More here from the Wall Street Journal.
I guess we are off the hook …for now

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• 10 Ways Usage Based Internet Access will Change the Internet Landscape

• Fast Read: More usage based pricing for Internet access

I’ve posted a couple of articles(here and here ) about how some major  ISPs (ATT and COMCAST) are piloting usage based Internet access, and it got me to thinking of the possible impacts this could have on how the Internet is used in the future.

1. Everyone will pay more.  (I guess this is kind of obvious). Even if there is an unlimited plan its going be more than what we are paying now. (Look at wireless phone service plans as an example.)

2. People will finally secure their WI-FI networks since they won’t want to pay for their neighbors surfing.

3. No more free WI-FI hotspots at coffee shops and hotels.

4. Large ISPs will partner with various bandwidth heavy sites/apps  (Video,Backup) to  provide services that are ‘exempt’ from usage charges.

5. There will be less video/multimedia on the web.

6. Alternate connection methods that provide unlimited access will see an upsurge (WI-MAX,Satellite, 2nd Tier DSL).

7. There will be less “cloud” computing apps for small business and home users.

8. Google will come up with a low bandwidth items search options.

9. People will be downloading less ‘free’ software to try out. (This may help the Post Office since it may be cheaper to mail a CD/DVD than download, and the Post Office needs help.)

10. Plain-text email will make a comeback.

Those are some of my predictions, what do you think ?