How do you feel about Internet service providers trying to slow down the internet?
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Ansible1 (
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September 4th, 2009
Some of the countries largest ISP’s like Verizon, ComCast, and AT&T have filed suit with the FCC to redefine what is ‘broadband’ in hopes to lower the minimum speed for broadband service, possibly as low as .256mbps. Average U.S speeds average at 9.6mbps, and in comparison to countries like Japan (92.8) and Korea (80.8) is relatively low. I understand the larger landmass of the U.S makes it hard to provide those kinds of speeds, but lowering the bar just to say: “Hey look, we gave broadband to everybody! and we’re saving a ton of money!” is complete crap.
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9 Answers
Completely agreed.
My Roadrunner service from TWC stopped a few days ago, and after replacing the cable modem, the speed is crap. Yeah, I’m still getting getting somewhere around .700mpbs, but I’m literally waiting 10 seconds or longer for my clicks on a link to register. It’s like it can’t accelerate as quickly any longer…
It would suck big time if they succeed, but then I don’t use Comcast, Verizon or AT&T.
Huh, that doesn’t sound right.
Okay, first let me say that I work for AT&T on the digital equipment that provides DSL.
When you say: ” the larger landmass of the U.S makes it hard to provide those kinds of speeds, ” you are absolutely correct. The population density in Japan is 870 people per square mile. South Korea is 1260. The United States is 80.
It is easier to supply an area with lots of people with DSL, since the DSL signal is only good for 16,000 feet from it’s source, getting weaker as you go further away, of course. The signal from our Uverse (cable TV) cabinets is only 3000 feet.
I don’t like the idea that they are changing the definition of Broadband, but that won’t change the reality of what people can recieve. It’s semantics.
But if you are getting anywhere close to 9 meg, you have enough for broadcast quality movies, so how much more do you need?
That’s why it pays to pay attention to the speed they’re offering, whether they call it “Broadband,” “DSL,” or “Potatoes.” The informed consumer is the wise consumer.
My provider offers even faster service and they advertise it as being free, but I wonder why it isn’t automatic? I guess it’s free for those who sign up for it, but I bet there is some type of hidden charge. It seems like there’s always a hidden charge!
Slowing transfer speeds is never a good thing, but I’m jealous of you guys. Here in Australia 256k is broadband, albeit outdated broadband. ADSL2+ is only just becoming common. My cable internet usually runs at about 0.8–1Mbps, but the new plan I’m switching to will give 6.6Mbps.
I suppose it wouldn’t be nice of me to tout how I’m living in the densely-populated Netherlands and how I have a fibre-glass network under my home? ;-)
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