How do I limit internet usage??

[Elise26]

Hi guy,

I'm a brand new host and I've just set up internet at the property (NBN). My plan has a 100gig per month allowance, and I want to make sure a guest doesn't just download all seven Harry Potter movies, the entire Friends anthology and everything Kanye has ever released, and use up all the data in a day! 

I'm sure there's a way you can do this, because you can't torrent at schools, or Starbucks or hotels. 

Any ideas?? I'm so not tech savvy. Worst Millennial ever! 

[Ernesto17]

You need to get unlimited usage. There is no possible way to limit the usage. Plus, if you do, you will get negative reviews because no one else is limiting the internet usage and that could cost you lost revenues.

[Sue611]

In my city no one offers unlimited usage. I have Xfinity and they allow 1200GB/mo after which you pay $10/50GB for a maximum of 500 additional GB or $100, then they cut you off. My current guests are using 60-90 GB/day! I'll block their devices as that moment draws near.

[Emiel1]

What @David-and-Fiona0 wrote in this thread is true. A sophisticated Internet router has build in software to manage many things. It depends on brand and type which options are offered, but you can set limitations on amount of data processed, switch on/of WiFi for certain time periods, look at statistics to find a "pirat"-user, check for possible intruders, decline access for specific devices  etc...

[David-and-Fiona0]

You certainly can limit usage and even stopping them downloading. If you are not tech savvy you will need to get an it person in to modify the settings on your router. It's actually quite easy. Also remember as a host you could be liable for the guest downloading pirated material.

[Dede0]

@Ernesto17 First, not all providers in all countries have unlimited usage as an option. Secondly, there are ways to limit individual usage, but that all depends on either the provider or a third-party service in the middle. I can't claim to know the details of how to do that in AU (where @Elise26 is), but it can be done.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

It would be unusual here in Europe to put a limit on internet usuage - but as others mentioned I believe it can be done. Make sure this is very clear in your description as it may affect a person's choice of host. Good luck

[Cynthia-and-Chris1]

A polite statement/request in your house manual or house rules saying may do the trick.  You can also mention it when you are giving your guest a walk-through of the house.

[Frits-And-Brenda0]

We do have the polite message and tell our guests that we have limited internet access (we live rural you see) but still they watch/download movies as if there is no tomorrow. Our plan allows for 80Gb/month and that is blown in the first week.

My observation is that potential guests almost NEVER read the house rules.

Now I have WiFi turned off and if guests want WiFi they have to ask and I then explain the acceptable usage.

That seem to work really well.

[Marney0]

I am new, our 4th guests used all our data, it then goes to $10 Australian for each gig, they went into the 3rd $10, so basically we made very little on their 2 night stay. 

I spoke to them about it politely & they continued to use it

[Marney0]

I am going to write something in house rules & hope guests respect our internet availability. What to write without losing bookings is the hard part. Wifi seems to be the main want these days, they aren't eating the food provided but the sure are eating the Data ! 

[David126]

Most Guests do not read the House rules and not sure if they did what effect that would have.

[Terri38]

I am having the same problem.  So far, the best solution seems to be:

1/ Include in the house rules that guests can use X amount per day

2/ Take advantage of the latest improvements to the listing options - there is one for amenities restriction

3/ Remind guests of the restriction when they check in

4/ Find and get familiar with the usage monitor in your internet account page

5/ Let guests know that you regularly check internet use and will give them a gentle rminder if they are using close to their daily amount

6/ Change the password daily if you can't be sure that the guests are going to play ball

If you are out all day and don't want to be the dragon who takes the power cord to the router with them, it helps if you have reasonably priced mobile data included so that you can check your internet account page.  Send your guests a friendly reminder if they are approaching their daily limit.

As a last resort, you can remotely boot them off the network.  Google MAC addresses.

It is possible to restrict guests to X amount of data per day - the libraries here in NZ do it but annoyingly, the ISPs don't.

There are a few ways to do it yourself (or so says the internet but I don't understand it!).

Fortunately, most people seem to understand - so far, I only had one internet-related stinker review!

Good luck with it all and hope something one of us posts her can help you.

[Karen-and-Brian0]

Hi @Elise26 You definitely can limit usage - there are likely lots of options out there, but I'd recommend getting a Google wifi. You can operate it remotely through the app & can "pause" any device connected at any time if they're being data hogs. And you can set pause schedules for any time of day, for any length of time. It's great. Add a note about having limited wifi in your listing and in your information for guests sheet (if you leave such a thing for them on site) to explain that your data plan has a limit & that you request they limit their use to email and light web browsing only. Anything beyond that, you can block that device. We have a generous data plan but there are some really heavy users out there who can chew through what should last a month in just a few days. We've also run into problems when we host 8 guests & they all have at least 1 device (we've had 8 guests & 11 devices once) - get them all going & it really uses data quickly even if they're all being sensible. We now say that if there is evidence of excessive use, we'll limit internet use to the booking guest only - and with the Google wifi, we can block all devices except the booking guest's. We're in a remote area with satellite internet & don't list it as an amenity so expect guests will not assume they'll have the ability to to go crazy with Harry Potter,  Friends or Kanye at our place. Good question & all the best of luck to you with your listing - Karen

[Marney0]

since writing on this post i invested in unlimited internet, life is far less stressful for this host now!