Info from the Gadget show...shown 27/10/08 *Unlimited Usage/Download*

[Fr34ky]

Here at The Gadget Show we want your help top try and stop some of the UK’s Internet Service Providers advertising their broadband services as having “unlimited downloads”.

In reality, many have small print explaining that your broadband service is not actually unlimited at all.

Many run what they call ‘fair use policies’. If you download more content than they decide is reasonable, acceptable or ‘fair’, the ISP reserves the right to restrict your downloads, or your connection speed – or in the very worst cases, disconnect you altogether!

We think this is wrong. If they advertise unlimited downloads, then clearly you should get unlimited downloads.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

If you subscribe to an “unlimited” package – and you agree with us – then we’d like you to contact your ISP and make a complaint. Below is a table of all the ISPs that currently offer this kind of package, and how to reach them by telephone, e-mail and snail mail.

We’ve also included a sample e-mail/letter that you could send, also below.

And, if you’ve had your “unlimited” service restricted, suspended or even disconnected because your data usage was deemed excessive, then get in touch. E-mail us at thegadgetshow@five.tv

[Fr34ky]

Write to your ISP

Dear [insert name of your ISP],

I am writing to complain about your use of the term “unlimited” when advertising your uncapped broadband service.

Your terms and conditions warn your customers that you have the right to restrict this uncapped service in some way if the amount of data being downloaded is deemed to be unfair, or excessive.

However, I believe this is wrong. If you are advertising uncapped or “unlimited” downloads then your customers should be getting exactly that – unlimited downloads, without restriction.

I am writing to demand that you remove the policy you have in place restricting the amount of data a customer can download on your uncapped data plan to more accurately reflect what you advertise.

I would appreciate a reply and an explanation of what action you intend to take.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
#) The Gadget Show does not accept responsibility for the content of sites we link to, so please take care when downloading software from third party sites ##) Whilst every effort has been made to include free or local rate alternatives to customer service numbers, remember that network charges may vary.

[Fr34ky]

I watched the show last night and i found this very interesting, hence the reason i have shared it with the rest of the forum.

I am sure it might come of use for someone

[The Dominator]

thanks freaky - a good post!

Its up to the people to complain to KCOM - it has been proven in the past that the readers of this site can make their voices heard.  Please, take this pro-former, fill it in and send it to KCOM. 
It will take a few mins of your life but it will put more pressure on them to stop taking the pi** out of their customers.

[Awibble]

OfCom won't listen either way, so whats the point?

[Adrian]

This hardly applies to Karoo does it?

The MAX and newer packages have a clearly defined usage allowance in terms of peak and offpeak usage, with the MAX package having unmetered usage between midnight - 6PM and the new Pro package having unmetered usage between midnight - 8AM

Obviously speeds will very depending on contention and the level of traffic shaping, but actual usage allowance is unmetered.

The legacy packages continue to be unlimited in terms of usage allowance...

People having problems during peak times such as difficulty streaming video, latency issues or browsing problems should inform the helpdesk so that they are aware of the issues...

 

[mrX]

Agreed, I watched this last night, Karoo were always clear that Max packages have a FUP, it was never hidden in any small print. And the current packages have clear usage limits defined. To be fair the peak time speeds you get on the Max packages its probably near impossible to go over the FUP quota anyway.