Comcast customer surprised to learn new router is also public hotspot

Comcast started adding the public hotspot to its modems by default in mid-2013. Customers can turn the second signal off if they choose, but it's definitely an opt-out program rather than opt-in.

Separate networks mean your bandwidth won't be shared, Comcast says. In an FAQ, Comcast doesn't provide instructions for turning it off manually. You have to call Comcast for that. Presumably, a customer service representative will try to talk you out of disabling it. “We encourage all subscribers to keep this feature enabled as it allows more people to enjoy the benefits of XFINITY Wi-Fi around the neighborhood," the company says. Furthermore, Comcast promises that the second network won't slow your primary connection down, at least not much. "The broadband connection to your home will be unaffected by the XFINITY Wi-Fi feature," the company says. Comcast's own statements make it obvious that the company isn't going out of its way to help customers turn the hotspot off. The Pioneer Press quoted three customers who expressed concerns about performance, data privacy, and just general distrust of Comcast's customer service representatives.