Broadband News

TV downloads criticised

(31-07-07) - New TV download services could eat away at download limits and leave users struggling with slow connections experts have warned.

Analysts at Jupiter Research said that the new breed of free catch-up services like the BBC’s iPlayer - launched last week - Channel 4’s 4oD and Sky Anytime continue to run after they have been closed, slowing down internet speeds and using up download allowances.

Mark Mulligan, Vice President & Research Director at Jupiter Research warned that because the programmes use the same legal peer-to-peer software Kontiki, which downloads and uploads data in the background, they will continue to run even if they have been closed and system trays are clear.

Fellow analyst Ian Fogg said: “Many will notice that their internet connections may be running slower, but will not necessarily know why,” and added that users on capped broadband packages could also face financial penalties if they go over their usage limits.

All three programmes rely on a “background download” system to deliver content so that users can continue to do other things at the same time. However, Jupiter Research called on the broadcasters to offer the option of turning the software off completely - in the same way that Skype and Joost users can. Mr Fogg said: “The good thing is that this is a very easy fix.”

Chris Eagle, BroadbandChoices.co.uk commercial manager, warned that as these services become increasingly popular, users will face ever slower broadband connections unless broadcasters change the way their programmes run.

“Broadcasters need to make a concerted effort to inform users that their programmes will continue to run in the background so that customers can make an educated decision as to whether or not they want this service,” he said.

“Someone wanting to watch catch-ups from all three of these broadcasters will have a huge amount of unseen data coming and going on their line. Unless broadcasters allow them to turn these programmes off completely, connections will slow down, usage limits will be exceeded and customers will start to complain.

“Customers wanting to use these services can use our free Broadband Download Monitor to see how it’s affecting their usage,” he added.

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