Do Web Hosts Really Offer "Unlimited" Bandwith?

Bandwidth measures the volume of data transmitted over the internet. You have to know how much bandwidth you need while choosing hosting plans.

Many web hosting companies offer unlimited bandwidth with their plans. Be careful when someone claims they provide unlimited bandwidth or monthly transfer. Any web host claiming "Unlimited Bandwidth" is not being accurate. No web host really provides "Unlimited Bandwidth".

No broadband company would ever provide an internet connection with "Unlimited Megabytes per Second." So, how could a web hosting company, which normally doesn't even own its own access lines, promise that it will give customers "Unlimited Bandwidth"?

Quite often, sites that generate a lot of traffic on these "Unlimited" plans will be disconnected, and no refund given. Normally, the web host will say that the site violated its Acceptable Use Policy or Terms of Service.

Whenever you visit a site promoting "Unlimited Bandwidth" as one of the account features, be sure to visit the Acceptable Use Policy, or the Terms of Service. Read the fine text about the so-called "Unlimited" bandwidth.

When you first look for web hosting services (those who state clearly the bandwidth that is offered), you have to make your best estimation and watch your usage carefully in the first few months. Take these factors into account while estimating.

How many visitors will access your web site?
How many pages will they access?
How big are the graphic and HTML files?

Large audio and video files, computer programs, and file downloads require more bandwidth. Flash web sites use tons of bandwidth. Virtual Reality (VR) and full-length three-dimensional audio/visual presentations require the most bandwidth of all.

The above factors will not give you a precise estimate of your bandwidth requirements, but still gives you something to work with until your site has been online for a while and actual traffic statistics have been generated.

Don’t fall for the unlimited bandwidth trap that some companies throw at you.