up for a peak/off-peak plan, as it does fundamentally restrict the way you can use the service and means you'll be paying for a data allowance you never use. Analyse when you actually go online carefully if you're considering this route. An automated setup for downloading torrents is the most obvious use for an off-peak connection. Shaping and data packs : There are a variety of approaches taken by providers once you use up your monthly limit. Most apply shaping , restricting your connection speed until the next month begins. The most common speed is 256/256 (well below what ADSL offers), but this often varies depending on the cost of the plan. Shaping ensures you never pay any extra, but can be frustrating if you regularly go through your allowance every month. (If that happens, consider upgrading to a higher-capacity plan). Shaping speeds have improved during the life of the NBN (both Internode and Exetel have increased their speeds since our last roundup), but can still be a problem. Some providers allow you to purchase additional data packs, either as a one-off option to avoid monthly shaping or as an ongoing deal to upgrade an existing plan. Again, we've detailed the costs of each of these in the company commentary below. Upload counting : The majority of providers include both downloads and uploads when calculating your data usage. The only exceptions we're aware of are Engin, DeVoteD NBN, Exetel and MyFibre, all of whom count downloads only. If you regularly