Basic Internet Connectivity And Modem Help

[jlivingood]

We've announced some important changes – there’s more information on our blog @  http://blog.comcast.com/2012/05/comcast-to-replace-usage-cap-with-improved-data-usage-management-app... and our FAQs @ http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/common-questions-excessive-use/. In essence, effective immediately, we’re suspending enforcement of our 250 GB data usage limit. In the near future, Comcast is also planning to trial some different ways of managing usage, which may include a higher overall data usage limit and data usage limits that vary by tier.

[JayInAlg]

Wow, thanks Jason!

[UHFhd]

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Data usage by tier ?  So much for streaming movies from hulu, vudo, ect ? One way or a nother comcast will get its customers to use there TV services . Just my imput hope im wrong .

[kraze1994]

It means that if you have faster internet you get more bandwidth. Which honestly is how it should be.

They are also raising the default cap from 200-300 for all plans, and each plan above "Blast" gets even more. 

On top of this if we need to purchase more..we can.

I do not agree that there is a cap in the first place but I am glad it is evolving. 

[noba]

OK so I just wanna make sure I understand this.  The comcast mod said for now the caps are gone while they implement testing a tiered service in some areas.  However I am also reading the cap is moved to 300. My understanding is their is no cap while the testing is done, but once completed it will go to 300 or more depending on what internet service you use.  Is this correct?

[jlivingood]

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noba wrote:

OK so I just wanna make sure I understand this.  The comcast mod said for now the caps are gone while they implement testing a tiered service in some areas.  However I am also reading the cap is moved to 300. My understanding is their is no cap while the testing is done, but once completed it will go to 300 or more depending on what internet service you use.  Is this correct?

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So, per the FAQs @ http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/common-questions-excessive-use/, in markets where we decide to try some new approaches out, they will start at 300GB. In markets where we do not trial new approaches, the current 250GB policy has been suspended.

[noba]

Ok so until they determine which markets will be used for testing we should assume that the cap is at 300gb

[UHFhd]

300 GB works for me .

[Jim721]

Sounds like CC is doing what so many have asked for. 300 GB workes for me even though I have never came close to the 250 GB cap I know many customers will be happy to read this thread. Thanks CC !!! 

[BethKatz]

The difference between 250 GB and 300 GB is a 20% increase. Nice. But if you're bumping into the 250 GB limit, it won't be long before you're bumping into 300 GB.

For now, use your connection normally. See how high it goes without your limiting it. That is, unless you're in one of the trials.

I'm pleased that my usage meter is still showing so I can see how much I'm using. 27 GB so far this month. Not much.

Will the folks with the XBOX 360 Xfinity app be able to see their usage meters? They've been gone for over a month.

[Jim721]

It must be a slow month for me so far i have only used 9 GB. Last month i hit my highest ever at 29 GB. Still nice to know if you need it it's there.

[Joe]

I am happy about this

first thing to business is to please your customer first

I bet most that go over the limit will not mind paying $10 for   every 50 gigs.

[i-am-nerdburg]

Works for me. Thanks for listening Comcast!

[kraze1994]

I am curious what the usage limit is for the Blast package, since anything lower is 300GB. Then Blast and up gets more usage.

[HisSvt2]

It need to be at least 300 or more i have come close to 250 alot just thru normal use streaming gaming etc all legit things! you ever have to re download you steam game library say BYE BYE cap in a day easy! do the right thing and give us the bandwidth that we have been paying for the price is high enough now give the bang for our buck!

[sabretooth]

Well everyone who has been getting 400, 500, 800 or more Gigs for free will have to pay.  More money for CC.

[BethKatz]

So show Comcast how much you'd use if you weren't constrained by the cap. Use it. They say they'll be running some trials. The rest of us don't have any cap enforced. Comcast thinks the vast majority of people don't use much. Prove them wrong.

[kraze1994]

Not sure if purposely using a lot of data would be a good idea...

As long as my tier has a 450Gbish limit I should be ok. 

