It's time data caps ended
(This is the last comment piece on a non-gaming application this week. I promise ...)
The launch of Microsoft's Movies on Demand service on the Xbox 360 last year and this week's launch of TVNZ on Demand on the PS3 proves that people want to use their gaming consoles for more than just playing games, but it also highlights the bane of many New Zealand internet users: the data cap.
Services like Movies on Demand and TVNZ on Demand make the most of streaming technology but they use a lot of data, and like it or not, most of us have caps on our broadband plans, and watching lots of TV programmes and movies will use that data up incredibly quickly. If this was a perfect world, we wouldn't have data caps, but most of us do and we have to live with it.
And to those of you who say "Just pay more for unlimited data", I could do that, yes, but I have other bills to pay and money doesn't grow on trees (although my children seem to think it does).
I think services like Movies on Demand and TVNZ on Demand are a great idea, and expand the capabilities of your gaming platform of choice, but if I had to choose between watching TV re-runs or movies instead online gaming, the decision is easy: gaming wins out every time.
I checked out the TVNZ on Demand service on the PS3 last night and although I haven't spend a lot of time with it, I can't actually see myself using the service a great deal. I liked the visual menu system that let you scroll through the various programme options (and noted the tab telling Orcon and Snap customers that using the service won't count against their data limit) but I found watching a TV show rather underwhelming.
I watched an episode of The Big Bang Theory and to save my 20Gb data limit (that doesn't reset until the 18th of this month) selected the standard display option and full screen. After a few minutes the programme started and I have to say I was a little disappointed to see quite a bit of pixellation and fuzziness - it was probably exaggerated by viewing it on a 40-inch TV screen, though. Again, I haven't spend a lot of time using the service so these are just my first impressions.
The point is, though, if two ISPs can make it work that TVNZ on Demand doesn't count against users' data caps, and Telecom can do it for Tivo, then why can't they all do it?
I know it's a small thing, but allowing users to access services such as this without it impacting on their data limit will surely encourage more console users to use the services - and surely that's what the companies behind these initiatives want, isn't it?
Perhaps the launch of these services is the perfect time for ISPs to look at how broadband is handled in New Zealand. I'd be interested to know how many Game Junkie readers are on unlimited data plans and whether you'd rather use it to game than watch movies or TV programmes.
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Damn straight. It's a bit embarrassing when you have to explain to someone from the US what a data cap is - you get this look of pity that makes you feel like you come from the Third World.
It does need "fair use" restrictions though - people who use bandwith for illegal purposes, or who use excessive amounts should be restricted, but if you are just (legally) watching TV or playing online games, you should be able to use as much as you want.
Well supposedly the reason why they charge for data is because Telecom gets charged for data usage themselves. I'm on their big time plan (from go large) and it's a pretty poor plan. Sure I can download what I want but the speed is pretty poor and you can't stream anything other than youtube (maybe tvnz works good) thanks to telecom throttling pretty much everything.
It will only bite them in the ass, I'm thinking of going to Snap even if it will cost me a fair bit more.
Bring on the Sam Morgan (from trademe) deal and the new internet cable as I hear this cable won't have any data limits and will hopefully get rid of all crap data caps that are imposed because of this.
This is one thing I am dreading when we eventually get back to lil' ole NZ, Data caps. I have to say I've become used to the all you can eat intertubes here. Between the amount of TV and movies my wife watches on the computer and my gaming, Data caps will be very..... irksome if not rage inducing.
I hope the limits disappear by the time we finally move back home.
I echo your sentiments 100%, Gerard. It is high time that ISPs stop being so draconian with their data cap policies. I was bitten by this recently, when I overstepped my 20GB limit and was scaled back to a max of 7KB/s, making most websites almost unusable.
Like you, I was completely underwhelmed by the quality of the video and audio on TVNZ on Demand (viewed on a 42" plasma with audio through a 5.1 home theatre). I was also suitably unimpressed with the UI. I doubt I'll be using it much at all.
And don't worry about folks that say "Just pay more for unlimited data". This is one counter argument in these sorts of discussions that really annoys me. It is always easier to spend someone elses money, as no regard has to be given to personal or financial constraints which may prevent this. And in this case it is also missing the point that we are getting totally shafted by our ISPs current data cap policies.
I do have unlimited data, but its a speed "managed" scheme that pretty much prevents you doing anything during normal waking hours. I can barely watch Youtube videos let alone anything more gutsy. The little bit of gaming I do online works just fine though. I used to track the traffic it needed, and it was always surprisingly low.
Interesting comment about "just pay more". Maybe half the ISPs dont't have any capability to do that. There's a few that offer a set amount with purchasable "blocks" on top of that, and I think one that automatically adds another 5G to your allowance as you need it.
I'm lucky the company I work for is a subsidiary of an ISP, I won't name it tho ;) and one of my job perks is free unlimited broadband
Even without the data cap, and no monetary concerns, I still wouldn't use it for watching TV, games all the way! (NERD) ;)
Why would ISP's care?
They win with all streaming inside NZ. They dont have to use international bandwidth and they get to sting you international prices when you break your limit watching the video services.
I, comfortably, get through 25gigs a month, thanks to kids messing around on flash games and youtube.
Our flat has a (Wellington) cable broadband from Telestraclear. The service and speeds are sweet (10 Mbps down 2Mbps up) but our plan is limited to 10GB of data a month. That's $55 a month, with additional 1GB packs at $2.95 each.
There is no "unlimited" option, but the highest plan is 120GB data cap, with 25 Mbps down and 2 Mbps but costs a huge $230 a month
Last month we went up to 21 GBs of usage as a result of youtube and TVNZ on demand viewing. This in addition to 360 gaming.
data capping the internet it a complete rip off IMO, it right up there with you must have a phone line to have broadband...that put increase fee's on speed. i know they use excuses it there to lower bandwidth which is crap, as bandwidth will always be tight regardless on how much data you use. People will download less not more once they get over the shock they have unlimited data cap.
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Oh my god I can't believe you just said that or something or nothing. Yeah but no but.