Idea: Dynamically scaling DSL lines/package speeds

[giggity]

This is probably currently impossible with the current line technology or might be entirely a bad idea altogether, but I think it would be kind of cool.

DSL lines from Telkom are really expensive these days. What if your line scaled down actively to the speed of your current data being used? (being able to toggle the feature on and off at your will)? For example: with a 10mbps line, if you weren't using the internet for a couple hours, the line could scale down to 1/0.5 and then charge you only for that speed for that time, rather than 10mbps. This would especially lower the cost for those who do not use their line whilst sleeping or at work, which could probably reduce their cost on the line by about 75%.
The DSL package you are on could also scale with this by keeping track of what speed your downloads were going at that time, then pro-rata you the amount in which you did not utilise the entire line speed.

Now, this idea isn't the same as throttling; you still get your full line speed -- just when it's not being used, you aren't charged as much.

Pretty sure most companies wouldn't want this since it would lose them a tonne of cash -- I guess this is actually how they make most of their profit now that I think of it -- but it would be great for consumers, particularly those who are not "bandwidth hogs" as many of these packages are designed for.

Anyone have any ideas to contribute to this? Anyone feel like telling me how terrible this idea is?

 

[Messugga]

Are you implying that this wouldn't push the cost of running at say 10mbps 24/7 up through the roof?

 

[MickeyD]

Most of us would then not be able to afford ADSL as the ISP/Telco would have to radically review their product costing models and it will definitely not be in our favour.

 

[giggity]

Are you implying that this wouldn't push the cost of running at say 10mbps 24/7 up through the roof?

Most of us would then not be able to afford ADSL as the ISP/Telco would have to radically review their product costing models and it will definitely not be in our favour.

I think it would probably reduce the cost if anything. The ISPs would have to pay Telkom less to have the line (if your ISP is controlling your line in a bundle), plus people would intentionally not download to save money, thereby saving bandwidth costs too, and they wouldn't lose that much money considering they wouldn't pro-rata you exactly the cost difference (maybe only like 50% of what would actually be saved).

 

[webdev]

Nice idea but doesn't make business sense. The hardware is not cheap to maintain/replace. Your idea won't work for DSL... However depending on your needs, LTE would probably fit your case. When your not using it, its not costing a cent. Yeeehaaa! How's that for cost saving? There is a trade off though, stability... Unless your really lucky and like the few that don't notice a few ms here and there

 

[ponder]

Your line speed is not the issue, it's the associated backhaul and bandwidth required within the isp network.

The local loop cost to the dslam/imax/msan for a 2mbs or 10mbs is basically the same and dynamically adjusting their speed makes no difference, it's all about what happens in the background of the terminating equipment.

 

[Yuu]

Agree with others however this can be and has been [overseas] achieved in reverse via "booster periods" or any other name they choose to call it. Only when you want to download do you up your speed and pay for that. I think if i am not mistaken that a certain new ISP will be looking at this option but it is probably far down the priority list.

For examples of this having been done abroad, check out Comcast's patented PowerBoost though some results on google seem to say it may be shelved? Comcast's webpage with examples . It seems to indicate from my brief reading that they set a capacity for when users will need [MS Tuesday updates?] it. This sounds like they need guys monitoring when large game updates or steam sales happen , that could be interesting from a research perspective.

/apologise if OP already knows of the above info

 

[webdev]

How about asking Multi Choice DSTV to make their most expensive package pay per view or as you feel like watching? So let's say I watch 2 hours of TV per day. Instead of paying R800 per month you now only pay R66. They probably would have to increase prices drastically to cover their costs and make equal profit.

Not something I would implement in my business.