[sabretooth]

If Comcast goes ahead with their new Data Cap plan... I don't want to hear...

"I only used 301GB of data and they billed me an extra $10!" 

"They should just give that to me."

[BethKatz]

My suggestion was to just ignore the cap and use your connection as you wish. Don't use "extra". Don't be constrained. Just watch what you want. Download what you want. Don't try to squeeze more into the month. 

For now there is no cap. What would you do if there were no cap? Do that.

For example, I have unlimited data on my iPhone. That doesn't mean I watching streaming movies just because I can. I use my connection when I need it.

[foober]

Is there a form directly related to comments/opinions on this matter that users can submit for consideration for Comcast to look?

I been very conserative with my data usage under the cap, keeping video quality settings low, holding game downloads to end of the month to make sure i have the space without going over. (Yes I know it wasnt a hard cap, but I still treated as similar to YMMV metaphor)

But now with the hard cap gone, one of the possible replacements doesnt fix the cap, its still a "cap". Im talking about all internet plans get 300 gbs, and if you get over, instead of being shut down, you pay the overage. Thats still a cap in some form because you still get penalized. Granted, you dont get shut down, but you still pay.

The other replacement being the tier is being more friendier, despite that "cap" being there. I bought Blast for a reason since I need high speeds for work, (work from home few days a week) and higher speeds work better for online streaming. (Netflix or Hulu) I do think if I pay more for speed, I should get "rewarded' with more data usage. It takes longer to get to 300gb with slower speeds than blast, utlra and 105 extreme.  I also think 300gb is too low for the higher speeds, and should be more like 400gb-500gb to be reasonable. Why should those who pay for faster speeds be limited to the same data restrictions as those who pay for slower speeds. Im not a fan of any limit, but at least this tier option is more friendlier and feasible than every plan getting the same 300gb limit

[sabretooth]

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foober wrote:

The other replacement being the tier is being more friendier, despite that "cap" being there. I bought Blast for a reason since I need high speeds for work, (work from home few days a week) and higher speeds work better for online streaming. (Netflix or Hulu) I do think if I pay more for speed, I should get "rewarded' with more data usage. It takes longer to get to 300gb with slower speeds than blast, utlra and 105 extreme.  I also think 300gb is too low for the higher speeds, and should be more like 400gb-500gb to be reasonable. Why should those who pay for faster speeds be limited to the same data restrictions as those who pay for slower speeds. Im not a fan of any limit, but at least this tier option is more friendlier and feasible than every plan getting the same 300gb limit

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Don't know why you Blast for online streaming.  Only need 5-8Gbps for streaming HD.  Might want to lower your tier. 

[foober]

I need it for work, and in an technological house with multiple people, 2-3 tvs using netflix/hulu that can be used at the same time. Plus, Multiple computers/devices connected to the internet. Using a lower speed/tier will then slow down each "connection" resulting in lag and/or video quality. Sure, a plan that offers speed for 10mb/s is fine if i had one tv with just me, but that isnt the case and not suitable for us.  Besides, thats not the point of my previous question/comment.

[sabretooth]

I know, I was just saying...  I have the same but more and Performance plan works perfect for less money. 

[foober]

. I had performance before I went upgraded to Blast. The difference was significant and I prefer that. Based on the same usage, the connections were smooth and less lag, not to mention faster (e.g. Less lag, better quality on Netflix, MLBTV, etc). So I stayed with it. Besides, my work is paying a good portion of my Internet bill, so why not keep Blast. Again, the reasons of who chooses what plan isnt what Im going for, but if i choose to pay for a higher tier, why shouldnt I be given more data to use.

[4018grant]

Finally! After a year of forum posts from here http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Customer-Service/250GB-Cap-questions/td-p/918541 Comcast has finally listened.  

[jlivingood]

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foober wrote:

Is there a form directly related to comments/opinions on this matter that users can submit for consideration for Comcast to look?

