Comcast’s $70 gigabit deal is shockingly difficult to sign up for

When Comcast brought its gigabit download cable service to Chicago (IL) recently, there was plenty of confusion about the price. Comcast initially said it would cost $140 a month, even though a $70 monthly price is available in other cities where Comcast has to compete against Google Fiber. But after we published a story on August 19, a Comcast spokesperson said the $70 offer was available in Chicago after all, contrary to what the company had said earlier that day. But there’s a difference between Comcast telling the media that a great deal is available and customers actually being able to sign up for it.

Comcast said that customers interested in the offer should sign up at xfinity.com/gig. But when you follow the links, the only pricing listed is $300 a month for 2Gbps fiber Internet and $140 a month for 1Gbps download speeds (with 35Mbps uploads). Talking to actual Comcast employees on the phone hasn’t gotten some customers any closer to the $70 gigabit deal. Some customers have been told the offer doesn't exist, while others have been told it simply isn't available in their area.