• Broadband users need to be aware of their download limits and fair usage policies before streaming live TV programmes
• BroadbandChoices.co.uk offers its top downloading tips for consumers thinking of using this service
Michael Phillips, Product Director, BroadbandChoices.co.uk commented:
“This new service from the BBC is a positive step forward and allows broadband users to take advantage of exciting new applications and new content. We are concerned however that the wider public may not be sufficiently aware of the broadband usage caps and fair usage policies they may fall foul of when using this new service.
“The BBC iPlayer successfully opened up the downloading of high quality video programmes from a dedicated minority to the general public and this new service takes things one step further with high quality video streaming. As a public service broadcaster they have a responsibility to clearly inform users of the potential impact to their broadband service and punitive charges they might incur through accessing high quantities of this content.
“A live streaming service of this kind will certainly test consumers’ broadband packages due to the high speed connection and substantial download limits that it will demand. It’s important that consumers know what their monthly download limit is so we would recommend using our free Broadband Download Monitor to track downloads and alert them as they reach their limit.”
Best broadband packages for speed – Be There and Virgin Media offer packages with fast headline download rates.
Best broadband packages for download limits – O2 and Be There both have generous fair usage policies compared with other ISPs. Also, Sky’s top package is currently the only service to offer truly unlimited downloads without any caveats.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk 5 top tips for downloading:
• Download at night – If you don’t have to watch the programmes live we would recommend using the iPlayer to download the content overnight when download usage is unmetered or usage caps are often less restrictive.
• Pick the right ISP – If you think you will be a regular user of video streaming applications it is worth comparing faster packages with larger download limits. Our guide looks at the most suitable packages on the market .
• Track your usage – Be aware of your monthly download limit. Install a download monitor (Broadband Download Monitor) and set it to alert you as you reach your limit, before you incur any penalties.
• Boost your speed – If you don’t want to switch providers, there are still a number of tricks you can try to boost your speed. Our guide to speeding up your broadband connection should help you get the most from your current package.
• Be aware of the cost – Technically, this new BBC streaming service is only available to licencse fee payers. As a licencse fee payer, it is important to minimise any additional costs (for example, fair usage penalties) otherwise consumers will effectively be “paying twice” for watching the programmes online.
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BroadbandChoices.co.uk comments on the new BBC streaming service
December 1st, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press ReleasesPARENTS FAILING TO MONITOR CHILDREN’S INTERNET ACTIVITY
October 4th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Press Releases
· 84% of parents rely on verbal agreements to ensure their children ‘surf safely’
· 45% of children use chatrooms to make new friends
· 40% use facebook and myspace
· 48% regularly use downloads
The summer holidays are in full swing as millions of children across the UK have broken up from school. More time at home means more time spent on facebook, chatting to friends online and downloading music – but are parents actually monitoring what their children are doing online?
According to a survey* from BroadbandChoices.co.uk, the answer is a resounding “No.” The research found that 84% of parents across the UK said they rate verbal agreement with their children as their number one way of monitoring online activity. The poll also asked children aged 11-16 what they spent the most time doing online during the school holidays which revealed that 48% download music, 45% use chat rooms to make new friends online and 40% use social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.
These results have child safety implications as well as legal and financial ones. They are particularly significant in light of the government’s announcement that parents are to be punished if their child downloads music and films illegally. Households can be blacklisted and have their internet access curbed or suspended if they do not follow the rules, meaning parents will be forced to take stronger measures to supervise their child’s online activity.
Michael Phillips, Product Director, BroadbandChoices.co.uk, said:
“We were surprised to learn that such a high proportion of parents heavily rely on verbal agreements to ensure their children’s online activities are safe and legal. Children are often more tech-savvy than their parents and the click of a mouse can take them anywhere. This research highlights the need for parents to be aware of the simple checks they can put in place to safeguard children who are increasingly using the internet to build new relationships.
“As well as the possible safety issues, there are financial implications to your child’s internet activities. With 48% downloading music online it would be easy to exceed your broadband fair usage limit leaving unsuspecting parents out of pocket at the end of the month.”
BroadbandChoices.co.uk recommends the following steps to help busy parents effectively monitor their child’s online activity:
1. Parental control software: If Some ISPs like AOL and BT offer parental controls
as part of their service, while other users can get them with their antivirus and
security suites. Parental controls allow you to block certain sites and keywords,
apply different settings for different age groups and monitor your child’s online
activity. You can also use the Messenger Plus! program to keep a log of
conversations they might be having using Instant Messenger.
2. Education: If Completely banning older children from the Internet is unlikely to stop
them from using chatrooms and social networking sites, so instead, explain why
they need to be careful on the Internet and make sure they know never to give
out personal information or meet strangers without an adult around.
3. All on one PC: If Keeping the family computer in the living room is a great way of
ensuring that your children stay safe online. They’re far less likely to spend time
in chatrooms or downloading illegally if their parents are in the same room. Also,
make sure that you’re set as the administrator on any PC in the home, so that
only you can change the settings on your parental control software.
4. Antivirus and firewall software: If Using security software to protect your PC will
also protect your child from spam emails with inappropriate content, and phishing
emails where they could give out personal information including bank details.
5. Monitor downloads: If you’re concerned about the affect your children’s
downloading is having on your monthly usage allowance, use a Download
Monitor such as ours to keep an eye on downloads and set alarms to alert you
when you near your limit.
BroadbandChoices.co.uk’s download monitor can be accessed at
http://www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/broadband-download-monitor.html
Broadband choices is a comparison website that enables visitors to compare broadband packages, and keeps readers up to date with the latest broadband news.
Tags: broadband comparison, compare broadband, download monitor