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Well, we read stuff here in the forums for sure. And in the eventual trial markets we'll be watching things very closely as well.

[foober]

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jlivingood wrote:

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foober wrote:

Is there a form directly related to comments/opinions on this matter that users can submit for consideration for Comcast to look?

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Well, we read stuff here in the forums for sure. And in the eventual trial markets we'll be watching things very closely as well.

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Ok thanks. Wasnt sure if posting in the forum would be one form of consideration.

Do you know what the trial markets are yet? Or know when Comcast will release that information?

[Barmar]

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sabretooth wrote:

If Comcast goes ahead with their new Data Cap plan... I don't want to hear...

"I only used 301GB of data and they billed me an extra $10!" 

"They should just give that to me."

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So how much extra should they "just give"? And if they're going to give it to you, why not just use that as the actual cap? But if they do that, you'd want them to "just give" you a little over that as well. Where does it end?

[LaidBackFiji]

Glad to hear comcast is offering heavy users of residential internet other options besides disconnection, namely upgrading internet plans or paying an overage that month.  

Has anything changed with business class internet?  Is that still unlimited?

[sabretooth]

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Barmar wrote:

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sabretooth wrote:

If Comcast goes ahead with their new Data Cap plan... I don't want to hear...

"I only used 301GB of data and they billed me an extra $10!" 

"They should just give that to me."

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So how much extra should they "just give"? And if they're going to give it to you, why not just use that as the actual cap? But if they do that, you'd want them to "just give" you a little over that as well. Where does it end?

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None.  That's why we don't want to hear anyone complaining.

[Jim721]

Kinda funny so many people were up in arms about the data cap and now that Comcast has finally listened and is doing somthing about it thats not good enough either.So yes were does it end ? 

[4018grant]

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Jim721 wrote:

Kinda funny so many people were up in arms about the data cap and now that Comcast has finally listened and is doing somthing about it thats not good enough either.So yes were does it end ? 

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Not really, most are fine with the new thing. However, before, if you passed the limit, nothing really happened unless you were really insane and used 1000GB of data. What they are worrying about now is if they pass 300, (like 301G they will get billed $10 for that

[Joesh]

Correct me if I'm wrong. But the 300GB isn't live yet is it? So there is unlimited data usage for the time being until they let us know otherwise?

[foober]

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Joesh wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong. But the 300GB isn't live yet is it? So there is unlimited data usage for the time being until they let us know otherwise?

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The 300gb "cap" is not active as of right now unless your one of the test markets that will be active shortly.  Its unlimited* with an asterisk, meaning they will still contact you if you use an absurd amount of data. If you feel 300gb is not enough, then use more to show the "cap" is still too low

[foober]

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Jim721 wrote:

Kinda funny so many people were up in arms about the data cap and now that Comcast has finally listened and is doing somthing about it thats not good enough either.So yes were does it end ? 

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It my opinion, they didnt really change much. There is still a cap, despite saying there is no cap. The real difference their is no enforcement of shutting down your internet. Now you would pay over usage charges. And a 50gb increase, I feel that is insufficient with today's day and age technology, esp those who use Netflix and Hulu a lot. I hope they increase the 300gb limit, or those with higher tiers get more data than the lower speed plans. I use the Comcast's Internet service with legit services. (MLB.tv, Hulu, ESPn3) Whats more interesting they keep adding these new VoIP/data applications like Skype and Streampix, but they count against your data usage which is really annoying and counterproductive. Comcast want us to subscribe/use their products, but they say we have a limit on it via data usage

[Joesh]

well the bar isnt updating now so who knows how much bandwidth im using. If they contact me im just going to tell them i have no idea cuz their website wont update

[wayninja]

I guess a 50GB per month cap raise is a good thing.  But an overuse 'charge' is a bad thing.

Meh, sorry, but I'm not really impressed by the measure.  It's kind of a wash if you ask me.  This feels like a way to increas profits while giving the illusion that they scaling the value.

