Consumers warned about live streaming costs

When the BBC announced last week that they would begin live streaming of BBC One and BBC Two programming, it seemed like a great idea for some users who travelled around a lot, or even do not have a TV, as they will be able to tune in and watch the BBC channels without the need for downloading individual programmes.

However, there are some warnings around that broadband customers can quite easily get into trouble with their internet service providers because of the amount they are using.

Most customers will find that their ISP has some sort of data usage limit, even those who publicise “Unlimited” have fair usage policy, but if a lot of their customers begin watching live TV broadcasting there is no doubt that the ISPs will not tolerate that and make changes to their terms and conditions.

The customers would then find themselves either being charged every time that they go over their limits, or risk being asked to find another ISP.