The bandwdth Craze

[DonHouston]

Why is every one wanting so much bandwidth. Seems today that shared sites want 10 gb of disk space and 300 gb of bandwidth. Why? I have to wonder I mean for the small companies just starting out this is an issue. Who is going to use that much and why?

Also, what is a good limit for bandwidth. I am doing some research and I would like to know what the general public feels about this. I mean after all I am in the business to give you a good deal, but what is the point of so much bandwidth? I would like some feedback please

[remcom]

The increase in offered bandwidth is more of a marketing scheme. It helps you say "look at me, I offer more then this host at the same price". For web hosts looking to stand out it might help.

On the question of how much bandwidth to provide, I suggest having multiple choices for the consumer and allowing them to upgrade easily. Also let them be aware of this option. I have had many customers that were not totally sure of their needs but, when I mentioned the ability to upgrade or downgrade as needed without surcharges they were more "at home" with us.

[DonHouston]

We do offer that option, but seriously they want 250 GB of bandwidth. Why so high.

[PHMatt]

Depends what your potential clients are actually hosting. If they still believe there's millions to be made in the adult market, granted there is, but not as many are starting things the right way to make it happen, then they could use it. A couple TGP sites, with some movie files on them for streaming, and they'll eat it up.

I do agree though, the majority of clients won't come close to using that, or any large amount of space either. It's the same result that goes on in the dedi world, people want it, but rarely use it, so the overselling game comes into play heavily.

[DonHouston]

True,

But when you look at it what is the cost of a 250 GB HD? Now basically traffic can be looked at that so this 250 for 10 deal is kinda dumb. Well thats my opinion though

[Liquid Hosting]

It's a security thing. Clients feel better just knowing that they have this much transfer available if they were to need it. The thought of his or her Website going down because of something so mundane strikes fear into the heart of every Webmaster - and this is the reason why high transfer limits have become so commonplace.

Just as a suggestion: I would go ahead and crank up the transfer on your plans, if you have not done so already. Unless your host offers some other special value to consumers, this may be the only way for you to survive in the market. It is indeed all about remaining competitive.

[Raider]

Eh, it's all in the head. People wont use 200GB of bandwidth, but they want it anyway for some reason. They use like 1-5GB.

That's how people oversell.