Comcast launches streaming TV service that doesn’t count against data caps

Comcast's live streaming TV service, Steam TV, has launched in the Boston (MA) and Chicago (IL) areas, with plans to bring it to Comcast's entire cable territory by early 2016. When asked if Stream TV usage will count against the 300GB data plans imposed in certain parts of Comcast's territory, a Comcast spokesperson replied, "No, Stream is an IP cable service delivered over our managed network to the home." A Comcast FAQ says, "Stream TV is a cable streaming service delivered over Comcast's cable system, not over the Internet. Therefore, Stream TV data usage will not be counted towards your Xfinity Internet monthly data usage." Stream TV is intended for Comcast's Internet-only customers, offering live TV on computers, tablets, and phones. In-home streaming video is delivered as a managed service over the Comcast IP gateway in customers' homes and works similarly to cable TV -- despite not requiring a cable TV subscription or set-top box -- potentially providing greater video quality than rival streaming services.