In reply to a post by RobertoS:

That's 1.5 times my allowance, on Plusnet. As long as it's not a 31-day month, in which case it exceeds it.

You have a 40GB limit? I guess that box is using 60GB/month - that is a lot.

My usage, including my Samknows box, last month pushed 55GB upload and download on my BE connection.

I suspect this ICM testing outfit is nowhere near as competent as Samknows is, and perhaps should only be used on unlimited connections.

Edited by jchamier (Fri 13-Jul-12 18:14:13)

The issue is what line speed does the person have.

Ballpark figures, with no idea how they apply to ICM

Assume 50Meg connection, downloading for 10 seconds, that is 63MB per test. 10 seconds is a reasonable length of time, but a link that runs at 80 Meg will use proportionally more.

On a 50Meg to use 2GB means only testing for 32 minutes a day, so it may be someone did not do their sums very well, i.e. went for a test every 2 hours without realising how much data this would use.

The fun starts when you are testing 300 Meg and faster, as you need 200MB or more to get even a reasonable idea.

I asked about the amount used and received the following reply in an email:

"We became aware of this and realised that some users may incur Usage penalties as a result of having the device installed.

To avoid this, we have entered into an agreement with your ISP, whereby we provide them with your phone number and they will in turn adjust your Fair Usage Policy. This means you will not receive any excess charges as a result of being on the trial."

So if you are on a limited package then you 'ought' not to be charged for excessive usage. (I wonder if that will work?)

Has anyone received any money or a report on speed yet?

Richard

Hmmmm. FUP is not the same as Allowance. Maybe they mean that as well, but I wouldn't bet on it.

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

The issue is what line speed does the person have.

Interesting numbers - it means a service such as BT's 40GB version of Infinity that can reach 40mbps speeds, might find they use a lot of their allowance in speed tests. Virgin's 100mbps service obviously is much worse.

Yes, the assumptions might have been everyone is on ~15mbps or less and they forgot about FTTC and cable - quite possible if the project was stalled for a long time before going live.

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Interesting numbers - it means a service such as BT's 40GB version of Infinity that can reach 40mbps speeds, might find they use a lot of their allowance in speed tests. Virgin's 100mbps service obviously is much worse.

If you have concerns about data usage, please do contact ICM about it. We raised this with them before and the usage depends slightly on which ISP you're with etc.. They can address any specific queries.

I appreciate some of the comments about lack of responses from them. I will take this up with them.

seb

I emailed them on the 9th of July and the 1st of July. No response to either.

That's 14 days of being ignored now. It makes me fed up.

The lack of response (even an acknowledgement of receipt of an email) does seem very unprofessional. Makes you wonder how seriously and efficiently they are running this project.

The one response I did get from them did not address two of the three questions I asked. I almost withdrew then, but gave them the benefit of the doubt. If I don't get something positive from them soon I will definitely pull the plug.

ICM Research is meant to be a well-established and recognised organisation, isn't it?

Richard

Hmmm. Well Richard:
1) I got no response to my last email.
2) No reference from them regarding test results
And finally, no money!
C'est la vie, I suppose.
Cheers, Les.

I've had no reply since I got the unit, this week I took the plunge and flashed it to a normal router. If they want it back they can have it but it poor service to give an email address as the only point of contact and then pick and choose who you reply to.

At least Seb is going to take this up with them, must be embarrassing to be associated with ICM.