Zenoth
join:2005-10-13
2 edits | Trying to understand the throttling.
Like most, if not all Sympatico users I've been throttled to around 30KB/s to 40KB/s, 24/7 (yes, it is so during any time of the day and night, no exceptions whatsoever, since a few weeks or perhaps a month). When I joined Sympatico seven years ago I'm pretty sure that the Internet/bandwidth "demand" wasn't as high as it is today, of course, that's for sure. However wouldn't the technology that provides/hosts the bandwidth also evolve and get better to accommodate the growing demand ? Why are we throttled exactly ? What is/are the reason(s) behind that decision ?
You know ... because hear me on this ...
I had a 3MB connection a few years back, it was great, no limits (well yes, for a time, and then they gave unlimited to everyone I think, but I had it anyway), no caps no nothing, just pure greatness. Then 5MB, still unlimited too. I think I couldn't have asked for anything better, and I was content with the 5MB line for what, I think two years ? Or maybe a year, I don't remember exactly.
And then the 7MB arrives, first as a suggestion from them, by phone, and then as an agreement from me, because, after all, I TRUSTED Sympatico in resuming their oh so great service.
"Why would they reduce or throttle anything with the 7MB profile if they never did with the 3MB and 5MB ones anyway", I told myself.
Let's pretend for a moment that the 'demand' is the cause, the direct cause for the throttling, with the excuse that if they don't do it then it will seriously slow the "whole network" down. Well then, if that's the case, why didn't it happened between the transition from 3MB to 5MB ? Or even 1MB to 3MB ? If we went from 3MB to 5MB, that means the demand in speed was growing, and the technology was developed to accommodate that new demand, right ? Alright, so why not throttling two years ago ? Why suddenly now ?
Let me be honest here ...
Right now, the ONLY types of files I CAN technically download at my 'limit' speed of around 720KB/s are game patches, a few videos on free-host sites like YouTube and Dailymotion and hmmmm ... well I think that's pretty much about it. I mean I go to SpeakEasy's Speed Test and it confirms me that 'everything is fine', because it does detect a 7MB profile, and when I download a few game patches here and there from say ... FilePlanet or FileFront for example, then yes it does download fast, often above 600KB/s.
However, here's the thing ...
If I accept to get a better connection from Sympatico's own offer, that means that whatever I CAN download at the speed for which I PAY then that doesn't mean that I will "eventually agree" about that speed being compromised and me still paying full for what I don't get anymore.
Let me ask: What is the actual GOAL of having a 7MB profile if the most popular activity of an "enthusiast" broadband connection is being throttled ?
- I DON'T need a 7MB profile for on-line gaming, a 3MB profile would do the job.
- I DON'T need a 7MB profile for viewing YouTube videos or downloading a 30MB or even a 400MB game patch, a 3MB connection would do, heck even a 1MB one would do, I just have to go make a nice coffee while it finishes its job.
- I DO NEED a 7MB connection however, if I want to share files on a regular basis. It saves time and to some extent perhaps money for some people who knows.
Ask yourself ONE question guys (yes you, like me, the consumer in the same boat): WHY did you accept a 7MB profile in the first place ? Was it for being able to download those music samples or YouTube videos ... "faster" ? Or was it to take FULL ADAVANTAGE of your contract and the technology itself that was offered to you ?
If I buy a car that can go to 500KM/h and I know that I'll need at least 400KM/h regularly, then that's cool, but if I didn't knew it in advance and its creator throttled the engine to 100KM/h then I'm screwed. The point is: This throttling is exaggerated, Sympatico, seriously. Just ... I mean ... just TRY to imagine, being on a 7MB-capable profile and being throttled to 30KB/s ?! DUDE I could download even faster with a 128K modem back four years ago !
Let me tell you this Sympatico ...
If you REALLY have to throttle us, then ok, that's fine, YES you read this well I said 'fine'. If the technology and demand and whatever we Mr. Joe everyone don't understand is going on and would explain that move then ok you guys got "your reasons" that we don't understand. Yes I am ready to accept that the "terms of the contract can change without notice" ... okay okay, see I can be indulgent and comprehensive. You guys got good reaons ? Ok ...
BUT ...
All I am asking is that if you really have to do it, then guys, please, RECONSIDER the throttling speed to something more REASONABLE. Something along the lines of 200KB/s maybe ? My line can do 720KB/s, I would AGREE to see it reduced by 500KB/s capacity in "peak hours" or even 24/7 (as it is for me). But please man don't throw my profile to the waste basket by making it slower than a five years-old technology ? 7MB profile ... and then BANG, 30KB/s and suck it down your throat ... HEY Sympatico that throttling is HARSH and aggressive guys, do you realize it ?
'nyways ...
By the way I'm not angry, the capital letter words are just there to make my points more vibrant, more direct, but in no way this is meant to be "bitching" against Sympatico. No, that's not contradictory. I just want to repeat what I said in this final paragraph: I DO agree with the throttling if you guys have to do it, however, I do NOT agree with the actual throttling speed chosen, it's ridiculously low and slow, please, Sympatico, reconsider.
Thanks for reading/listening, if you did. |
