Several weeks ago, Sympatico stated in a press release it would include monthly download caps on its high speed Internet service which uses a telephone line with the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) protocol to connect it's users to an "always-on" Internet connection. The largest provider of its kind in the country.

Rogers made a similar press release. If Sympatico started capping it's users, Rogers Hi-Speed Internet (formerly Rogers@Home) would start limiting user downloads and uploads. Probably by the end of the summer.

What does this mean for broadband users? It means the days of movie downloading, streaming video and audio, servers and downloading your favourite music are over. Although there is not much one user can do to stop these caps, anyone can sign an online petition at RBUA Online Petition. Although the petition may not be successful, you can call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to complain and fight for yourself. You may call Rogers Communications at 1-888-Rogers-1 or Sympatico at 310-SURF.

There is one way around these corporate giants, simply switch your ISP. Many competitors exists around urban centers. Bob Carrick, an Ontarian broadband activist, has setup a site for broadband users suggesting alternative services for your broadband needs. You can view his list at Carrick Solutions.

Many providers in the United States are also considering download caps. Unfortunately, the Internet business is going off. @Home corporation is dead, and the industry is just not what it used to be. Money is always on the top of the list, and if it means charging users hundreds in bandwidth bills, so be it.

At the current point in time, Shaw Communications has not made any announcement to cap cable Internet users, but some say it's only a matter of time.

You can discuss these issues in our broadband forums or visit Residential Broadband Users` association for details on broadband capping. We suggest you read about the limits imposed on cable and dsl users before you run any filesharing program or commence any large downloads. If you are a Sympatico user, you may already be affected.