Smaller ISPs could suffer from iPlayer changes

Smaller ISPs could start experiencing bandwidth problems following a blog from BBC's Anthony Rose, new head of digital media that the BBC iPlayer service are interested in a new provider. The BBC previously worked with provider Akamai who used servers within individual ISPs to hold cached data, meaning programs were instantly available to available users of that ISP and providers didn't have to purchase extra bandwidth. However, speaking in a recent blog post Rose spoke of another provider, Level3's ability to stream H.264 content to ISPs in the UK, raising speculation that the BBC could sign a deal with a new provider.

If Level3 are signed up then smaller ISPs could face problems with higher data transfer costs. Providers with limited funds may then not have the financial resources to stream content from iPlayer. A spokesman from the BBC has denied that the company has made any definite plans for the future of iPlayer, stating : "We use a variety of distribution methods to meet our needs, and are always looking at ways of reducing both our own costs and those of ISPs." Source: TechRadar