We investigate the common misconceptions surrounding unmetered use

Note that because one user may surf for 1 hour a day (variable use) and another could be on for up to 5, providers will always set a maximum usage limit, such as 4 or 5 hours per day (5 * 30 = 150hrs PM). Just because this isn't always shown doesn't mean to say that it's not there because like it or not, every ISP, by design, has to have an economically enforced limit.

Typically this is a very crude example and ports can be cheaper just as they can be more expensive, depending on the system and number ordered (bulk). The ISP also has to cover its networking, additional services and staff costs, all of which help to diminish profit margins.

Note that cut-off times (2 hours etc.) are also introduced to help 'enforce' the economic barriers by pushing people off so others can have a go, although their use is often disputed because it's easy to redial.

Why The Confusion?

Having read the above you should now have a better grasp as to the economic difficulties in running an ISP, yet this still doesn't explain the confusion with 'expected usage'. Why do so many still expect greater than economically realistic hours from a standard unmetered ISP?

Here are several reasons we can think of to help explain the above:

1. Lack of general industry regulation and standards, there's no official guidance.
2. Few ISPs 'clearly' state their service limitations and some won't even tell you they exist!
3. Larger ISPs often get discounts (bulk port orders) unavailable to smaller providers and thus can be slightly cheaper and less restrictive.
4. Some ISPs launch with unrealistically cheap prices and run at a loss until they either close, loose some staff or increase their prices.
5. Customers are far too quick to jump on the most affordable offer, which isn't always the best choice.
6. Several ISPs run their unmetered services at a loss and offset the cost with that of their income from broadband services etc., thus helping to distort the market. Sometimes 'subscriber numbers' matter more than global profit, it's good PR (for the ISP).
   

Those with the ultimate responsibility are of course the ISPs themselves; a respectable provider has a duty to clearly inform its customers of any limitations imposed on their services, anything less is unacceptable.

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