Apr 14 2009
Time Warner Under Fire for Internet Metering
Time Warner Cable announced on Thursday new controversial internet usage fees based on broadband caps. The major telecommunications corporation is establishing new monthly pricing models that limit the number of gigabytes customers can download. In metering the internet, Time Warner introduced its basic plan that caps usage at one gigabyte at $15 dollars per month. Additionally, the company would charge customers a penalty fee of $2 for every additional gigabyte downloaded over and above the monthly allotment. Time Warner Cable, in planning to test out the new monthly service charges in cities in Texas, North Carolina, and New York, will also offer plans at $75 dollars per month for 100 gigabytes. The decision has prompted a response from angry customers, internet organizers, and Congressman Eric Massa of New York. In an email to his constituents, Massa called Time Warner Cable’s move “unfair,” and noted that he is trying to address the matter legislatively. In its defense, the telecom company says that new price structures are needed to shore up its broadband network infrastructure. However, some are speculating that the move is really aimed at shoring up Time Warner’s cable television services against the proliferation of available online video alternatives.
GUEST: Timothy Karr, Campaign Director of Free Press .
For more information, and to sign a petition, visit www.freepress.net.
One Response to “Time Warner Under Fire for Internet Metering”
This is scary–but believable. I think Time-Warner is insidious. Because of where I live I have to subscribe to them if I want high-speed internet (although sometimes their internet is at least as slow as Web TV).
I’ve been writing down every problem I’ve had with them since last August, and my report to the Utilities Commission is going to be very comprehensive.
When I hear reports of local gang killings, I can’t help but think that Time-Warner had been crossed.
About the only thing they’ve done right, as far as I’m concerned, is sending the bills on time.
Reports of capitalism’s demise were premature.