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Watch your limits for live streaming
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BBC’s live streaming: don't get caught by broadband charges
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Seamour Rathore Seamour.Rathore@consumerchoices.co.uk
A high-speed internet connection and hefty download limit are needed to watch live streaming without incurring penalties, consumers warned.
The BBC starts live streaming of BBC1 and BBC2 today, but consumers are being urged to check their internet contract, to make sure they will not be in breach of fair usage policies laid down by their providers.
Live streaming demands high speed broadband connections and substantial download limits, which not everyone will have.
Michael Phillips, product director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk said: “The BBC, as a public service broadcaster, has a responsibility to educate users about the impact of watching live streaming. It has the potential to impact viewers’ broadband service and they might incur punitive charges through accessing high quantities of this content.”
Live streaming - Top broadband tips:
- If you don’t have to watch the programmes live then use the iPlayer to download the content overnight when usage is unmetered or caps are often less stringent
- Check the details of your existing package and if you think you will be a regular user of video downloading or streaming applications then compare faster packages with larger download limits. Our downloading guide looks at the most suitable packages on the market
- Monitor how much you download each month. Install a Broadband Download Monitor and set it to alert you as you reach your limit.
Michael Phillips added: “In terms of speed, Be There and Virgin Media offer packages with fast headline download rates.”
“In terms of download limits, O2 and Be There have fair usage policies that are more accommodating than most other ISPs. Anecdotally, they have never enforced restrictions to any customers for legitimate use. Sky has a top package that is currently the only service to offer truly unlimited downloads without any caveats.”
Find the best broadband at BroadbandChoices.co.uk
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