Video is putting ISPs under strain
9th April 2008 by David North
It would seem that the BBC’s iPlayer is putting quite a bit of strain on networks around the country. Now ISPs seem to be trying to pass the cost of needed upgrades onto content providers such as the BBC.
I can’t see the ISP’s case here at all essentially they have fallen behind the new technology appearing - some of which has been around sometime. Certainly the move to video isn’t much of surprise so why haven’t they tried to keep up?
By trying to trying to pass the buck onto content providers means these companies aren’t going to be so willing to innovate new technologies because of the costs that might be passed on which could effectively clip the UK’s ability to keep on the cutting edge.
I understand they are seeing the BBC as a different case because “of the unique way it is funded” but because other content providers are doing similar things such as 4OD I don’t see why the license payer should supplement ISPs and specifically BT’s underinvestment in broadband capability.
It’s all very well that BT is trying to roll out 21st century network but we all know this is going to overrun and have teething problems. Can the UK’s backbone even support this new network? We shall have to see.
I think you’re right. It’s asinine for ISPs to essentially punish people for contributing to the Web, regardless of scale, and the fact that the Beeb is funded differently from any other content provider makes no odds.
ISPs are in enough trouble at the moment - what with essentially lying to customers about what speeds they can expect - so I think they should sort out their own house before complaining because too many people are using their services a) for legal activities and b) within the terms of fair use.
The audacity of the man! can you believe it. We have just had an ‘offline’ discussion about this further in our office and Dave rightly said:
Too right, there is nothing to stop them from doing so, they pride themselves on the fact that they have a flat rate for broadband. Fine, change it and we will all speak with our feet.