Comcast has been under fire for limiting peer to peer traffic on their network, so it isn't a surprise that they're trying to find a less offensive way to manage their traffic. Customers who exceed 250GB of bandwidth each month are in violation of service. When a customer goes over the limit, they may (emphasis on "may") receive a phone call from customer service. Go over the limit twice in a six-month timeframe and your service can be terminated for a year.
Here are my problems with this approach:
- A phone call is not enough. Customers should receive emails when they start nearing the limit, and bandwidth usage should be displayed in their Comcast website account and bills.
- New services and technologies are pushing internet usage to all time highs, and this trend isn't going to stop any time soon. Whatever limit seems fair today may seem unfair a year from now.
- Punishing customers with a termination of service is heavy handed. Why not charge extra for going over the 250GB limit? First offense is $25. Second offense within a six-month timeframe is $50.
