I feel sorry for Texans.

[crenn]

http://www.dailytech.com/Time+Warner+Starts+Metered+Internet+Service+Test+i n+Texas/article11965.htm

Then again, as a few comments pointed out, Australians are used to it, and we get charge around 15c per MB over the limit (if your plan doesn't cap). Hell, I'd love Telstra if they made it so it was $5 per GB.

[luciusad2004]

Sounds like a giant step backwards for the internet. I would like to know how this affects gamers. How much bandwidth could a hardcore gamer use up in a month? Assuming they play at least several hours a day.

Downloading and streaming media is what the internet is going to be used for more and more often as we move towards the future. These companies are going to destroy that. I don't believe it when they say only 5% use half of all bandwidth.

I also would hate to be a Linux user in Texas. I imagine you could use up alot of that bandwidth downloading the latest distros and software.

[nevermind1534]

That may have been somewhat true at one point in time. After one ISP said that, they all started saying it. And now, with youtube, and ABC and NBC offering the shows online, the average person uses more than ever.

[Quakken]

The cable companies should man up and improve their networks instead of shanking their customers.

[nevermind1534]

Everything's about making more money.

[luciusad2004]

Step one: Bandwidth caps
Step two: Create "Preferred Services"
Step three: Bandwidth forgiven for use of "preferred services".
Step four: ???
Step five: Profit

[Grim_killer]

I didn't know what was just Texas. We had Time Warner then we moved where they don't have it. And the company that we get the internet now already caps and trust me, its easy to go over that dumb ass cap crap.

[Eclecticos]

Do they offer a way to track your internet usage? If not I'd start a class action lawsuit.

[crenn]

Ah... the cries of unfair.... now you know how us Aussies feel :P

[luciusad2004]

Do they offer a way to track your internet usage? If not I'd start a class action lawsuit.

I think this is an excellent point, Most people don't realize how much bandwidth it takes to load up a page. I know i sure as hell don't. How much did you waste when u watched that youtube video that your friend told u was "awesome" right b4 he rickrolled you? I bet that will make that rick roll feel twice as bad when u get an email five minutes later saying u went over your bandwidth cap for watching it. How much am i using just by making this post? I sure don't know.

[crenn]

Normal browsing doesn't use too much (it will use more with pictures). And an average youtube clip is around 16MB.

[Grim_killer]

Well for ours there is a web site that shows your usage but that chart is so wacked out that its hard to read the damn thing.

[Luke122]

Hmm.. I might be part of the 5%.. 750gb last month, almsot the same so far this month.