Comcast to Expand Usage-Based Internet Trials

Comcast said it will kick off usage-based broadband billing tests Sept. 1 on cable systems in central Kentucky, Savannah, Ga., and Jackson, Miss.

The trials will apply usage-based policies Comcast is already testing in other markets, but this appears to be the first Comcast trial to combine a monthly 300 Gigabyte plan that charges customers extra if they exceed that threshold alongside an opt-in plan for lighter users that caps monthly usage at 5 GB.

If customers in those areas begin nearing that 300GB limit, they’ll receive in-browser and e-mail warnings when they hit 80% and 90% of the cap. Once 300GB has been reached, the user gets an e-mail, letting them know that another 50GB has been allocated to the account.

"In order for our customers to get accustomed to the new data usage plan, we will be implementing a program that gives you three courtesy months for exceeding the 300 GB in any 12-month period. That means you will only be subject to overage charges if you exceed the 300 GB for a fourth time in a 12-month period," Comcast explained. "On the fourth (and any subsequent occurrence), you will be notified that you have exceeded your 300 GB via an email and in-browser notification, that an additional 50 GB has automatically been allocated to your account, and that applicable charges will be applied to your bill."

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