Yeah, hit the MMOs where it hurts.

In a move we've all dreaded, internet providers Time Warner and AT&T Broadband have announced that they plan to meter internet usage of their customers and start charging their high-usage clients on a per-use basis. Apparently, the top 5% of their users use almost half the company's total bandwidth. Comcast is said to be considering a similar plan.

Following Time Warner's announcement that it plans to meter internet usage in North America, telecom corporation AT&T revealed that it is considering a similar plan to charge consumers extra for exceeding internet usage caps.

Company spokesman Michael Coe explained to the Associated Press that the top 5 percent of AT&T's DSL customers consume 46% of its total bandwidth, and overall usage is doubling every year and a half.

"A form of usage-based pricing for those customers who have abnormally high usage patterns is inevitable," Coe said, adding that AT&T has not yet decided on any specific plans or fees for its subscription packages.

I don't see why it's inevitable, aside from them trying to make more money.

For the full story, check here.

Last Updated: Mar 13, 2016

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