Almost one million internet users in the UK have exceeded, or come quite close to exceeding, their prescribed broadband usage limit, according to the research from consumer group, uSwitch. Their research has found so-called usage caps, wherein internet service providers (ISPs) limit the amount of bandwidth that users can have in a month, are standard practice. However, most users are confused by these bandwidth curbs that are imposed on them, the report mentions.

For some of them who cross their usage limit the penalty can be disconnection. Tim Wolfenden, spokesman for uSwitch, said:

“Having the service disconnected - with so much reliance on broadband - could seem to someone as serious as having their electricity supply cut off.”

The survey found that 56 percent of broadband providers in the UK who advertised services as ‘unlimited’ actually imposed usage caps. They were even prepared to cut users off if they used it up to excess. Only two out of the nine ISPs actually revealed what these limits were.

“Broadband firms should not be allowed to classify their packages as unlimited if they are actually not,” stated Mr Wolfenden.