Due to the popularity of this type of service, we have seen the introduction to the likes of Channel 4s online service 4oD (4 on Demand) in 2006 which offers broadband users to view a limited number of programmes recently shown on channel 4 at high quality. It is also has the feature of downloading full movies from as little as £1.99.

This year (2007) we see the introduction of the BBCs iPlayer, a free service which allows broadband users to view all programmes broadcasted within the last 7 days. Like 4oD the video quality is a lot richer than that of youtube.com, therefore will cause an increase in demand for bandwidth. The iPlayer will allow broadband users to download at speeds of up to 300Mb per hour.

This has raised concern to broadband users as this could lead to increasing cost of broadband for UK consumers. It has also caused internet broadband providers such as Tiscali to stand up against BBC, stating the on demand services will “undoubtedly” congest the network. Upgrades to the internet could be needed to cope with these services with costs past on to the broadband customer. Ofcom, the service regulator, estimates it could cost £830 million over the next 5 years to upgrade the network to cope with rising demand and the broadband customer will ultimately end up paying the bill.

Alternatively, the broadband providers say they would have to limit access to services by the means of so called traffic shaping. This will mean delaying packets of information sent across the network until congestion has eased.

If BBC iPlayer really takes off (which is more than likely), then the broadband user will also experience slower internet services.

In conclusion, is it fair that broadband providers as well as the customer suffer at the expense of the BBC?

If you are interested in taking advantage of current broadband technology, then you should compare all the broadband providers available in your area.