Amazon Limiting 3G Internet Access via its Kindle Web Browser to 50 MB a Month

[pidgeon92]

Originally Posted by WatchAdam

Look, I don't like data caps more than the next guy, but is anyone here using that much data through the Kindle's experimental web browser? It's basically text only as is, and you can't stream videos or music as far as I know.

I don't know about here, but there were some comments in one of the articles about this (I don't recall the source, but it's in the other MR thread) about people tethering other devices to the Kindle to use the internet.

It also appears that some people were using the experimental web browser on the Kindle itself heavily while overseas, which no doubt cost Amazon a fortune in roaming charges.

[DarkScribe]

Originally Posted by teh603

Open internet was an attempt by the Federal government over here (in case you're not in the US) to require all ISPs to treat every single data packet equally and prevent arbitrary throttling. It failed because the Tea Party decided to paint it as a move to censor the internet, and made sure it died a horrible death.

What makes Amazon an ISP is that you buy your Kindle's 3G data package from it, and that allows it to decide just what you can do with that internet access.

Amazon does not provide bandwidth, it creates agreements with various ISPs to provide that service on their behalf.

If they try to change the terms that were offered here (Australia) they would find themselves in difficulty. Under our Trade Practice Law it would make any owner of a device entitled to a full refund of the original purchase price as being "Not fit for the purpose for which it was purchased." I doubt that they will try it with Australian customers, particularly as they are in the process of setting up a physical presence here. Building huge warehouses in a couple of areas - according to local news several months ago.

[Kali Yuga]

Originally Posted by teh603

What makes Amazon an ISP is that you buy your Kindle's 3G data package from it, and that allows it to decide just what you can do with that internet access.

In this particular case, throttling makes sense.

The Kindle is not designed to be an all-purpose web-browsing device. The idea behind the connection is to provide connectivity to Whispernet. The costs are offset by your purchases.

AFAIK the Tea Party had nothing to do with neutralizing net neutrality, nor has it been permanently defeated. The primary opposition is large ISP's like Verizon and Comcast, which want to prioritize their own offerings over Youtube and other bandwidth-hogging services.

[Piper_]

Arguments against network neutrality: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network...ork_neutrality

I'm a political fence-sitter, but I didn't like the legislation, particularly as it was proposed, either.

[Piper_]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Also, I have to wonder if this isn't the existing 50Mb cap on 3G web browsing outside the US getting twisted/misrepresented a bit?

I think that's exactly what happened.

[djulian]

Also, upgrading from a Kindle Keyboard to a Kindle Touch automatically will cause problems for folks as the 3G has already been shown to be restricted to Wikipedia and Amazon on the new devices.

I'll be happily keeping my Keyboard--I was glad to be able to access mobile gmail and twitter and maps while in Madrid, as my phone wouldn't even roam there.

[teh603]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

AFAIK the Tea Party had nothing to do with neutralizing net neutrality, nor has it been permanently defeated. The primary opposition is large ISP's like Verizon and Comcast, which want to prioritize their own offerings over Youtube and other bandwidth-hogging services.

I guess that depends on where you're at; it was making a pretty big deal about it here.

Edit:

Originally Posted by Piper_

Arguments against network neutrality: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network...ork_neutrality

I'm a political fence-sitter, but I didn't like the legislation, particularly as it was proposed, either.

None of that was actually in the reasons I saw mentioned. I'm not going to go into the extreme details, but those would've made a lot more convincing case than what I saw.

[MikeOxlittle]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Yep, data quotas are everywhere now. Verizon has/is eliminating unlimited plans which will affect me when I upgrade (as early as today...)

I'd check DSLReports to find an alternative ISP if they are available in your area.

When AT&T implemented their caps last year I found a local ISP which leases AT&T lines, but they offered lower prices, better reliability and NO CAPS.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by MikeOxlittle

I'd check DSLReports to find an alternative ISP if they are available in your area.

When AT&T implemented their caps last year I found a local ISP which leases AT&T lines, but they offered lower prices, better reliability and NO CAPS.

This is Mobile phone I'm talking. But Comcast - my isp - did a similar thing last year. It didn't really affect me, and the phone thing probably won't either, it's no like I use a huge amount of bandwidth like some people watching movies and streaming all day long...

[frahse]

Originally Posted by DarkScribe

Amazon does not provide bandwidth, it creates agreements with various ISPs to provide that service on their behalf.

If they try to change the terms that were offered here (Australia) they would find themselves in difficulty. Under our Trade Practice Law it would make any owner of a device entitled to a full refund of the original purchase price as being "Not fit for the purpose for which it was purchased." I doubt that they will try it with Australian customers, particularly as they are in the process of setting up a physical presence here. Building huge warehouses in a couple of areas - according to local news several months ago.

If I read you correctly, you are saying that your Kindle did not state that the web browser was "experimental."

I believe that Amazon can change the web browser on the keyboard Kindle I bought in the US in any way and at any time.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by frahse

If I read you correctly, you are saying that your Kindle did not state that the web browser was "experimental."

All Kindles have the web browser on the "Experimental" menu, and the Kindle licence agreement has always stated that using the Wireless Connectivity for anything other than buying books is something that can be revoked at any time.