Last week I commented on a Vancouver Sun story about how Shaw and Telus were planning to start charging internet users who go over their monthly data limit. In my commentary, I pointed out the practical pitfalls of trying to accurately measure an internet user’s actual bandwidth usage and I showed examples of how a rogue user could maliciously drive up your usage without you even initiating any traffic.

Perhaps other internet users share my concerns. On February 8th, the Vancouver Sun’s Gillian Shaw reported that Shaw has decided to suspend its plan to charge customers for exceeding internet plans, “in response to consumer outrage”.

You can read more about Shaw’s “about face” in its February 8th press release entitled Shaw To Engage Customers In Consultation Process On Internet Usage Allowances. Essentially, Shaw is going to consult with customers during February and March to get their opinions and ideas about internet usage limits. Until this consultation is complete, Shaw will not charge charge customers for going over monthly limits.

For a very persuasive argument against usage-based billing for internet, I invite you to read Stephen Hume’s story Gutenberg changed the world. The Internet can do it again, from yesterday’s Vancouver Sun. It’s more philosophical and less nerdy than my argument.

If you are a current Shaw customer, please contact Shaw and let them know how you feel about usage-based billing (UBB) for internet. Do it now before it’s too late! You should be particularly concerned if you are a Netflix user.