To Xfinity and beyond: Upgrading streaming services

By Julia Corrigan

More television and movie options will be available to students this fall, as Rider becomes the first school in New Jersey to join the growing list of campuses nationwide subscribing to Comcast’s multi-device streaming, Xfinity on Campus.

The program, available for students living on the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses, will not only offer the standard cable in the rooms, but also allow residents to stream videos off of their mobile devices, laptops and tablets. The service is part of the $170 resident technology fee, which is included in the room rate.

“I think students will really enjoy the Xfinity program because they can get more shows, take it on the go and have the ability to purchase more premium content,” said Anthony Campbell, dean of students.

This service includes Xfinity on Demand and the option to buy subscriptions to premium content like HBO, Starz, Showtime and additional sports packages.

Xfinity on Campus will not interfere with the university’s bandwidth because Comcast has installed an Internet circuit exclusively for Xfinity on Campus and other Comcast traffic.

“Students will like it because it takes the streaming aspect off of the Internet we have and puts it on the Xfinity cable,” said Campbell. “That should cut out some of the traffic from streaming and improve the capacity of the Internet.”

To access the service, students can log in using their university credentials when connected to the campus network and gain access to thousands of options.

Students should not worry about retrieving the new program since “Comcast representatives will be available to ensure resident students can get connected and use the service,” according to Carol Kondrach, associate vice president for information technology.

Some resident students also agree that the Xfinity program will be a great new addition this year.

“The program is a really cool option for students to have,” said junior communication studies major Leah Corcillo. “I think the new contract is great for a lot of people who have a passion for their shows.”

Others, however, find they are losing some familiar favorites like TruTV, LOGO, Teen Nick and the NFL Network.

“I’m upset I can’t see some of my guilty pleasure shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race on LOGO when it comes back on,” said junior marketing major Rhiannon Karpiak.

Regardless, the new provider offers flexibility and brings some of the comforts of entertainment to campus, according to Campbell.

“The program is more like home,” he said. “Now the students have the same choices they have at home on campus. If they want to sit outside and watch or preview shows in a waiting area, they can take it with them.”