• 100mb - 5gb data transfer (S$100/yr),
• 500mb - 20gb data transfer (S$300/yr),
• 1000mb - 40gb data transfer (S$500/yr)

Why we do not offer Unlimited Bandwidth?

This article was extracted from http://webhostselect.com. WebHostSelect is a web host directory listing service and they have written an excellent article on the misconceptions of "Unlimited Web Hosts". Read on...

Our Policy on "Unlimited Web Hosts"

Wondering why you aren't seeing your favorite "Unlimited" bandwidth host here? Simple. We don't list them. To find out why, read on.

Lets start with something important. What exactly does "Unlimited" mean anyways? Well, there is no better way to find out than to look in the dictionary. The following is taken directly from Dictionary.com:

unlimited:, \Un*lim"it*ed\, a.

• Not limited; having no bounds; boundless; as, an unlimited expanse of ocean.
• Undefined; indefinite; not bounded by proper exceptions; as, unlimited terms. ``Nothing doth more prevail than unlimited generalities.'' --Hooker.
• Unconfined; not restrained; unrestricted.

Pretty clear right? OK. Lets move on then.

Unlimited Bandwidth is Technically Impossible

Every data transfer mechanism has a speed limit. Most dial up modems are limited to 56 Kbits per second. Even large, ISP and Web Host size connections have speed limits. Here are the maximum speeds for most of the common types of dedicated internet connections:

The Web Host with the fastest network connectivity that we are aware of is Rackshack.net with just over 4200 MBit/second of bandwidth available. (Rackshack.net has several Gigabyte Ethernet, OC3 and other connections to the Internet.) That's an amazing amount of bandwidth. Its enough to send about one whole data CD (700 MB) in one second. Its the equivalent of about 75000 56K dial up modems.

But, even as amazing as that level of bandwidth is - it is STILL NOT UNLIMITED. There is a limit to the speed at which their network can perform. And, remember, this is the fastest web hosting network that we are aware of - anywhere.

No web host - even Rackshack.net can promise and deliver on unlimited bandwidth. There is no such thing as an "Unlimited" speed internet connection. Ever internet connection has a speed limit.

Bandwidth is Expensive

ISP class connections to the Internet are very, very expensive. Web Hosts usually have at least two high speed, permanent connections to the Internet. Each connection will typically come from a different access provider. This way they can ensure that if one line goes out, they can still function on the second line while the first is being repaired.

Just like Internet access for the home, the faster it is, the more expensive it is.

The "slowest" ISP class connection to the Internet is called the T1. The T1 is a 1.544 Mbit/second connection. Typically a T1 is too slow for all but the smallest web hosts. T1 lines can cost anywhere from $500 - $1200 per month depending on a number of factors.

The next fastest ISP class connection to the Internet is called the T3. The T3 is a 45 Mbit/second connection. Most middle to large sized ISPs and Web Hosts use T3 lines since they are fast and relatively cost effective. T3 lines can cost anywhere between $15000 - $30000 per month. Again pricing depends on a number of factors.

Beyond the T1 and T3 sized lines, bandwidth is typically sold in "bulk" and is sold in quantities of 100Mbit/second or 1000Mbit/second. Bulk bandwidth can be purchased from around $30-150 per Mbit/second. So a 100 Mbit/second line would cost between $30000 and $150000 per month, and a 1000 Mbit/second line would cost between $300000 and $1500000 per month.

We've seen hosting companies offer "Unlimited Bandwidth" for as low as $3 per month. The question you have to ask is: How can a web host promise "Unlimited Bandwidth" when bandwidth is so expensive?

The answer is they can't. Either they go out of business, or you get kicked off of their servers if you use more than just a tiny bit of bandwidth each month.

"Unlimited Bandwidth" hosts always have a limit...

Almost every "Unlimited Bandwidth" host has a limit to what they will actually let you use. Usually its buried in their Terms of Service. Sometimes, they don't state it anywhere. And other times, they just decide arbitrarily when you've used too much.

We can provide plenty of examples what we're talking about. Here is just one.

(Click the image for a full size version.)

This screen shot was taken directly from the host's site. As you can see, Unlimited really isn't Unlimited. If you use too much bandwidth you will get charged, and then disconnected if you don't pay. How does that sound.

Don't buy the hype. We don't and we won't recommend a host that sells Unlimited Bandwidth hosting services. If that is what your looking for, we respectfully request that you look elsewhere. :-)