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Comcast Caps Internet Use, Says 99% Won't Notice

250 GB-limit intended to improve web quality

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Comcast subscribers will soon have their Internet usage capped, Reuters reports. From Oct. 1, the nation’s largest cable operator will limit monthly residential data use to 250 gigabytes to improve the quality of Internet delivery. The company says up to 99% of its subscribers will be unaffected by the cap—equivalent to 50 million emails or 124 standard-definition movies.

Comcast warns that customers who exceed the limit twice in 6 months could see their service terminated for a year. The initiative comes as web use soars, and Comcast faces investigations for its attempts to curb it. A consumer group conceded that the 250-GB cap was “relatively high,” but added that improved technology could soon render it outdated.

Comcast, the largest US cable operator, said yesterday it will cap customers' Internet usage starting Oct. 1.
Comcast, the largest US cable operator, said yesterday it will cap customers' Internet usage starting Oct. 1.   (AP Photo)
The FCC investigated complaints by consumer groups that Comcast was blocking peer-to-peer applications like BitTorrent and has ordered it to modify its network management.
The FCC investigated complaints by consumer groups that Comcast was blocking peer-to-peer applications like BitTorrent and has ordered it to modify its network management.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Comcast customers who top 250 GB in a month twice in a six-month timeframe could have service terminated for a year.
Comcast customers who top 250 GB in a month twice in a six-month timeframe could have service terminated for a year.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
One consumer group said while Comcast's new 250 GB limit was relatively high, it could eventually ensnare customers as technology progresses.
One consumer group said while Comcast's new 250 GB limit was "relatively high," it could eventually ensnare customers as technology progresses.   (Index Stock)
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Why did Comcast choose 250 GB?
Comcast

Consumers must determine usage levels on their own
CNET

Comcast scrapped plans for an overage fee
Associated Press

Blogger challenges users to bust the cap
GigaOm

 
Internet • Comcast • FCC • broadband Internet • Time Warner Cable • peer-to-peer

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