Major Streaming Services Limit Bandwidth [COVID-19] [Updated]

[Ink]

Content source

https://uk.ign.com/articles/netflix-urged-to-reduce-stream-quality-to-prevent-internet-overload-amid-coronavirus-crisis

Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Disney+, and Apple have also agreed to comply with government requests that video bitrates are reduced in Europe while the coronavirus quarantine continues.

THR reports that all these companies are following in the footsetps of Netflix and YouTube, who both announced last week that they would comply with European government requests to help tackle the pressure on internet bandwidth as streaming rates soar while many are forced to stay indoors.

What are your thoughts?

 

[ForgottenSeer 55474]

I think it is VERY Bad that the networks/servers in question can not take a little heat, they should have prepared for these situations IMO.

 

[Stopspying]

As I posted recently in another MT thread our home broadband dropped out a few nights ago, then was intermittent for the next couple of days. It has been very reliable for a couple of years prior to this last week. This is in England, in a fairly central location in a reasonable sized town, our infrastructure is not the best away from the big cities, or even in parts of them too. With the recent huge increase in the numbers of people working from home, kids learning at home, with higher rates of x-box and entertainment streaming as well the bandwidth needs to be shared evenly in my view. Restricting some services from hogging what is available should help to equal things out

 

[Ink]

Source: Sony Limits Download Speeds on PSN [PS Blog EU]

We will take similar measures in the United States, and we will continue to take appropriate action to do our part to help ensure internet stability as this unprecedented situation continues to evolve.

 

[Cortex]

I agree totally the infrastructure needs to be protected BT in the UK have said they aren't near the highest demand they have dealt with - I'be had no problems but as I pay extra for UHD+ on Netflix I wonder if I get money of my next bill as it's saving them bandwidth?

 

[Ink]

I agree totally the infrastructure needs to be protected BT in the UK have said they aren't near the highest demand they have dealt with - I'be had no problems but as I pay extra for UHD+ on Netflix I wonder if I get money of my next bill as it's saving them bandwidth?

Wouldn't that be up to Netflix and not BT? But also I would think it's easier to offer 1 month extra free rather than a discount for pre-paid plans.

 

[Cortex]

Yes it's up to Netlix, can't see them doing any reductions and being serious not really an issue - I'm glad I have a variety of options for entertainment as can't go out as many others also.

 

[blacksheep]

Don't care. Torrents exists.