Broadband Monthly Usage Limit - 80% already???

[MelissaC]

I've just received an email from BT saying my Broadband Monthly Usage is already at 80%.  We only changed to BT on 1st August and we're only half way through the month - how can this be??  We were previously with the Post Office on 5gb monthly download and this was never exceeded.  Now I've doubled the limit yet I've nearly reached the 10gb limit within two weeks of usage.  As a business we only do the usual email and net surfing.  I never download films/music etc (to be honest I wouldn't know how!!).

The only thing I can think of is that my children are home for the holidays and do have the PS3 online in use most days.  But surely this isn't enough to go over the 10gb monthly limit.

I have emailed the BT Broadband Help Desk, but was wondering if anyone else has had this warning without knowing why. 

I'm worried the connection might not be secure and we're subsidising everybody else's broadband in the area, but I presumed it was secure because I used the BT CD included in the welcome pack with the modem to connect the broadband at the start.  We were given a Broadband password by BT and the Wi-Fi Key and Hub Numbers were contained within the pack.  Doesn't that consitute a secure connection?

[OldWolf]

Hi,

I think there is only one line that is important in your post with regard to your usage:

"The only thing I can think of is that my children are home for the holidays"

YouTube (or any video sites, especially with HD content) and children (even grown ones) are the two most common causes of breaching any usage limits on a connection.

And I am being completely serious.

With regard to the rest, well there are always possibilities.  If you want to check usage on your own then download an program like Networx, which will monitor usage on your connection, although you would need to install it on each PC, and it won't track anything like your PS3.  It's a start though.

Also you should increase the security on your router from the default:

http://btbusiness.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/c/426,1636,1637,1643/a_id/9376/kw/wireless

Finally if you want the figures from the BT side then drop an email to liteusage@btbroadbandoffice.com with your broadband phone number, the answer to the security question on your account, and the period you want to have checked.

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

Dave A

[MelissaC]

Hi Dave,

Well, that's really useful information!  I've now discovered that my kids have indeed been viewing YouTube on their Ipod on a regular basis which, as you say, all adds up usage wise.  I'm still astounded that it's accumulated so quickly though and we now have a blanket ban on all PS3 and Ipod use until BT get back to me.  Its's only been a day but they're driving me nuts already!!

Many thanks for your input - it's gratefully received - and I'll try encouraging my kids to take up some outdoor (free) pursuits instead of online ones!

[OldWolf]

Hi,

No problem, and i'm glad to help.

And just so you have an idea of who scary it can get, I downloaded a video from YouTube in 720p HD (not even the full monty 1080), and it was 436 MB for 20 minutes.

That's about 1.3 GB for just an hour of video.

To be honest as far as your package is concerned, just go to up the Unlimited version of the one you're on.  If you're on Office it'll cost you £4 a month, and if it's Advance it's an extra £7.  If you're on an older package (Option 1or even back to Lite) then you'll actually be about the same, as the prices have come down since they changed the package names again.

(That's assuming you haven't already been in touch with Sales on 0800 400 400  🙂 )

However, the plan for getting them outside more is far more sensible.  😉

Cheers.

Dave A

[MHC]

If you access various parts of the router GUI, there may be some "Parental Controls" - they will allow you to bar access at certain times or for certain devices or applications.

It may be worth looking into.