Comcast, AWS Business Partner Around Amazon Chime Conferencing

Comcast Business is making it easier for companies to access the AWS video conferencing and collaboration platform.

Customers can add Amazon Chime to their Comcast bill. The cable company is also offering a free trial of Amazon Chime for U.S. businesses through Oct. 31. Comcast Business executives say they are simplifying the process for their customers by directly offering the AWS communications solution.

Comcast confirmed that channel partners can offer these services to their customers.

John Guillaume, Comcast Business’ chief design officer, said many businesses need enterprise-grade communication services as they continue to work outside their office.

Comcast Business’ John Guillaume

“By offering Amazon Chime directly through Comcast Business, and extending a free trial of Amazon Chime Pro, we’re making it easier for businesses to stay connected and collaborate while their employees work remotely,” Guillaume said. “Comcast Business is dedicated to providing the technology, tools and resources needed to help businesses not just bounce back — but bounce forward. Our collaboration with AWS further illustrates this deep commitment.”

Participating customers don’t need to own an AWS account or subscribe to Comcast Business. They’ll need to sign up with an email and password, according to Sid Rao, AWS’ general manager for Amazon Chime.

Why AWS Picked Comcast

Amazon launched Chime in 2017 and initially partnered with Vonage and Level 3 Communications, which added Chime to their communications portfolios. Rao said Chime’s features appeal to all business sizes; however, the Comcast partnership represents an opportunity to attract smaller businesses.

Amazon Web Services’ Sid Rao

“At AWS, we want everyone to have access to Amazon Chime and we recognize that for some of our small and medium-sized business customers, working through an existing communications provider like Comcast Business can be an easy way for them to begin using Amazon Chime,” Rao said.

Chime features voice, video and chat capabilities and comes in three service plans. Rao wrote in a blog that Comcast Business will charge $10 per month for unlimited meetings after the Amazon Chime Pro free trial ends.

Tuesday’s announcement expands the companies’ existing partnership. Comcast recognizes AWS as its preferred public cloud provider.

Comcast Business in June unveiled a residential-based connectivity solution designed to help remote employees work from home more effectively. Earlier in the year the organization made multiple third-party tools available to add customers during the pandemic.