After flying under the radar for several years, Comcast announced today that its IP-based “Xfinity On Campus” service has officially launched.
The service allows college students to watch live TV and VOD content on their IP-enabled devices, including, laptops, tablets and smartphones while on campus.
The service, which is included with room and board for students living in on-campus housing, will be available this fall at Bridgewater College, Drexel University, Emerson College, Lasell College, and the University of Delaware.
In addition, several schools, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of New Hampshire, will be trialing the program with students this fall.
Xfinity on Campus is served up via Comcast’s cloud-based X1, which is powered by its Viper platform.
Comcast previously trialed Xfinity on Campus with the University of New Hampshire, Drexel University and Emerson College. Dating back three years ago, Comcast trialed its managed IP video service at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which included a full IP linear lineup and VOD offering.
Xfinity on Campus is targeted towards college students that are used to consuming video over multiple mobile devices instead of traditional TVs. It currently features 80 live cable channels including every major broadcast network as well as channels like AMC, Bravo, Comedy Central, ESPN, FX and MTV.
Students can also access thousands of current season TV shows and hit movies via Xfinity On Demand. While off campus, students can use their university credentials to authenticate and access online programming that’s part of their subscription via TV Everywhere websites and apps such as WatchESPN and FXNOW.
“Xfinity on Campus lets students watch TV on their own terms,” said Marcien Jenckes, executive vice president of consumer services for Comcast Cable. “With this younger generation, more and more viewing is happening away from the traditional TV set and we have evolved our products and services to better engage them. Whether it’s ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Scandal’ or ‘The Daily Show,’ Xfinity On Campus offers all the content they want – anytime, anywhere, on any device.”
Xfinity On Campus users can also upgrade to a selection of premium channels, including HBO, Showtime and Starz, as well as the Sports Entertainment Package, which includes popular channels such as ESPN Goal Line.
In addition to all the live TV and VOD choices, Comcast said students would soon have the option to upgrade to its cloud-based DVR service, giving them the ability to record and watch their favorite programming on devices, and also “check-out” recordings by downloading them directly to the device to take on-the-go.
The cloud DVR service first launched in Boston at the start of this year and it’s one of Comcast’s top technological priorities for this year.
“Xfinity On Campus is a leap into the future, leveraging Drexel’s campus network to provide media content to our residential students at any time and any place,” said Drexel Vice President and Chief Information Officer John A. Bielec. “It’s a perfect fit for today’s student mobile lifestyle.”
