Virgin Media will begin to cap peer-to-peer usage

Virgin Media will begin to cap peer-to-peer usage

Broadband provider, Virgin Media, has announced it is to start monitoring usage and capping it at very high levels to help the majority of its customers receive an improved service.

According to reports from Pocket Lint, some 20 per cent of the provider’s network resources are used by just one per cent of its customers and it will be these few that see their download ability capped. Virgin Media added that this capping will only happen when it is necessary. Therefore, through careful monitoring, there should be no capping at all when the network is running well.

The capping will also only affect peer-to-peer downloading, as this is considered to be non-time sensitive. Indeed, it will only be when time sensitive services are slowing down that any capping will take place.

The capping is intended to help those who use their Virgin Media broadband to watch movies through Netflix, for example, who may find their service is slowing down at certain times of the evening. Businesses users could also benefit, but will also need to manage their networks to ensure they are not culprits that will be capped.

Virgin Media also told Pocket Lint that it was only its upstream bandwidth that was being stretched, which is also most affected by peer-to-peer use.

Those who may want to ensure their peer-to-peer use is not affected can opt for a leased line solution and can take a look at our leased line price checker to find an affordable solution nearby. In fact, hSo provides managed networks designed for business. To get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.