What is data overage in the context of a customer of an online video provider or a CDN?

As the world becomes increasingly connected, more and more businesses are relying on online video platforms (OVPs) to deliver their message. However, this increased usage of OVPs also means that businesses need to be aware of the possibility of data overage.

Data overage occurs when a business exceeds the amount of data that its OVP plan allows for. This can result in unexpected charges and a potential interruption in service. To avoid this, it is important for businesses to understand how data overage works and what they can do to prevent it.

One way to prevent data overage is to choose an OVP plan that offers unlimited data. This can be a good option for businesses that use a lot of video content and want to avoid the hassle of monitoring their data usage. However, unlimited plans may come with a higher monthly cost, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against the added expense.

Another way to avoid data overage is to monitor usage regularly. This can be done by tracking the amount of data that is being used each month and comparing it to the plan limits. If a business is getting close to their data limit, they may need to adjust their usage or upgrade their plan to avoid overage charges.

Businesses can also take steps to optimize their video content to reduce the amount of data used. For example, using lower-resolution videos or compressing videos can help to reduce the amount of data used at the cost of video quality. Additionally, businesses can use analytics to identify which videos are using the most data and make adjustments as necessary.

Finally, businesses should be aware of any data overage fees that may be charged by their OVP. These fees can be costly and can quickly add up if data overage occurs frequently. It’s important to read the fine print and understand the fees that are associated with going over data limits.

Data overage is a real concern for businesses that use OVPs with subscription plans. To avoid unexpected charges and interruptions in service, it’s important to either choose an appropriate plan, monitor data usage regularly, optimize video content, and be aware of any overage fees... or simply avoid providers charging for data overage. By taking these steps, businesses can ensure that their video content is delivered smoothly and without any unexpected costs.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier (LinkedIn)
Last modified: May 4th, 2023

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