Comcast adds raft of FAST channels to Xfinity Stream

US cable giant Comcast is adding a raft of over 20 FAST channels to its Xfinity Stream app.

The cabler is adding over 20 free ad-supported streaming TV channels from its own FAST and AVOD offering Xumo Play, its US broadcasting arm NBC and pay TV service Sky. These channels will be available to any Xfinity customer, regardless of whether they subscribe to Xfinity Video, at no extra cost.

Upon signing into Stream, customers will see free TV shows and movies integrated within the channel guide and elsewhere throughout the offering. Comcast claims its approach makes it easy for Xfinity customers to surf between any subscribed channels and FAST channels to find something to watch without having to toggle between apps.

The raft of FAST channels includes NBC News NOW, Sky News, and 19 Xumo-branded channels, offering customers a variety of news, movies and TV shows spanning genres such as comedy, crime TV, black cinema, lifestyle, reality TV, game shows and kids.

Comcast said it plans to bring more FAST channels to the Stream app in the future.

The new FAST channels are currently available in the Xfinity Stream app on iOS, Android and Fire TV devices, through web browsers on xfinity.com/stream, and via casting to supported AirPlay and Chromecast devices. Additional platforms, including Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV, will be added soon.

“The launch marks the latest evolution of the Xfinity Stream app, which is increasing content choices for video and non-video customers alike, including weekly samplings of premium programming as part of Free This Week, the ability to rent and buy shows and movies, and the ability to watch movies included in Xfinity Rewards,” said Vito Forlenza, Vice President, Entertainment Apps, Comcast Cable.