I have xfinity here at the house and a few years back my year old high dollar router just stopped. I called xfinity and they said it was no longer supported but I could get their new one that supported even faster speeds, etc, etc. No mention at that time that they planned the guest wifi program. That came a year later and for a month or so, my wifi went wonky every time they turned on the guest side. No issues since.
I have seen a few folks sitting out front on their laptops but not regular. We are pretty far back in the neighbor hood and see little traffic. My phone beeps every time we pass one but there is a app that will show you where they are so you can go to them. The phone also signs into them automatically so it saves on mobile data.
As a non xfinity customer, you can connect, sign up and get a free hour a month I think. You can also buy more time but you'll have to look into what that means.