ISP’s complain iPlayer uses too much bandwith

by Jan Harris

UK Internet service providers are concerned that the BBC’s new iPlayer could cause network congestion, leading to consumer complaints about slow broadband services.

iPlayer, which was launched in beta last month, is an on-demand IPTV service based on peer-to-peer technology which allows UK viewers to download BBC content for free. This file sharing technology soaks up bandwith.

ISPs such as Tiscali and BT believe that unless the service is limited, it will take up so much bandwith that they may have to eventually upgrade their network, leading to price increases for consumers.

ISP’s could limit user’s access to iPlayer via a technique known as traffic shaping. Alternatively, the BBC could be required to share network costs.

The BBC is planning a full roll out of the iPlayer service this autumn. In response to the concerns, the corporation has said that it is monitoring the costs of video-on-demand and is discussing the situation with ISPs and consumer electronics manufacturers.

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