Comcast Launches Ultra-Low Latency Internet Service for Seamless Gaming and Video Calls

For gamers and virtual reality enthusiasts, Comcast is ushering in a new era of seamless connectivity with its recent launch of an ultra-low latency internet service. This groundbreaking upgrade aims to drastically reduce latency for supported apps like Nvidia’s GeForce Now, Valve Steam, and Apple’s FaceTime, enhancing user experiences across various platforms.

Ultra-Low Latency Experience

The Philadelphia-based cable giant is expanding its Xfinity service with this new feature, promising to transform the gaming and video-calling landscape. GeForce Now and Valve Steam gaming platforms are highlighted among the supported applications, along with FaceTime on Apple devices from iPhones to the futuristic Apple Vision Pro. Moreover, the update could also benefit compatible applications on Virtual Reality headsets like the Meta Quest series.

Latency Reduction: The Impact

While the exact performance numbers were not shared in the press release, a spokeswoman provided more insight. Prior to this upgrade, Comcast’s working latency under normal conditions could vary from hundreds of milliseconds to over a second, depending on the application. Through trials, the company was able to reduce downstream working latency by a significant 78%, ensuring a much faster connection with a blink-of-an-eye latency, approximately 100 to 400 milliseconds according to a Harvard Medical School reference.

Service Availability and Eligibility

The early rollout of this low-latency technology is set to reach select cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, Rockville (Maryland), and San Francisco. To qualify for this upgrade, subscribers need to have access to Comcast’s X-Class service, featuring download and upload speeds starting at 300Mbps, and no hidden modem rental fees or data caps. However, subscribers do not need to upgrade to X-Class to enjoy this low-latency experience.

Modem Requirements

To take full advantage of this new service, subscribers will require one of Comcast’s most recent modems: the XB6, XB7, or XB8 Advanced Gateway. Those preferring to purchase their own modem can expect to find “next-gen-ready” retail devices available in the second quarter of 2024.

No Compromise on Net Neutrality

Comcast ensured that this low-latency experience would not compromise the quality of other applications. The dedicated low latency flow shares the same bandwidth and best-efforts prioritization as regular traffic, meaning it won’t adversely impact the speed or latency of unmarked traffic. This commitment aligns with the principles of net neutrality, enabling application providers to opt-in without additional costs or proprietary agreements.

Leveraging Open Standards

The company is relying on an open standard under development by the Internet Engineering Task Force, known as Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable Throughput (L4S). This approach ensures transparency and compatibility with future advancements in internet technology.

Comcast’s Gaming Service Rankings

Expect Comcast’s improved gaming service to enhance its standing in industry rankings. In the 2024 edition of PCMag’s list of the best gaming ISPs, Comcast placed second overall. However, according to the gaming quality index, which combines measures of latency and jitter, Comcast lagged behind fiber-optic providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and MetroNet. This new low-latency feature could elevate its position in future rankings.

This innovative upgrade positions Comcast as a leader in providing high-quality, low-latency internet services. As more cities gain access to this feature, gamers and VR enthusiasts will undoubtedly benefit from enhanced performance and a more responsive internet experience.

About Rob Pegoraro

Contributor

Rob Pegoraro writes about interesting problems and possibilities in computers, gadgets, apps, services, telecom, and other things that beep or blink. He has covered the evolution of the cell phone, the rise and fall of Apple, Google’s growth, and the transformation of social media. Pegoraro has met many of the founders of the internet and once received a single-word email reply from Steve Jobs.

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