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iPlayer users may need to upgrade broadband

Users of the BBC’s broadband TV download software may be subject to bandwidth restrictions.

Concern is mounting as the UK’s largest ISPs call on the BBC to pay for the increased bandwidth that may come from use of the BBC’s iPlayer software.

The iPlayer allows broadband users to download a variety of BBC programmes after transmission for watching on their PC.

According to the Independent, the larger ISPs including Tiscali, BT and Carphone Warehouse say they may limit the bandwidth available to iPlayer users, unless the BBC agrees to contribute to the cost of the extra bandwidth.

This effectively means that users may not be able to download programmes with the iPlayer or may find it slow when downloading.  In technical terms, this is referred to as traffic shaping or bandwidth throttling.  ISPs already do this for very heavy broadband users such as those downloading large amounts of video content.

Representatives from the ISPs have now expressed their concerns to Ashley Highfield, the director of new media and technology at the BBC.

A BT insider said in The Independent:

“It is certainly a live debate between ISPs [internet service providers] and the BBC. If the BBC gets the numbers it wants for iPlayer then network capacity could become an issue.”

Manoj Solanki of SeekBroadband.com comments:

“The worries over the iPlayer highlight the growing network capacity issues that ISPs are facing.  It is understandable that ISPs are concerned about the increased bandwidth usage, as their customers will probably complain to the ISP itself, rather than blame the BBC.

“The biggest problem may be for users that are on apparently unlimited usage packages.  They may be disappointed with how long it takes to download TV content with the iPlayer.

“Who should be paying for the extra bandwidth?  It may have to be the end customer unless the BBC, ISPs and Ofcom can agree on a suitable solution.

“Let’s not forget that many media rich sites including YouTube, have increased network traffic substantially. However, nobody is going around asking all these companies to cough up.

“Those who really want to use the iPlayer may have to pay extra for a broadband service that is truly suitable for heavy downloads.  Fortunately, some ISPs make clear what level of usage their packages are intended for and that might be the best bet for now.”

EDIT: In an article on The Register website, BT have denied that they are part of the group of ISPs asking the BBC to contribute towards the cost of extra bandwidth.