AT&T Considering Limiting Web Users

The largest Internet service provide in the US, AT&T Inc., is considering limiting the amount of data that subscribers can use every month.

The first test will take place in Reno, Nevada and expand from there.

An inreasing number of Internet providers are placing the limits on monthly data usage, both uploads and downloads. This is done in order to limit the number of “bandwidth hogs” who use a high amount of network capacity. As an example, 5% of AT&T users utilize 50% of the capacity.

The companies are still uncertain what should be the limit set and whether charging users for extra usage will be effective.

Starting this month, AT&T will allow downloads of maximum 20 gigabytes per month for the slowest DSL subscribers and going up to 150 gigabytes per month for the 10 Mbps subscription level.

The way to reach these limits would require using streaming video services such as Netflix. Customers will be able to track their bandwidth usage on the AT&T Website. The company will also contact people who reach 80% of their limit. After a grace period, which would get subscribers used to the nw rules, those who exceed their limit will pay $1 per gigabyte.

Comcast, AT&T’s competitor, doesn’t charge people extra for going above their limit, but will cancel service after repeated warnings. Verizon on the other hand said that it isn’t planning to limit Internet usage.