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.
