Download Limits Explained

In the UK most broadband packages offer unlimited data transfer. However some internet service providers offer packages which have data transfer or download limits.

Why on earth would anyone opt for limited data transfer packages? Well for a start some ISP’s offer faster internet speeds for to customers on limited packages, and another reason is a lot of times they are cheaper than unlimited packages, even though they offer similar speeds.

If you are considering opting for a limited data transfer package, then it is imperative you understand which download limit is best suited for your requirement.

What is a download limit?

A download limit is the amount of data you can download from the internet as part of your monthly subscription fee. Users who exceed their download limit, will still be able to use the internet but will be charged per unit of data downloaded in excess of their download limit (usually measured in megabytes). The excess usage charges tend to be quite expensive. If you exceed your download limit regularly it will most certainly cost a packet.

Data transfer or download limits tend to be expressed in gigabytes a month. ISP’s tend to set limits of the number of gigabytes one can download every month, and can range from as low as 1GB a month to of course unlimited.

Finding the download limit to suit you

Clearly since excess usage charges are exorbitant and you do decide on a limited data transfer plan then choosing a plan with a suitable download limit is critical. Your requirement will largely depend on the amount of time you spend on the internet and the type of downloading you engage in.

Some internet service providers of hybrid plans, which offer unlimited downloads during non peak hours (night time and weekends), whilst limiting the data transfer during peak hours.

If you spend a lot of time on the internet or like to download media like music or video or stream video from You Tube, then it is extremely likely you need a plan with large limits.

The Download Limits

• 1GB

A limit of this size is generally very inexpensive, but is not suitable for the vast majority of users. This kind of plan suits those who use the internet infrequently. A limit of this size will enable the user to view 10,500 web pages or download no more than 20 music albums. Streaming video on this time of plan would not be advisable

• 2 GB

A download limit of this size is best suited for those who only use the internet to view websites, and do not engage in downloading media files. A 2GB limit will give a user the ability to view 21,000 web pages and download 40 albums.

• 15 GB

For the vast majority of internet users a limit of this size is the most suitable. A 15GB limit will let users view as many pages as they like and still have room left to download media files. Approximately 157,000 web pages can be viewed, and 300 music albums can be downloaded with a limit of this size.

• 30 GB

A 30GB limit is roughly the equivalent of 1GB a day, which very few people actually manage. A limit of this size is best suited for someone who plays online games, streams a lot of video, or downloads media files. You could comfortably view 314,500 web pages, and download 600 music albums with a limit of this size.

• Unlimited

Opting for an unlimited plan is clearly the easiest way to not have to worry about whether you exceed your download limit and in the UK many ISP’s offer unlimited plans at almost a negligibly higher cost than 15GB or 30GB plans.

Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting

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