Deutsche Telekom officially launches broadband usage limits

Deutsche Telekom confirmed it will implement monthly data caps for any new wireline DSL broadband subscribers, which it says is a way to keep up with the rising demand for data.

Beginning in May, it will offer three data usage allowances that range from 75 GB to 400 GB for users who  subscribe to one of its "Call & Surf" or "Entertainment" plans: 75 GB for speeds up to 16 Mbps; 200 GB for speeds of up to 50 Mbps; 300 GB for up to 100 Mbps; and and 400 GB for packages with a connection of up to 200 Mbps.

Any user who violates their limits will see their data rate drop to 384 Kbps for the remaining period of the month. However, users can purchase a higher broadband data tier to continue using the Internet at a faster speed.

Deutsche Telekom said that its customers on average use between 15 to 20 GB a month.

Last month, a rumor emerged on Fanboy.fm that the telco would throttle "excessive users," but at that time it not revealed any new tariffs, adding that they will "make an appropriate announcement."

The telco is not alone in its desires to implement data usage caps on its users. A similar trend has taken place in the U.S. with AT&T (NYSE: T) and CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) implementing policies that users claim are very confusing to understand.

For more:
- TeleGeography has this article

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