Internet Service Providers To Charge Heavy Users More?
By Anna Johnson on June 27th, 2008U.S. based Internet service providers Time Warner Cable, Comcast and AT&T are evidently considering charging Internet users based on how much bandwidth they use, as opposed to charging them flat rates irrespective of usage.
The U.S.’s three biggest I.S.P.s are specifically looking at placing monthly caps on bandwidth and charging users extra fees for any excess bandwidth they use.
While the companies argue that imposing bandwidth limits and charging for excess use will ensure fair access for all Internet users, critics believe such moves will deter Internet usage and slow the impending convergence of television and the Internet.
Funny that people in the U.S. should be so shocked. Here in Australia, charging by the byte for excessive bandwidth usage is the norm.
Source: Brian Stelter, “Charging by the Byte to Curb Internet Traffic”, The New York Times, June 15, 2008
