Does gaming and the amount of time spent using the internet affect the broadband bill?

Question

So my mother recently got a broadband bill (we're with BT) and she had to pay an excess of like £130 because we'd exceeded our allowance or something.

Why would such an excess occur. She doesn't really use the internet that much at all, so it must be something I'm doing. Naturally I feel guilty.

I play online games like Counterstrike 1.6 and Day of Defeat, could this affect it? I've heard that the gaming itself shouldn't affect the bill that much, but with a game like counterstrike where practically every server has it's own content to download it could result in an excess.

Secondly, I use the internet a lot. Like, A LOT. In the morning I'll turn my computer on, reset the router (it never connects otherwise) and pretty much leave it on so I can go on it quickly if I ever want the internet. I go on normal sites like youtube, wikipedia, etc., and never download anything bigger than a flashplayer update or whatever. Could the length of time the computer is simply connected to the net affect the Bill.

Thirdly, I have an Xbox and LIVE, and often play online on that. Could that affect the bill? I also download demos and stuff that frequently are around 1GB a piece. Do these demos count as a part of the download allowance?

Also, the games I play are downloaded off of steam. Does the game download count toward download allowance?

Thanks for any help. Me and my mum are both pretty techno-illiterate. I just don't want to cost her any more money if I can help it.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Check to see which package your on with BT. If its 'unlimited broadband' then no it will not affect the bill.

http://www.broadband.bt.com/ppc/defaulta.aspx?s_cid=con_ppc_maxus_vidZ60_Broadband&vendorid=Z60&gclid=CKGBm-6tpKMCFR4B4wodVlsX3w

BT then charge you £1 for every GB that you go over your limit.

Im with BT and i didnt know this myself ummmm RIP OFF!!


Actually ive just looked at the above website, options 1&2 have 10gb & 40gb a month usage, after that they charge you. option 3 has unlimited which is the best package to have.  ( no i need to see what im on at home as im on BT and i use the net as much as you  lol  )

Anonymous · Answer

Gaming via internet will consume your broadband,if your interconnection is limited or unlimited if unlimited no problem whatever you do,and didn't do you have to pay a fixed amount,if limited after limited data you have to pay for the addtional and why you play online,download high end games from net and play it on computer that won't consume internet,and if you are always on internet i recommend you have to change your plan to unlimited it will be better

Coolestson · Answer

I didnt read your whole thing. Doesnt matter most of the time. Most of the time the answer is no. Unless u have a internet service through a phone company,. They charge for amount of download during the month. Usually regular internet is fixed. You pay a fee a month and use it as u see fit. If u are using internet at home, doesnt matter if u are using internet wireless anywhere from a phone company then u will be charged if u go over ur contract. Limitless is more money,check your isp

Sosumi · Answer

If you game A LOT then yes you can definitely surpass your broadband limit. Along with your frequent downloading you obviously are responsible for surpassing your limit. All that downloading and streaming will take up bandwidth.

*yes there are isps, even in the us, who will charge for a static amount of bandwidth per month, Genius. Downloading and streaming media are the two quickest ways to surpass that limit.

CoryC · Answer

Typically, your Internet Service Provider charges you a static monthly fee. Though I am unfamiliar with BT (I live in the US). From browsing their website I've noticed a 'Monthly usage' section ranging from 10-40GB (and unlimited). If you have one of those plans it is very likely that they are charging you extra, though that is atypical for a ISP (at least in the US). It would be best if you just call their customer service department and ask them.

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Does gaming and the amount of time spent using the internet affect the broadband bill?

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