Vodacom is implementing a capping policy

Vodacom is implementing a capping policy where high-end BlackBerry users’ speeds will be throttled

Summary: Vodacom will throttle the speeds of their BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) subscribers who exceed 100MB of usage per month from 3G to 2G

 

Vodacom today (12 September 2011) announced that they have introduced a data capping system on their BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS), where high-end users’ speeds will be throttled.

Vodacom announced in a press statement that they have studied usage patterns to better understand the causes of congestion at peak times, and one finding was that more than 95% of BlackBerry data usage was attributable to less than 5% of users.

“We need to ensure that all BlackBerry users are able to enjoy the service that they pay for. When we realised that such a small minority was using the bulk of the capacity, we decided to implement measures that will ensure that Blackberry users will enjoy a better browsing experience overall,” said Chief Technology Officer Andries Delport.

Vodacom said that steps have been taken to ensure that the 95% of the BlackBerry users who are currently using the service fairly are not impacted by “those who are abusing the service”.

“The 5% of the base who are not using the service for what it was intended will have their connection speed reduced from 3G to 2G levels,” Vodacom said.

Vodacom explained that Blackberry Internet Service users who have reached the 100MB threshold per month will have their connection speed reduced from 3G to 2G levels. Blackberry Enterprise Users will not be affected.