Powerfader's profile

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12 Messages

Friday, October 25th, 2019 4:00 AM

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Connecting to a Publix Hotspot

Can I still access an Xfinity WiFi Hotspot using an appproved Retail purchesed modem/router combo?

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Gold Problem Solver

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25.9K Messages

6 years ago

You could, if the hotspot access is somewhere else. There won’t be one coming out of a non-Comcast device

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12 Messages

6 years ago

Hence, the word, "Approved" If I buy an 'approved' modem/router combo from a big box store. Will I still be able to access my public hotspot using my password? FYI, I can buy the exact same model modem/router combo I currently rent from Comcast from a major electronics store.

Gold Problem Solver

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25.9K Messages

6 years ago

Access to hotspots is account related not equipment related. It sounded like you want to access the hotspot from your personal equipment.

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12 Messages

6 years ago

Okay, let me go through this again. I currently rent a Comcast provided modem/router combo (Cisco). I have my home network and a Xfinity hotspot connections available to me for my use. I had to to input my username and password for both when I initially set it up.

 

What I want to know is, if I purchase a modem/router combo from a retail store will I still be able to to access my Xfinity hotspot using my username and password?

 

In-other-words, I want ALL the benifits and conveniences I already pay for using the rented equipment as I want from equipment that I may purchase. 

 

Now I will reiterate, the equipment I am researching are ALL COMCAST APPROVED DEVICES! So will I have the exact same options and functions that I already pay for using the comcast rented equipment? The device I am looking at is the EXCAT same modem/router combo (Cisco) that I already am renting!

Gold Problem Solver

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2.2K Messages

6 years ago

According to https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/xfinity-wifi-hotspots,

 

"The hotspot feature is not available on all Xfinity Wireless Gateways or supported with all Xfinity Internet products. Wireless routers purchased at retail outlets do not support the Xfinity WiFi service."

 

The implication I've seen is only the rented (or maybe purchased) Gateway from Comcast supports the Xfinity Wifi hotspot feature. Probably will have to wait for an agent with the facts to chime in here. 

Gold Problem Solver

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25.9K Messages

6 years ago

For what you want to do, no you can’t. The hotspot only comes out of the Comcast gateways. They are for rental only, they are not for sale anywhere. If you see one for sale, buyer beware, it’s Comcast property. Your original post was not clear at all but your follow up posts explained it all

Frequent Visitor

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12 Messages

6 years ago

I will call and find out. It seems you cannot get a straight answer about this. Is the Xfinity wifi hotspot a matter of software, or a matter of hardware? I just want to be able to connect with my hotspot while at home using approved compitable equipment that I will purchase from a retail outlet. I am not opposed to buying a modem/router combo directly from Comcast, but I don't think they do that. Comcast is more interested in how to hold on to your wallet! I just hate calling Comcast. It is ALWAYS a hassle! They have a great product, but the world's worst CS model!

 

To be honest, I am rather fed up with Comcast and may consider other providers; CenturyLink/Prism, Fios, etc...

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12 Messages

6 years ago

There is a logical reason I want to connect to a hotspot. So without access to that feature if I purchase my own, better, and less expensive equipment, and I decide to buy my equipment I will also cancel Comcast at the same time. I won't have an exculsive need for them without that ability.  

 

So without renting Comcast equipment, then my home will not have a hotspot. So when my brother comes to visit he will need to hook up to my private wifi using my password.

 

I will make sure other tech forums are advised of this protocol.  In fact, I am talking some in a discord  right now. I will pass it along to others in the Telegram site as well. 

 

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