Judge Approves $117.5 Million Settlement in ‘Complex’ Comcast Data Breach Case

Comcast reached a $117.5M settlement for a 2023 data breach affecting 31.5M people. A judge approved the settlement but reduced attorney fees from $39M to $31.7M. The judge noted this is among the largest data breach settlements in U.S. history, with the recovery attributed to class counsel's efforts. Comcast maintains it handled the incident appropriately.

Comcast (CMCSA) lost 167,000 U.S. broadband customers in Q2 2026, with revenue down 5.5% YoY, due to competition and price hikes. To retain customers, it launched Xfinity Shield, a cybersecurity and home monitoring service with free and $15/month tiers. Comcast also settled a $117.5M lawsuit over a 2023 data breach. The move comes amid rising cybersecurity threats and increasing demand for AI-powered security.

Comcast will split into two public companies: Comcast Corp. and NBCUniversal. Comcast will focus on broadband and entertainment services, while NBCUniversal will operate as a global media company. The split is expected to complete within a year, with Brian Roberts leading Comcast and Mike Cavanagh heading NBCUniversal.

Peacock, Comcast’s streaming service, will raise subscription prices for new and returning users starting Tuesday, with existing subscribers’ rates changing on the next billing date on or after Sept. 17. Monthly prices rise to $12.99 (Premium), $19.99 (Premium Plus), and $8.99 (Select). Comcast said Peacock’s first profitable quarter produced $189M profit on $1.9B revenue and added 2M paid subscribers to 48M.

California’s CPUC approved the $34.5 billion Charter Communications and Cox Communications merger, with conditions tied to settlement agreements and customer protections. The FCC approved in February. The deal could close next week, creating a company with about 70 million premises and 37 million customers. Analysts estimate Cox will be 18% of revenue and 19% of EBITDA before synergies.

Comcast said June 29, 2026 it will split into two separate publicly traded companies, separating its connectivity business from NBCUniversal and Sky media assets. The plan is expected to take about a year, targeting mid-2027, and is structured as a tax-free spinoff. Comcast’s shares rose about 20% on the news.