Comcast and Fastly today announced a next-generation content and application delivery partnership that pushes live streaming content closer to the edge of the network, helping power faster, lower-latency experiences for millions of Xfinity members. By integrating Fastly's software into Comcast's nationwide network, content can be delivered from locations closer to customers' homes, reducing lag and improving video quality even when millions of people are watching at the same time. Bringing computing power and content close to customers can also improve performance for other latency-sensitive applications, from online gaming to emerging AI services such as AI inference.
Comcast and Fastly partner for next-generation content delivery
Embeds Fastly's programmable edge software into Comcast's edge compute platform
Comcast network has 200+ AI-powered, data-processing edge compute centers
Enables ultra-low latency and expanded capacity for live streaming events
Initial results show substantial gains in data delivery and latency reduction
Platform can support gaming, AI applications, and working from home
The deployment creates an industry-first hyper-local, highly intelligent service layer across Comcast's network by embedding Fastly's programmable edge software into Comcast's edge compute platform. By bringing content and programmable services closer to millions of Xfinity customers, this platform is uniquely designed to handle massive live streaming traffic, real-time security, edge compute, and AI services.
"The stakes will never be higher than during this upcoming fall football season, when a single streaming game can drive record network traffic," said Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer, Comcast. "Delivering these moments flawlessly, and at increasing frequency and scale, demands that content providers, edge platforms, and network operators collaborate on future-ready innovation. We've built intelligence and computing power deep within our network, and by integrating Fastly into that architecture, we're establishing a new approach for the industry to deliver the biggest moments in streaming with speed, reliability, and quality like never before."
Comcast's network is equipped with more than 200 AI-powered, data-processing edge compute centers distributed across the country and located close to customers. By bringing Fastly's technology into each of these locations, Comcast can store and deliver content much closer to the customer instead of requiring it to travel from distant data centers.
This architecture becomes especially important during massive live events when millions of people are watching and requesting streaming content at the same time. The solution allows for traffic volume and network capacity to be actively managed in real time, so that every viewer's experience is optimized for overall performance. Initial results have demonstrated substantial gains in data delivery and significant reductions in round-trip latency compared to traditional content delivery mechanisms.
Peak Live Performance: Enables ultra-low latency and expanded capacity to deliver even the most data-intensive streams, like 4K, with minimal lag during peak demand events.
Greater Reliability and Resilience: Reduces dependence on a small number of centralized locations or network paths, mitigating the impact of unforeseen network events and keeping streaming experiences consistent during major traffic surges.
Built for What's Next: The same platform can ultimately support other demanding experiences, including gaming, AI applications, working from home, and more.
The Fastly integration extends Comcast's intelligent, data-driven network into a programmable service layer running on virtual cable modem termination systems to optimize, protect, and process traffic in real time. As AI agents, applications, APIs and connected devices drive higher traffic demands, making instant decisions closer to users improves performance, security, and network efficiency. This software foundation powers high-scale live streaming while delivering real-time security, edge compute, and AI services on a single platform.
"Comcast has built one of the country's most advanced access networks, and this deployment showcases the impact our integrated architecture makes possible. Extending Fastly's platform into Comcast's network brings more local performance and real-time traffic management to streaming, compute, and security applications, while infusing intelligence into the network layer to protect, optimize, and scale in the AI era," said Kip Compton, Chief Executive Officer at Fastly.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.
About Fastly, Inc.
Fastly's powerful and programmable edge cloud platform helps the world's top brands deliver online experiences that are fast, safe, and engaging through edge compute, delivery, security, and observability offerings that improve site performance, enhance security, and empower innovation at a global scale. Compared to other providers, Fastly's powerful, high-performance, and modern platform architecture empowers developers to deliver secure websites and apps with rapid time-to-market and demonstrated, industry-leading cost savings. Organizations around the world trust Fastly to help them upgrade the internet experience, including Reddit, Universal Music Group, and SeatGeek.
