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BT system recording incorrect broadband usage - is this possible?

I have a BT Business Total Broadband account that limits usage to 10 GB per month. I have run this account for over 6 years. I still manage to operate this account close to the maximum limit, and on a few occasions, I have needed to run over the 10 GB limit. I get a warning via email when I exceed the 80% usage limit and I have noticed that there appears to be a delay of sometimes up to two days before I receive this email. I also get another email when I finally run over the limit.

This month, I received this email on the 11th day of the month. This means my usage is 3 times the normal usage rate, and I don’t believe this is correct. I contacted BT support, reported a suspected usage fault, had the line checked, and asked them to check my usage stat’s. Then, two days later another email arrives from BT informing me I’m over the limit. Now this means I’ve consumed 2 GB usage in two days - which I am sure is not correct.

As a user, I am reasonably computer literate. My system currently comprises of single ADSL router connected to a laptop computer permanently located in a restricted area. I run McAfee virus protection and monitor general levels of network traffic and I do not run an online backup service or any peer-to-peer service. I am the sole user, my internet usage profile and activities have not really changed significantly over the last three months. I am also confident that no other user is able access this system through the router.

I have contacted the Ombudsman Services to discuss this issue and seek advice. They advised that I use the BT Complaints procedure, and I have now done this, and I have received a helpful reply offering to provide access to usage statistics for the period in question.

I am very concerned about this issue, this usage is way above normal and I’ve checked out all possibilities on my side over the system. Can anybody here shed some light on any mischievous acts that could be taking place on their side of the system that could cause this issue. The email alert could be delayed, but this still doesn’t explain the apparent massive increase in usage. Could someone in BT have made a system configuration error that increases the usage on this account? Could there have been a screw up caused by some sort of outage somewhere? Do BT do a regular cross check to ensure that all users are charged correctly for broadband usage?
 
BTs system is screwed and regularly over reads your usage, but to be 300% over is rare.

Check for M$ updates that may have downloaded/installed without you realizing their size - there have been quite a few this month; if you are running Win8 I understand the Win8.1 update runs to nearly your monthly limit.

Also download Malwarebytes and/or Spybot S&D; BT's system records uploads as well as downloads, so it might be a case of your laptop spaffing malware/penis pill stuff all over the internet from a compromised email account.

No single AV program is perfect, so it is best to have layers of defence and "on demand" checkers to back up your primary AV program.
 
Tracking usage is a complicated thing to get right but it helps if you have your own client-side monitor installed to help keep an eye on things, although issues such as compression can sometimes make it difficult to get the figure exactly right.

I think my question would be, why are you on a 10GB package in the first place? How much do you pay for that because I'm sure there would be a better option than BT and which would give you a bigger allowance.
 
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Quick update - after two weeks exposure to some appalling customer service, BT admit to a problem with usage figures for January.
 
Well at least that gives you some peace of mind :). But I'd still be looking for something better than 10GB.
 
Ré 10 GB limit

I noticed 10 GB is the limit quoted in the microscopic print included on BT's latest TV campaign.

I have seen much worse though; I came across an early FTTC package offering a 2 GB limit!!!!
(It does seem to have been removed from the ISP website now though).

That is 6 1/4 hours of use if you could d/l at the full 40Mbps.
 
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