Tech Watch: AT&T Introduces Limits For Internet Users

(KCBS) - AT&T is introducing caps on free bandwidth for its Internet users. CNET Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley explains what this means.

AT&T says this will only affect 2 percent of their customers right now; and these are the so-called "data hogs" who do a lot of movie downloading. The other 98 percent should not be affected.

"For example, if you have a 255 gigabyte limit which is the upper limit in this new plan you'll be able to download 125 standard definition movies," Cooley explains this new plan. "But if you do this and a combination of other things that may not be so unusual."

Customers will also be getting hit with an onslaught in the near future of new televisions, Blu-ray players, and set top boxes that all connect to your broadband connection and bring you television and movies, Cooley adds.

"These companies are making this new cap at a rather interesting time
and this could cause trouble in the future," Cooley speculates. "They're noticing that more people are watching video on broadband so they're getting a pricing structure in place."

Customers will be charged another $10 for every 50 gigabytes they go over. AT&T will be sending customers warnings when they get close to their allocation.

You can hear his Tech Watch report Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:50 P.M. on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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