran’s benefits
• Live in an area where Xfinity’s Internet services are available
• Not have subscribed to the service within the last 90 days
• Not have an outstanding debt with Xfinity that is less than a year old (but you could still qualify for the plan even if your current Xfinity debt is more than one year old)

Another notable aspect of the Internet Essentials plan is that it comes with free Internet training and computer classes. While you can attempt to look up tutorials online, there is a chance the information can be outdated or too complicated, or just not be designed in a manner tailored to the older set.

Older adults are often vulnerable to internet scams, leading to huge losses of goods and property. That’s why these free training sessions are so important. They give older adults quick and easy access to the basics of the Internet, online safety, and security so that they may surf the web worry-free.

Xfinity’s Premium Internet Plans

Did you know that 24 percent of older adults order groceries or food online? They are also increasingly paying bills and shopping online. In recent years, an Internet connection has become a necessity for Americans in this age group. With their budget-friendly deals, Xfinity gives anyone access to a robust Internet connection. Let’s take a closer look at the features of each plan.

Xfinity Internet Plans and Features

Most Xfinity packages have a data cap of 1.2TB of data every month, beyond which $10 is charged per 50 GB for data overages. Luckily, since 1TB is equivalent to about 500 hours of HD video streaming, your data usage wouldn't exceed the base amount for the typical two-member household.

To get the best package for your needs, I’d recommend you speak with an Xfinity representative (over the phone, online, or at their stores) to discuss your day-to-day Internet consumption patterns and the devices you’d like to connect to. Based on this information, they can help you determine what bundle offer would be best for you.

No matter which Internet package or bundle you choose, it’s always a good idea to ask for discounts, specials and the like. There could be a discounted rate you qualify for that isn’t currently advertised. The only way to find out is to ask. Remember that Xfinity Internet is available across 39 states and that packages and speeds vary in each location.

Xfinity Internet Equipment

You could rent Internet equipment from Xfinity for better security and smart home features along with the broadband connection. Listed below are two of Xfinity’s rental devices;

Xfinity Gateway

Pay $14 per month for this Internet modem and WiFi router combo. With Xfinity’s Gateway, you get proactive device upgrades, 24/7 tech support, and extra features via the free Xfinity app. Its built-in Advanced Security also protects all devices connected to your home WiFi network by blocking and then alerting you of cyber threats.

Alternatively, you may choose to rent Xfinity Complete at checkout. This rental equipment package will ensure that you receive unlimited data, so there is no need to worry about data limits or overcharges. The company even throws in a free XiFi Pod with this bundle, for an extended range of in-home coverage.

xFi pods

Eliminate coverage dead spots and extend the WiFi offered by xFi Gateway with xFi pods, sold for $119 a pop. Thanks to its powerful mesh WiFi network, these extenders are perfect for 1-2 story homes with 3-4 bedrooms. For bigger houses, you may choose to purchase two or more such devices.

Final Word

51% of older adults have high-speed internet at home, and this number is only growing. Hence, it's a little surprising that Xfinity doesn’t have any plans specially tailored to older adults. What it does offer, though, is the Internet Essentials plan for low-income users at an affordable $9.95 per month. Comparable is the AT&T Access program that costs just $10 per month.

Xfinity’s cost-effective cable TV and internet bundles are also great for older folks who love to catch up on the latest cable TV shows without paying for a separate TV package. What’s more, older adults who live independently offer attractive internet packages featuring home security monitoring services.

If you can’t narrow down on the bundle or plan best-suited to your needs, then I would recommend that you choose Xfinity’s 12 to 24 month contracts that are further discounted. Still, it's important to remember that the brand tends to hike up the prices once the promotional period ends, so be sure to consider this price hike when you budget for your broadband connection.