Controlling internet data usage | Videotron Business Support

Internet usage is the measurement (expressed in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes or gigabytes) of the amount of data flowing through your computer and the Internet network for a defined period. These data are transferred in both directions: from the Internet network to your computer (download), and from your computer to the Internet network (upload).

Factors influencing my Internet usage

Which activities increase the amount of transferred data and, consequently, my Internet usage?

“Basic” surfing, that is, visiting Web sites and sending or receiving e-mail (without attachments), does not involve the transfer of large amounts of data.

However, certain activities can quickly increase your usage:

Sharing files via peer-to-peer software
Streaming visual files, as when communicating via Webcam (Skype, MSN)
Videoconferences
Watching online video sites like YouTube
Downloading movies and music
Listening to Internet radio (audio streaming)
Adding connected objects, such as surveillance cameras.

How can I monitor my Internet data usage?

You can easily see how much data you have used since the start of your billing period.

Check your Internet usage report on a regular basis. It’s available in the Business Customer Centre of the Videotron Web site.

In the Internet section of your Customer Centre, click on View your Internet usage.
In the Your Usage box, a bar displays the percentage of data used in your plan.

Have your Internet needs changed?

Make the most of your Internet service and optimize your performance. See our Business Internet packages.

Possible solutions to reduce data usage

Completely close P2P applications (torrents).

For Windows users: When closing a P2P application, ensure that the corresponding icon no longer appears in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen. If the icon is still there, right click and select “Exit”.
Check the applications installed on your computer.

For Windows users:
- Click Start → Control Panel → Add or Remove Programs.
  You will see a list of all the applications installed on your computer.
- Carefully check the list to make sure that all of the applications are wanted and none were installed without your knowledge.
- You can uninstall unwanted applications by selecting them and then clicking “Remove”.
Be well aware of an application’s purpose before uninstalling. If you are unsure of what may happen if the application is removed, obtain more information before proceeding. Removal of an important application could affect your computer’s operation.
Secure your wireless connection

Refer to the user guide that came with your wireless router, the manufacturer’s Web site, or the store you purchased the router from. Moreover, it is important to have an active, up-to-date firewall.

If there is more than one computer connected to the network by a router, know that they all give access to your Internet connection. Consequently, the preceding recommendations must be applied to each computer to have a truly secure connection.