Comcast offers added tech help

Comcast Corp. on Tuesday launched Xfinity Signature Support, saying it’s now offering around-the-clock tech support for customers who need help with gadgets and tech devices.

Comcast general manager for new businesses Mitch Bowling said surveys showed most Comcast customers already regarded the cable company as a preferred option for help with home networking, software issues and configuring of smartphones or other devices.

The cable company offers free service for its own products. Xfinity Signature Support will offer extended phone or in-home tech help for Comcast customers for any other tech product, including flat-screen TVs, Bowling said.

Subscribers pay a monthly fee or a one-time service price. Rates range from $4.95 per month to “complete home support” for $19.95 per month.

The providers of support are not Comcast employees. Comcast is using Support.com for phone assistance and another firm, Asurion, for in-house visits. Bowling said early tests of Xfinity service showed the two biggest needs have been home network fixes and virus removal.