A recent survey has shown that only 22% of broadband providers actually advertise the true limits of the usage of their package. Despite claims of ‘unlimited’ bandwidth and downloads, customers are still finding their usage capped. Figures released also showed that 56% of those advertising unlimited packages actually capped customer’s usage, even cutting some off if they used it to the excess.
For many households broadband has become a necessity. Just as we need Electricity, Gas & Water, many users rely upon the internet to go about their every day life. Products like this need to be more transparent in order to give the customer a much clearer view of what they’re purchasing and the limits that will be in place.
However broadband providers could argue that people exceeding the usage is minimal, as limits are often set at 40 times the average download usage per customer. In fact research conducted by Internet Service provider TalkTalk, showed less than half its customers used less than 1GB which is only the equivalent of downloading 2 films a month. Also research has shown only 1 in 4 read the terms and conditions outline the allowed usage.
With the growth of sites like 4ondemand and the BBC and ITV iplayers, download demand is expected to increase significantly. With the increase in demand, providers are likely to offer an extended service but like everything, it will come at an added cost. Some, like Virgin already offer the service although when traffic is heavy the usage is shaped and will be significantly slower at busier times of day.
For many households broadband has become a necessity. Just as we need Electricity, Gas & Water, many users rely upon the internet to go about their every day life. Products like this need to be more transparent in order to give the customer a much clearer view of what they’re purchasing and the limits that will be in place.
However broadband providers could argue that people exceeding the usage is minimal, as limits are often set at 40 times the average download usage per customer. In fact research conducted by Internet Service provider TalkTalk, showed less than half its customers used less than 1GB which is only the equivalent of downloading 2 films a month. Also research has shown only 1 in 4 read the terms and conditions outline the allowed usage.
With the growth of sites like 4ondemand and the BBC and ITV iplayers, download demand is expected to increase significantly. With the increase in demand, providers are likely to offer an extended service but like everything, it will come at an added cost. Some, like Virgin already offer the service although when traffic is heavy the usage is shaped and will be significantly slower at busier times of day.
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