Posted on 06/04/2008 4:34:45 PM PDT by LibWhacker
Some Comcast customers who actively download software and video files may soon find one set of unexplained delays replaced with a different sort of equally cryptic slowdowns.
Comcast is starting to test new approaches to protecting its network from what it describes as congestion caused by a handful of customers who use far far more bandwidth than everyone else. Until now, Comcast has been using devices that interfered with the BitTorrent protocolthe most common method for downloading large files from computers of other users. BitTorrent is often used by people exchanging pornography and illegal copies of movies, but creators of video and software also choose to use BitTorrent as an inexpensive way to distribute their creations.
It will test new devices that will keep track of Comcast users and assemble a blacklist of heavy users. Those on the blacklist will find that all of their online activities may slow down at peak times: from downloading movies to checking e-mail.
For now, these restrictions are just as mysterious as the secret blocking of BitTorrent. Charlie Douglas, a Comcast spokesman, said the company would not disclose what sort of usage it takes to get on the black list, how long someone stays on it and if there is any way to get off. Most significantly, Comcast wont even tell users if they are on the black list.
(Excerpt) Read more at bits.blogs.nytimes.com ...
This sort of practice is common with every company out there selling any unlimited product or service. They always have some fine print and wind up ratcheting back service or canceling accounts.
I would think this would be some sort of false advertising issue.
bingo.... a sentiment held by many others
I’d dump their ass too. This angers me on general principles.
I’ll bet they have lots of customers who don’t use nearly as much as they are alloted. You don’t hear them handing back cash to those folks do ya.
They should just charge more, and keep the customers.
Otherwise, they can go to a commercial line with guaranteed throughput. Fractional T1 is getting very cheap.
Excellent point.
I have Comcast internet, only because I was forced to give up RoadRunner when Comcast took over here.
For now, they are the only game in town for cable internet service here. Their service has been fine so far, but I don't download torrents or huge video files very much.
I don’t have a choice if I want cable internet, it’s Comcast or nothing. I don’t pay as much as you do though. I pay $96 per month for internet and cable tv. The internet is unlimited and it costs about $40 of the total.
I had DSL at one time - hated it. Besides, I can’t get it any more since I don’t have a land line phone. Well, I still could but it would cost a bundle.
I’m thinking of Direct tv. Can I get high speed internet with that?
If you’re like me, it’s mostly text. I download programs from time to time, but that’s exactly why I have a cable modem. What would be the point if I didn’t have a heavy load from time to time?
Sounds like some real braintrusts over at Comcast. Makes you wonder if the execs even know what the internet is all about.
“Well sure we gave you the high-speed line, but we expected you to keep your traffic down to the 1970s level Compuserve. What’s the deal?”
Easy. Charge for usage. Why should a small user subsidize a big user?
I pay less than $70 a month to Comcast for internet and cable. It’s my work location (self-employed) so I only get low-tier basic cable which doesn’t include such things as Fox News. The internet speed is quite fast, about 5 Mbps.
Sat Internet is considerably slower than DSL or cable. Considerability more expensive also.
Full T1 is what, 1.5Mbit? That’s not even close to the downstream speed on your average cable modem.
A commercial line with comparable throughput is unaffordable for personal use.
For my $96 I do get Fox news and internet but not any of the premium channels such as HBO. I get dozens of channels that are of no interest to me at all.
All I ever watch is Fox, Discovery, History and sometimes a movie on one of the network channels.
Verizon will be available to me within the next month or two.Some of the wiring is already done and the rest,I’m told,will be done soon.As soon as it’s available,Comcast can kiss my hindquarters goodbye.
“Fractional T1 is getting very cheap.”
uhhhh ok, I have Verizon FIOS (fiber) business class. 20MB dedicated. At least thats what they tell me. The servers you use to test speed generally aren’t fast enough to really show you how fast it is.
And gloves are often used by criminals, as are cars and, for that matter, lawn mowers and can openers. Once again, the NYT editorializes in what is supposed to be a news item.
Do You Like it?
I’ve switched from cable internet to hi-speed DSL (ATT) for only $19.99 unlimited downloads. Unlike TW, who obviously “tinker” with my downloads (I download “more than others’), I switched to ATT at a very low price and never looked back.
Comcast NOT telling you that you’re not on their “black list”?
That’s why we live in a free market economy, you don’t like someone’s business? Go to someone else?
I feel for those who don;t have options in areas where there’s not any competition for your $$.
Don’t know who was your provider for DSL but it might be worth a shot to try again or try another provider. I got AT&T and I love it. Way better than cable was. That was a nightmare. But if I was to move I would try cable again since my sister across town has it and it is really good.
I dumped Comcast internet when it performed worse than 1200 baud dial up. Very happy with Verizon FIOS.
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