Katy at UBC

So, if you haven’t heard the news about metered Internet use, you should!

Right now, you pay a flat monthly fee for Internet use – This is a fee that doesn’t change no matter how much, or how little you use it. However, the CRTC is making a move to change this. They are proposing that ISPs (Internet Service Providers) put a cap on monthly downloading amounts. This amount could be as low as 25GB per month, and if you go over your monthly limit, you’ll be charged extra per GB you download (from $1-4/GB).

Technically, this would be like cell phone plans – If you don’t go over your limit, you won’t be charged extra.

Why should you care?

1) How many of you watch TV on the internet? “According to Netflix Canada, high-definition streaming requires about 2GB of data/hour, while standard-definition streaming requires 1GB/hour.” (Banerjee 2011)

According to the data above, if you’re over your monthly limit that could mean an extra $2-8/hour for HD, and $1-4/hour for standard definition.

2) Most University students today (myself included) are required to complete readings online, as well as submit assignments, and research for papers. This can be time consuming, (and now, it appears, paycheck consuming.)

If you’re interested in this topic, I’ve included an interesting video and newspaper article below.

Strombo Talks About the Impending Metered Internet

How much is that data plan going to cost you?

Additionally, if you’re against the idea of metered Internet use, please sign the petition.

Thanks,

Katy

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