Time Warner Cancels Bandwidth Cap Tests

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Bowing to public pressure, internet provider Time Warner has canceled its plans to expand trials of metered internet usage, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The program, which establishes a hard limit for bandwidth usage and charges users if they go over that limit, was set to hit Rochester, N.Y., and Greensboro, N.C. in August, and will expand to San Antonio and Austin, TX in October.

Many were concerned about impact this could have with the growing popularity of digital distribution and internet streaming technology in games and game-related services.

However, a trial in Beaumont, TX, underway since last year, will continue, with the company claiming that only 16% of users in Beaumont were affected by the caps.

Furthermore, the company will still pursue the concept, which it argues is vital because "Internet demand is rising at a rate that could outpace capacity within a few years."

"While we continue to believe that consumption-based billing may be the best pricing plan for consumers, we want to do everything we can to inform our customers of our plans and have the benefit of their views," said Time Warner executive Glenn Britt.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    April 16, 2009 2:35 PM

    If only 16 % of people are affected by the caps, where is the point? (If they claim that that isnt much, there is no need to cap 84% of the people, is there?)

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      April 16, 2009 2:50 PM

      Planning for the future when features like Netflix, Hulu, and unforeseen internet media delivery systems are easily integrated into people's home entertainment setup. Those 84% aren't breaking their caps YET, but as time and technology march on, a greater amount of them will.

      • reply
        April 16, 2009 3:08 PM

        Yes, and that will make them look for something else I guess. Because if 84% of people can't use their stuff anymore, I think they will search for a new provider.

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          April 16, 2009 3:33 PM

          A sound plan, unless you are one of the many who only have one broadband option in your area. Last I checked, leased lines are somewhat cost prohibitive still for many.

    • reply
      April 16, 2009 3:40 PM

      Beaumont is a shithole and hardly representative of a major town. They did that on purpose.

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