Comcast Goes Customer Hostile

Comcast is about to place an absolute cap on Internet traffic for its customers.  Beginning October 1st, residential customers will be limited to 250 gigabytes, even on the unlimited internet plans.  Users will be warned once, if they go over the limit, but will be blocked from the network for an entire year if it happens again.

Comcast Goes Customer Hostile

While they point out that 250 gigs is enough to download 62,500 songs or 125 standard-definition movies, it does not take into account that data needs are growing rapidly.  With new high definition televisions and audio streaming to home stereos, an increasing number of users are set to begin downloading high-definition media.  And as network speeds increase, higher bandwidth streaming of YouTube and internet radio stations will also increase network traffic.

Placing a 250 gig cap today might not seem like a big deal to many users.  But customers could easily exceed that simply by installing an Apple TV and downloading high-definition movies, or by utilizing MobileMe or other web backup services to keep their data secure.  Technology will quickly make Comcast’s attempt to kick high usage customers off their network look short sighted.

Aside from Comcast deciding how many movies you are allowed to watch on your television, they have also made it nearly impossible for their customers to know if or when they have hit the limit.  Comcast offers no tools for a user to track their monthly bandwidth, making this a ridiculous and customer hostile policy.

Comcast was only just sanctioned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for interfering with its customers’ Net traffic speeds by picking and choosing which traffic to let through and which to slow down.

If Comcast isn’t running for worst company of the year, we’ll be happy to nominate them.