As it discusses a possible joint purchase of No. 4 wireless company Sprint with its wireless business partner, Charter Communications, Comcast continues the process of unfurling its seminal mobile product nationally.
This week, the cable operator debuted kiosks devoted to Xfinity Mobile at six Xfinity Store locations in and around Chicago.
The kiosks, which debuted on the East Coast last week, showcase Samsung Galaxy and iPhone models configured for Xfinity Mobile, which combines the forces of Comcast’s Wi-Fi network with an MVNO agreement that taps into Verizon’s infrastructure.
RELATED: Comcast begins selling smartphones at East Coast Xfinity stores
Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) reported that Comcast and Charter will kick-start their just-announced partnership for all things wireless by conducting joint negotiations on a possible venture with Sprint.
According to the paper, Sprint Chairman Masayoshi Son and the top two U.S. cable companies have agreed to an exclusive two-month negotiating window that will close in late July—which suggests the two sides are already talking.
A possible outcome, the report said, would entail Comcast and Charter jointly investing in Sprint’s network, and gaining access to a nationally distributed wireless infrastructure at better terms than the MVNO deal both cable companies currently have with No. 1 carrier Verizon.
RELATED: Comcast and Charter christen new wireless partnership with joint Sprint talks: report
Last week, Comcast has made its mobile products available in Xfinity stores in the Philadelphia area, New Jersey and Delaware.
Comcast is selling its wireless plans with a choice of Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone models—the priciest equipment plan being a $36.50-a-month, 24-month, 0% APR deal for an iPhone 7 Plus.
Until July 31, all Comcast customers can sign up for a $45-a-month plan that includes unlimited data and access to the Verizon network via an MVNO deal with the No. 1 wireless operator. Once July ends, only subscribers to Comcast’s advanced X1 video platform will have access to that $45 deal (everyone else will pay $65 a month.)