Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is previewing a new whole-home networking solution at CES 2017. The cloud-based platform, which will be included at no extra cost for customers with a Comcast WiFi gateway device, is intended to allow people to add devices, pause device use during dinnertime, pair WiFi extenders to boost signal strength and use voice controls to see who's on the network.
The new service is scheduled to be automatically enabled in the first half of 2017 for the approximately 10 million existing Xfinity Internet customers who have a compatible Xfinity wireless gateway. That number is expected to grow to more than 15 million by the end of the year as Comcast's new Advanced Wireless Gateway becomes available. The new gateway is designed to deliver up to 9 Gbps over WiFi within the home, and to support voice, home monitoring and automation applications. Comcast plans to use the device to make gigabit Internet speeds available across its service area.
Comcast will demonstrate the home networking solution for the first time at the Intel booth at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. The new platform is designed to be controlled via web, mobile app and the X1 voice remote. Comcast also has plans to make the new platform available to its syndication partners later in 2017. The first version of Comcast's new Advanced Gateway is based on the Intel Puma 7 SoC.
"Digital Home connectivity today should be as intuitive and dynamic as the devices and experiences it powers," said Chris Satchell, executive vice president and chief product officer, Comcast Cable. "People want to connect and control the products and devices in their home, quickly and easily. By creating this new home solution and offering it to millions of people as a part of their existing Internet subscription, our combination of speed, personalized controls, features and devices has the potential to make the Internet of Things and the digital home more of a reality than ever."