Ask DSLReports.com: Will ISPs Bill By The Byte? > uncapped network speeds

said by kd6cae:

I have a dedicated server on a 1000mbps network connection. I get 2000GB of bandwidth per month for a flat rate, if I go over, I pay overage. My point here is that I can use my full 1000mbps connection on my server if I choose, and so long as I don't go over my allotted bandwidth, all is well. So why couldn't ISP's offer that option. An uncapped cable/DSL line that allows one to use whatever their line can deliver, but set a bandwidth threshhold at which point users could either purchase more bandwidth to keep their line at full speed, or have it throttled back to a level that wouldn't hurt the ISP's network, like say 768/128 or something like that. When users that can afford a T1 line, purchase one, they expect to get the full 1.5mbps both ways. So why not offer consumers metered usage but uncapped network lines, while still offering unlimitted but slower speed tiers for those that want that. Data centers do it, why can't ISP's?