Broadband

[Mr Silver]

I've begun the process of switching my Broadband provider recently. My main reason for doing so is saving money and also getting a package that includes no usage charges (essentially unlimited browsing, downloads, etc)

In the UK most Broadband providers have a knack of stacking all these bonuses on top of your basic Broadband, in some cases you end up having to get Sky or Cable television, a Landline with various Free Calls, Features, etc and then finally Broadband

Now I mainly use the Internet for three things,

1.) Keeping in touch with people, via Facebook, IM, etc
2.) Sharing information, including posting on Message Boards, Networking with people, etc
3.) Learning and Education

So, for things like this, one would assume that I shouldn't be too worried about Usage Charges? Incorrect, like many people I enjoy browsing Youtube, watching On Demand TV and downloading software that interests me. In the UK the average download limit is 20gb per month. Now say you were to watch a few videos on Youtube every day, Download some software a couple of times a week and watch On Demand TV around 3 times a week, your looking at double your usage, before taking into consideration just good old browsing, therefore for me, unlimited browsing/downloads is the best idea (although Fair Usage applies, i'm sure I can work with limiting my Internet Usage in the daytime)

So, Would anyone care to share their experiences with being a Broadband Subscriber and in particular to the Hardcore Online gamers and Internet Geeks, how do you work with a Download Limit? Do you have some secret Broadband provider that allows you Unlimited access 24/7 with no fair usage?

Thoughts?

 

[Jadzia]

Some providers give a 40gb monthly cap as standard. Would that be enough?

 

[RoJoHen]

I have absolutely no idea what my usage limits are; I just know that I've never crossed them. I regularly watch videos online, and I use my Netflix Instant Streaming nearly every day. For all I know, I don't have any limits.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I've had broadband since '96. My ISP has never had usage limits, thank God.

 

[Switch]

I have a cap. I don't recall what it is though as I've never hit it.

 

[Mr Silver]

I've been thinking about the impracticalities of a capped Broadband service for those who are Hardcore Online gamers

The rate of data transfer for things like Call of Duty and Second Life must be astronomical. Although the player characters data and surroundings are stored via Hard Copy, when online you are also downloading other players surroundings and preferences, etc

 

[Switch]

I've been thinking about the impracticalities of a capped Broadband service for those who are Hardcore Online gamers

The rate of data transfer for things like Call of Duty and Second Life must be astronomical. Although the player characters data and surroundings are stored via Hard Copy, when online you are also downloading other players surroundings and preferences, etc

Not an issue really, unless you're going through a 3G connection or something, in which case your latency is going to blow more than anything else.