The Usage Quagmire
June 19, 2009 at 2:52 pm
ISPreview.co.uk, a self-proclaimed broadband information resource, has revealed that up to a quarter (25.1%) of British broadband users have been warned about excessive usage by their internet service provider (ISP).
Critics are blaming the ISPs. Due to the shared nature of many domestic broadband networks, truly unlimited broadband is a rarity, if it exists at all. ISPs may be encouraging usage violations by continuing to sell “unlimited” broadband packages, even if their own fair usage policies place restrictions on downloads and bandwidth.
Approximately half (41.1%) of all interviewees said that they would seriously consider switching providers if their usage was called into question. A further 45% would seek out a more suitable provider. Only 13% said that they would remain with their current ISP.
ISPreview have perhaps been a little pessimistic. Due to the size of the survey group – a meagre 557 people – the results are unlikely to be representative of UK broadband users as a whole. However, there is an indication that broadband companies are struggling to cope with the popularity of interactive media websites such as the BBCi Player and 4OD, and the Xbox Live gaming platform.
Mark Jackson, news editor for ISPreview, reminds broadband users to be mindful of any hidden limitations imposed by their service provider. Companies such as BT will charge gluttonous users a service fee if they violate the fair usage policy. Tiscali, on the other hand, applies bandwidth restrictions to individuals who download in excess of 100GB per month.
Despite the results of the ISPreview survey, many internet service providers maintain that written warnings and service restrictions are employed to counter extreme usage violations, rather than the occasional over-indulgence.
