Unlimited, but subject to a AUP with limits?

It really annoys me how ISPs can get away with using the word 'Unlimited' when marketing their services, which are subject to AUPs that contain a defined monthly usage limit.

This clearly contradicts the use of the word 'unlimited', and is totally misleading to consumers.

If anyone is interested, I've started an e-petition on the subject. If the petition gets 100,000 signatures, it could get debated in the house of commons.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5890

For example...?

o2

Download as much as you want (fair usage policy)

lol

In reply to a post by epyon:

o2

Download as much as you want (fair usage policy)

lol

So this petition is for people who can't read? I think I can see a flaw there...

Pretty much.

In reply to a post by epyon:

Pretty much.

No, it's got nothing to do with not being able to read the small print, it's to do with them attempting to twist the meaning of the English language using small print.

The dictionary definition of Unlimited, is...

unlimited [uhn-lim-i-tid]
adjective
1. not limited; unrestricted; unconfined: unlimited trade.
2. boundless; infinite; vast: the unlimited skies.
3. without any qualification or exception; unconditional.

How can they possibly claim it is 'unlimited' when it is subject to an AUP which contains terms limiting the amount you can use the service?

Examples? Well they really aren't hard to find. I've just checked two of the biggest ISPs in the UK, and both of them use this tactic for services that they offer.

Neither Ofcom or the Advertising Standards Authority has ever taken action against an ISP on the grounds of unlimited broadband advertising, and I think it's time that ISPs were more upfront about this, as it is misleading customers that believe 'Unlimited' should mean 'Unlimited'.

The argument that the ISPs put forward, and the ASA apparently accepts, (no comment!), is that the connection is unlimited, in that you can connect for as long as you like whenever you like.

Pffff!

wha.........

I see the OP's point though.

'Unlimited' is more than a little like 'Infinity'. Unlimited downloads? Connection? Speed?

'Always On' would not sell, especially when all ISPs adopt it (as they did with the 'Up to...' selling point.

They might as well sell it as 'Up To 1000 Meg speeds, Unlmited Broadband, for less cash than the previous questionable marketing slogan',

I was merely pointing out that so far as I know that was the defence made to the ASA, and which they accepted.