Comcast Flips On Prepaid TV Test in Detroit

Comcast has quietly begun to test a new prepaid TV product in metro Detroit led by a $69.95 starter kit that includes a digital transport adapter, remote control and 30 days of a video service that includes an ESPN-free lineup of 36 digital TV channels.

The service, only available to consumers in Detroit who do not currently have an “active billed-service account” with the company, could give Comcast a low risk opportunity to target a segment of the population that doesn’t have a bank account, has previously been turned off due to non-payment, or otherwise does not qualify for the company’s post-paid subscription TV product. The no-contract Xfinity TV Prepaid service does not require a credit check or ask the customer to provide a Social Security number.