About Comcast’s 250GB Data Use “Cap”

My household's last three month data usage. We are a family of four with only three of us infrequently streaming TV (click for larger view)

Much has been written about Comcast’s 250GB data use “cap” and what it means for the future of internet-based TV. My biggest concern, expressed here in my post “Will Comcast crush internet innovation?“, is that their moves are intended solely to put up obstacles and barriers in front of any organization threatening their cable TV franchise.

Can’t blame them really. But the control they enjoy is far beyond what is reasonable. Of course, with the government pushing the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA), a measure opposed by numerous organizations including virtually every major technology company in the U.S. (with the glaring exception of any wireless carrier or ISP like Comcast or Time Warner), Comcast is less likely to do anything about their data usage caps.

Based on our family use of the internet — and that our streaming music and TV is only increasing — it is highly likely that we’ll bust through that artificial data usage ceiling in 2012. Then it will be interesting to see what we are forced to do to stay in compliance (probably just pay more?). 

The prospect of SOPA passing only emboldens a Comcast since their control will only accelerate. Do anything even remotely infringing under a SOPA law and Comcast could just cut off your internet account with only suspicion (and no due process) being their justification.

Like everyone implores you often, oppose this SOPA “blacklist” by standing up and pushing back. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has this simple and fast way to tell you whom to contact in Congress.