Rationing the interwebs?
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/11232963/uk-internet-rationed-prioritise-apps-websites-traffic-speeds/
From article..
BRITAIN'S internet capacity could be "rationed" to prioritise critical apps and websites, experts have told The Sun.
It comes as networks and apps reveal how the coronavirus crisis places new pressures on the UK's mobile and broadband infrastructure.
Some services (like Netflix) are already 'rationing' streaming bitrates – to reduce load on networks
Some services (like Netflix) are already 'rationing' streaming bitrates – to reduce load on networks
Online pressure rising
Social distancing means many Brits are now working from home.
And school closures means that some UK families have more free time than ever.
This is changing the way we use the internet – Vodafone told The Sun that it had seen a 30% increase in web traffic.
Importantly, the peak 'rush hour' traffic between 6pm and 8pm is ballooning outwards to between noon and 9pm, one insider revealed.
Now experts say that large-scale "internet rationing" projects could eventually go ahead.
This wouldn't involve limiting users to specific amount of data.
But would mean prioritising important data over, say, entertainment – like movie-streaming or gaming.
"In some cases it will be paramount to prioritise mission critical communications," said expert analyst Paolo Pescatore, of PP Foresight, speaking to The Sun.
"In these uncertain times, users should consider having a back up connection whether that be another SIM or data only plan.
"This will help them tether to their other connected devices in the home."
SAFETY NET UK internet capacity could be RATIONED to prioritise ‘critical’ apps and websites, experts reveal
Sean Keach, Digital Technology and Science Editor
23 Mar 2020, 13:56Updated: 23 Mar 2020, 18:34
BRITAIN'S internet capacity could be "rationed" to prioritise critical apps and websites, experts have told The Sun.
It comes as networks and apps reveal how the coronavirus crisis places new pressures on the UK's mobile and broadband infrastructure.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Some services (like Netflix) are already 'rationing' streaming bitrates – to reduce load on networks
Some services (like Netflix) are already 'rationing' streaming bitrates – to reduce load on networks
Online pressure rising
Social distancing means many Brits are now working from home.
And school closures means that some UK families have more free time than ever.
This is changing the way we use the internet – Vodafone told The Sun that it had seen a 30% increase in web traffic.
Importantly, the peak 'rush hour' traffic between 6pm and 8pm is ballooning outwards to between noon and 9pm, one insider revealed.
Networks may have to ration internet
Now experts say that large-scale "internet rationing" projects could eventually go ahead.
This wouldn't involve limiting users to specific amount of data.
But would mean prioritising important data over, say, entertainment – like movie-streaming or gaming.
"In some cases it will be paramount to prioritise mission critical communications," said expert analyst Paolo Pescatore, of PP Foresight, speaking to The Sun.
"In these uncertain times, users should consider having a back up connection whether that be another SIM or data only plan.
"This will help them tether to their other connected devices in the home."
Some rationing has already started
Of course, content providers are already slamming on the brakes – reducing the bitrate (or "quality") of their videos.
Netflix led the charge, and was quickly followed by Google's YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, Apple TV+ and Disney+.
They've typically reduced the quality of streams by around 25% across the UK and Europe to reduce network load.
"People are coming to YouTube to find authoritative news, learning content and make connections during these uncertain times." a YouTube spokesperson told The Sun.
"While we have seen only a few usage peaks, we have measures in place to automatically adjust our system to use less network capacity.
"We are in ongoing conversations with the regulators (including Ofcom), governments and network operators all over Europe, and are making a commitment to temporarily default all traffic in the UK and the EU to Standard Definition.
"We will continue our work to minimize stress on the system, while also delivering a good user experience."
More at article…