How about this, what if you do what cell carriers do and let us roll over a percentage of our unused data each month?  That would help if we acidentally go a bit over and in those situations noted above where you where hit with a 20% increase in your monthly bill for going 3% over your cap limit.

[J-Mac]

I haven't put a lot of stock into the Comcast Usage Meter anyway. My latest look at my meter shows:

February:  18 GB

March:      113 GB

April:           26 GB

Nothing happened in March to push my usage that high! It's been like that from the beginning. Almost sounds like the numbers are made-up.

Jim

[ChrisAmanda]

My meter shows 69GB of 250GB, is this live yet or do I need to wait for that message to go away?

[Joesh]

mine has been on 53GB since the past few days, and I know I have been using several GB since, it is not updating.

[jlivingood]

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ChrisAmanda wrote:

My meter shows 69GB of 250GB, is this live yet or do I need to wait for that message to go away?

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The meter is still working fine. There should be no "message" there, and the meter UI will at some point be updated. 

[jlivingood]

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Joesh wrote:

mine has been on 53GB since the past few days, and I know I have been using several GB since, it is not updating.

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Actually it is updating. But the policy is suspended. If I were you I wouldn't worry much about usage.

[Zack_Daugherty]

Hello, I never knew their was a usage meter but I found it today after stumbling over this article.  I guess I'm using quite a bit of bandwidth because of my new found hobby outside work of streaming games I play to www.twitch.tv at 1080P (3500 kbps + 128 kbps audio).  This hobby is starting to become popular; however, some providers are better suited than others for the amount of bandwidth it may use.

I use Extreme 50 tier for its upload speed.  I could not find this information anywhere but does upload usage get added to download usage?  If so that would explain why I'm at 490 GB of 250 GB as of 5/19/12.  I'm surprised I was never contacted.  Apparently I went as high as 637 GB in March.  I'm concerned I may have to ditch this hobby or switch providers like Verizon FiOS.

[BethKatz]

The 300 GB limit is something they are considering.

Paying more for going over is something they are considering.

It's great that they aren't enforcing the cap. It hasn't seemed that they were enforcing it recently. Note that Zack didn't even know about the 250 GB cap and used over 600 GB in March. No one contacted him. 

Your usage meter should be working unless you have used the Xbox 369 Xfinity app which seems to turn it off.

If your usage meter is not working, contact Comcast and ask them to "roll and reprovision" your modem. And if you've never seen the usage meter, realize that you have to look from your primary account or a secondary account that has billing access. Unrestricted access is not enough.

For the user above who had a big spike in usage one month, be sure your wireless connection is locked down so that only people in your household have access. Did you do some video chatting or other unusual things?

Again, I suggest using your connection as if there were no cap. Don't try to squeeze in extra. Don't curtail your usage. Just use it. And look at your meter sometimes.

[kraze1994]

I am curious if Comcast could invest in to a faster update for the usage meter. I use a lot of bandwidth and for me going over is going to happen.

However I feel I could better limit the times I go over with a faster update to see what my current usage is.

I think the delay is somewhere between 3 hours and 24 hours but I am not 100% sure on that.

[sabretooth]

Best to buy a router that has a built in usage meter that you can look at locally all the time.  Most vendors have this.

[BethKatz]

If your meter is connected correctly to your account, it should be updating within 3 hours.

I don't know precisely how the system is set up, but that is a minor delay for the kind of monitoring it is doing. The web page display you see, customer account information, and modem usage info are not one huge program. Having them separate is an appropriate system design. The usage meter display you see is tying together information from multiple sources.

Most people need to check their data usage once or twice a month. If you need hour-to-hour monitoring of how much data is going through your modem, I agree with sabretooth that you should buy a router that provides that level of detail.

[4018grant]

Or you can just buy one of those LAN Traffic Monitoring software... tracks your bandwidth traffic in and out.

[Barmar]

My Netgear router has its own usage meter, and an option to notify you (by flashing a status light and/or disabling the Internet connection) when you hit a specified limit.