Broadband fair usage and acceptable usage policies

Dan Howdle • September 2nd, 2024

A Fair Usage Policy ensures fair access to broadband for all users by managing excessive usage.

With the higher data capacity of fibre broadband, Fair Usage Policies have become less necessary, and most providers now offer truly unlimited broadband packages. However, Acceptable Use Policies are still enforced by all providers. This guide explains both in detail.

What is Fair Usage?

A Fair Usage Policy places limits on how much data you can download each month as part of your broadband contract. Unlike a data cap, it doesn’t restrict everyday activities like streaming or downloading music. Instead, it targets heavy, bandwidth-intensive activities that could negatively impact other users.

Restrictions on file sharing

Torrenting (also known as file sharing) involves downloading parts of a file, like a movie, and sharing those parts with others to complete the file. While not inherently illegal, this activity consumes a lot of bandwidth and can affect other users’ experiences.

For example, if a household regularly engages in torrenting, especially during peak hours, it may lead to slower internet speeds for neighboring users sharing the same connection line. This is why many providers monitor such activities closely and may take action to manage the network's performance.

Limitations on heavy downloading

Even legally downloading or transferring large quantities of files to backup systems can slow the connection for others. Such usage might be considered unfair and could lead to your provider slowing down your speed.

Heavy downloading is often flagged by providers, particularly if it occurs frequently or during peak times. For instance, if you’re regularly downloading large media files or backing up significant data volumes, your provider might throttle your speed temporarily to maintain overall network stability.

What is traffic management?

Traffic management, also known as traffic shaping or throttling, is a method used by ISPs to monitor and control data flow. This prevents individual households from slowing down the network, ensuring that all subscribers maintain a stable connection. ISPs often slow your broadband speeds if you're engaged in activities like file sharing or running large software updates.

On the other hand, traffic management can be beneficial when you're on a Zoom call or streaming TV, as these activities are given higher priority. This helps ensure a smooth experience with minimal interruptions.

For instance, Virgin Media applies traffic management to upload speeds during peak times to ensure that essential services like video conferencing and streaming receive the bandwidth they need. This prioritisation helps in maintaining service quality across all users.

Traffic Management Policies by Provider

Does unlimited broadband come with a Fair Usage Policy?

The majority of broadband packages today are marketed as ‘unlimited,’ meaning there's no data limit and you can download as much as you want. However, some packages still have a Fair Usage Policy. Truly unlimited broadband means there are no usage limits, Fair Usage Policies, or traffic management.

For example, Virgin Media’s "truly unlimited" broadband packages do not enforce a Fair Usage Policy, but they do apply traffic management during peak hours. This means that while there’s no data cap, your speed might still be reduced if the network is particularly busy.

What happens if you break the Fair Usage rules?

If you breach the Fair Usage rules, your provider may temporarily reduce your connection speed to stop your activities and ensure fair access for others. This slowdown might last a few hours or until the end of the month. In more severe cases, your provider might require you to switch to a more suitable, often more expensive, package or even cancel your contract if you're a repeat offender.

For instance, if you repeatedly exceed the Fair Usage limits on a 4G or 5G broadband plan, your provider might move you to a higher-tier package. Alternatively, they might impose stricter speed limitations during peak times to manage your usage.

Which providers have a Fair Usage Policy?

Most providers no longer enforce Fair Usage Policies or use traffic management because fibre optic cables offer greater capacity than traditional telephone lines. However, policies may still apply to mobile broadband services.

For instance, while most fixed-line providers like BT, Sky, and TalkTalk have removed their Fair Usage Policies, providers like Vodafone still enforce these policies on their mobile broadband services to manage network traffic.

Comparison of Fair Usage Policies by Provider

Impact of Full Fibre on Fair Usage

The rollout of Full Fibre (FTTP) broadband has greatly reduced the relevance of Fair Usage Policies. Full Fibre provides much greater capacity and speeds, often up to 1Gbps. Because of this, the need for Fair Usage Policies has decreased, as Full Fibre networks can handle much more data without impacting other users.

However, while Fair Usage Policies are less common with Full Fibre plans, Acceptable Use Policies still apply to all users. It's essential to understand the difference and confirm with your provider if you have specific concerns about data usage.

For example, BT’s Full Fibre plans typically do not have Fair Usage Policies due to the high capacity of their network. However, users are still subject to Acceptable Use Policies, which ensure that the network is not abused or used for illegal activities.

Fair Usage on 4G and 5G Broadband

Mobile broadband services, such as 4G and 5G, are becoming more popular because they offer flexibility and can often provide faster speeds than traditional ADSL. However, many mobile broadband plans still come with data caps, and some providers might enforce Fair Usage Policies during peak times or if a user is consuming excessive data.

When selecting a 4G or 5G home broadband package, it's crucial to check whether a Fair Usage Policy applies, particularly if you intend to use it as your main internet connection. Providers like Vodafone may throttle speeds during peak times if data usage is deemed excessive, even on so-called "unlimited" plans.

For example, if you are using a 4G or 5G broadband service as your primary internet connection, it's important to be aware that heavy usage during peak times could lead to throttling, even if your plan is labeled as "unlimited." Understanding these nuances can help you choose the right plan for your needs.

What is an Acceptable Use Policy?

Besides limiting excessive downloading that could disrupt the online experience for others, all providers enforce an Acceptable Use Policy. This policy outlines the behaviors considered unacceptable, and if breached, the provider can take appropriate action. These behaviors typically include:

• Downloading, possessing, or sending illegal material such as child abuse images
• Sending or distributing defamatory, malicious, abusive, or offensive material
• Circulating threatening material or invading an individual's privacy
• Promoting or engaging in criminal activities like terrorism or human trafficking
• Deliberately spreading viruses, worms, or other harmful software to damage networks and computers
• Engaging in illegal network monitoring or data theft
• Sending unsolicited emails known as spam
• Committing fraud by deliberately misrepresenting yourself with the intent to deceive others
• Infringing copyright or intellectual property rights by downloading or copying files
• Deliberately disrupting the network to prevent other users from accessing the service

Acceptable Use Policies by Provider

What action can a provider take if the Acceptable Use Policy is breached?

This depends on how the policy has been breached. In most cases, providers will contact you to find out more information and issue you with a warning. In more serious cases, a provider will suspend or terminate your service and if necessary, report you to the police for engaging in illegal activities or even take legal action against you if you have caused damage to the network or its reputation.