A bill severely impacting internet usage could finally become a reality according to an analyst familiar with the intentions of cable internet providers in the growing internet service market. In terms of gaming, online gaming and digital distribution would be affected the most due to those fees relying on the internet to be useable.
While some internet providers do have plans that feature usage caps, they only start to charge additional usage fees once the cap is passed. This potential bill would give cable providers the power to start charging at the start of the billing month or every time data is used while also securing a lot more control away from consumers in the market.
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It's a concept that has been hinted at in the past by service providers, only to be quickly swept under the rug for fear of the angry mobs that would surely follow. So could it really be inevitable in the New Year? Craig Moffett of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. in New York says yes.
"As more video shifts to the Web, the cable operators will inevitably align their pricing models," said Moffett. "With the right usage-based pricing plan, they can embrace the transition instead of resisting it.
"In the end, it will be the best thing that ever happened to the cable industry," Moffett said.
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The main reason for his argument is due to a recent FCC ruling which allowed cable internet providers the power to charge usage-based billing at any rate they determine.
Netflix and Hulu are currently against this plan as it would affect them the most with the spokesperson from Netflix stating "is not in the consumer's best interest as consumers deserve unfettered access to a robust Internet at reasonable rates."
http://www.screwattack.com/news/usag...ld-happen-2012
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Daily Recap:
1) The recent Mortal Kombat game will be getting a 2nd collector's edition called the "Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition" which will include the game, all the DLC, and all the updates on February 12, 2012.
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