Beware excess download penalties this Christmas

Wednesday, 22 December 2010 12:47 PM

With over a third of Brits planning to increase their online TV viewing over Christmas, experts are warning consumers to be vigilant about excess download penalties.

A survey for Broadbandchoices.co.uk found almost a fifth of Brits have no idea what their broadband download limit is, while a further 28% did not know how much they actually downloaded each month.

These customers face a real risk of incurring "excess download" penalty charges from their broadband provider for breaching their agreed usage allowance. 

In addition, a massive 39% admitted to never checking their monthly bill for these excess usage fines.

"Download penalties are an entirely avoidable expense and they can really add up," said Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk.

"It is crucial to check and understand the small print as once customers have breached their usage terms they will not be able to plead ignorance to avoid the financial consequences.”

Broadbandchoices.co.uk have the following top tips for online TV downloading this Christmas.

  • Pick the right broadband provider - both Sky ‘Broadband Unlimited' and Virgin Media Broadband XXL have unlimited downloads with no fair usage policies attached.
  • Download at night - broadband users who download at night - usually from midnight onwards - should find their music and movie files download a lot quicker.
  • Track your usage - If you have a set download limit, or you're concerned about exceeding your fair usage allowance, install a free Broadband Download Monitor, available online at www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/broadband-download-monitor.html.
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