Experts Warn Internet Is Running Out of Bandwidth "Internet users face regular "brownouts" that will freeze their computers as capacity runs out in cyberspace, according to research to be published later this year." Hmm... any thoughts on how legit this prediction is? Imagine all the timed online tests that would be affected.
Not very likely. Most users are equipped with residential and not business class internet connections. These connections are "best effort" on the part of the provider. Meaning no quality of service, class of service, or service level agreements that guarantee bandwidth and availability. More companies are trying to monitor and restrict high bandwidth users (so much for net neutrality). The current internet offerings are very robust. Want to avoid slow downs, get your checkbook out. Test taking is a common sense approach. Monitor your access and you will find the best day and time to take a test for your provider. You can also call them and explain your need and they will give you some information on network usage.
Its been going on for some time people like myself who can only afford basic dial-up at $12 a month and high-speed users who have more content options but who must pay far more. So there are lanes already the fast lane and the slow country winding road where many people are on dial-up.
I have subscribed to internet service providers since the early 1990s when dial-up was the only option for residential users and high-bandwidth was only available to the local universities and government offices. In 2001 I finally upgraded to higher speed access via my cable television provider and by 2003 switched over to DSL from the telephone company. After moving halfway across country in 2006 I decided speed-wise the low-speed high-speed (5 X dial-up speed) was sufficient for the majority of my Internet usage (email, web, chatting, distance education, streaming audio, remote access into the office).
