Not Sure If AOL or BT 'Problem' - Slow Downloads

Sylvester

Between 6pm and 11pm every day, my 1mb download speed drops from around 120kb/sec to around 35kb/sec.

Dead on 6pm it drops and approx 11pm it goes back up to normal speed again.

I've not seen any AOL or BT literature stating that my service was changing, but was wondering if either anyone else has the same problem, or there has been a change in service that I have overlooked/wasn't informed of.

I'm not a huge downloader, but what I do download, I have noticed this happening too the past couple of weeks

Thanks

2_litre

i have the same problem

normanmark

Sylvester wrote: »

Between 6pm and 11pm every day, my 1mb download speed drops from around 120kb/sec to around 35kb/sec.

Dead on 6pm it drops and approx 11pm it goes back up to normal speed again.

I've not seen any AOL or BT literature stating that my service was changing, but was wondering if either anyone else has the same problem, or there has been a change in service that I have overlooked/wasn't informed of.

I'm not a huge downloader, but what I do download, I have noticed this happening too the past couple of weeks

Thanks

Sounds like AOL are doing traffic shaping between the peak periods of net usage

JohalaReewi

I second the 'traffic shaping' diagnosis. During peak periods, ISPs can put the brakes on certain web activities (like downloads) so that normal browsing and time critical stuff (like voip) can keep going.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_shaping

chrisj2006

It's not only limited to AOL and BT, its NTL aka Virgin Media also. You can guarantee that come 5pm, the download speed goes down dramatically, and just after midnight, it goes back up, I do wonder if this is a breach of contract but obviously I don;t know that. I have a 10mb connection but its usually on at about 4mb and come 5pm it slows down to 1-2mb.

I am shortly leaving Virgin Media to another ISP so I will see what happens there

normanmark

Nah its no breach of contract afaik, as long as they give you notice they can change any terms/conditions of the contract within a certain period.

TBH you wont finder a faster unmetered service than you will with Virgin!

alictait

I have noticed exactly the same with AOL, Has anyone contacted them regarding this yet ?

ty

alictait

alictait wrote: »

I have noticed exactly the same with AOL, Has anyone contacted them regarding this yet ?

ty

Contacted them myself tonight, yes they have a fair usage policy now, however should I wish to request my MAC code because of this then I will be able to, hmmmmmmmm...

Problem is, I do download rather a lot or have done in the past and my line is due to be upgraded to 2mb in the next week and on top of that I only pay £9.99 a month, now is this going to be a huge issue for me - I don't know, at least they don't stop p2p.

Decisions, decisions - think I may persevere for a time. Unless someone could suggest a good cheap alternative that allows unlimited downloads.

Ali

Sylvester

Thanks for all your replies.

I've had no e-mail or anything in the post informing of a 'fair usage policy' (although I suspect they will say it was sent)

It is slightly annoying as downloads are now taking 4 times longer.

I've been with AOL for 6 years, so if the situation deteriorates anymore, it will be adios!

darwin-rover

chrisj2006 wrote: »

It's not only limited to AOL and BT, its NTL aka Virgin Media also. You can guarantee that come 5pm, the download speed goes down dramatically, and just after midnight, it goes back up, I do wonder if this is a breach of contract but obviously I don;t know that. I have a 10mb connection but its usually on at about 4mb and come 5pm it slows down to 1-2mb.

I am shortly leaving Virgin Media to another ISP so I will see what happens there

ALL ISPs traffic shape in some way . Most just dont tell you about it . Unfortunately its the way the internet is going .