Are there JW platform streaming costs?

[humble bumble bee]

It has been touched on before in other threads but I can't find a reference from our publications or in a video that says that it's better to download than stream because it's more cost effective.

Edited June 30, 2019 by Shawnster

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Hi Sister Vonny, 

Are you referring to downloading/streaming using just your phone data plan?

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Streaming videos on your phone can often use up your data more quickly. which is not good if you have a limited data plan That is why many people who watch the videos by streaming just use WiFi or they may have an unlimited data plan. But if you have are in a location with no WiFi and your data plan is limited, then downloading the video on your phone is usually best. Especially if you plan on watching the video again or if you think you may show the video to someone else, such as in the ministry, then to already have the video downloaded on your phone saves your data usage. 

Edited June 30, 2019 by Beggar for the Spirit

[humble bumble bee]

Not my own cost but the cost of the organisation. 

 I mentioned it to a br, but looking for a reference from publications

[humble bumble bee]

These are quotes from this thread:

Complete list of all videos from all our sites?

Quote

Hope     14,344   #5 Posted June 28, 2016

 

You know, you will save the Branch money if you download. There is a charge to them every time content is streamed. Download and you can watch any time without incurring a fee or needing Internet access 

 

Just a thought

Quote

Omoyeme     9,005  #11 Posted July 2, 2016

 

Hmm, I've long been aware that downloading the jwb videos on one's device is more cost effective for the branch so this is what I do to assist in any way I can.  That being the case, is retaining the "streaming" segment of the website better than say, downloading each and every video and deleting them whenever you want?

 

 

The last quote wasn't answered in this tread. I would like to know the explanation. (Answer to myself: don't worry abt it, but I'm curious!)

 

"you will save the Branch money if you download" 

Can anyone please direct me to a reference in the publication or video?

 

[Shawnster]

I can't answer directly with references, but I can explain the basic principle. 

 

When you download a file, you connect to the server and incur a 1 time use.  Once downloaded, you can play that same file as many times as you want.  You aren't downloading each play.  You are not using the society's servers.  If 8 million users download this file, then the server was used only 8 million times. 

 

On contrast, if you stream the file, you use the server each time you play the same file. Each time, not just once.  If 8 million users stream the file 10 times, then that's not 8 million uses. No, it 80 million uses. 

 

That's the difference. 

 

Now, we shouldn't worry about the cost to the society to use the servers.  This is what the brothers planned for.  Many Witnesses stream the videos.  The brothers gave us the ability to stream videos.  They want us to stream the videos.  They would not allow streaming if this was a problem.  The Roku channel can only stream. 

 

So do not worry about streaming. 

 

The main concern is in the ministry.  It is best to download videos you use in the ministry.  Each time you stream a video in the ministry, this costs you data usage.  If you play the same video 10 times, it cost 10 times to stream the same video.  However, if you download the video, it will only cost you once. You can play a downloaded video as many times as you want. It will only cost you data usage once. 

 

Think of streaming a video like renting. Think of downloading a video like buying.  If you plan to use it often, it's better to buy than rent. 

 

The brothers don't want you to worry.  Use the streaming option. Jehovah has made that provision.  It is a gift. Use it. 

 

However, be cautious about your cost.  Make best use of your dedicated funds. Use your unrighteous riches wisely.  If it is better for you to download a video, then download it.  If it is better to stream, then stream. 

 

Remember you can only stream when you have access to the internet.  If you download, you do not need access to the internet. 

 

[Thesauron]

The brothers have a deal with Akamai. Akamai is not the cheapest, but they are one of the biggest CDN’s out there. The brothers will let us know if or when it becomes unsustainable to use it the way we do right now. Should that happen, they might remove streaming, and only do download.

A key might be this: if you plan to use a publication often, say, show a film more the ministry, downloading it might be better for all. If your device is pressed for space, but not Internet speed or GB, then stream.

Anyway, whatever the cost for running this AkamaiHD service (we are talking about thousands of dollars each month), it is cheaper than printing and distributing material.

[Hinata]

If I remember correctly, this was mentioned in a passing note. They never really said directly like "You should download, not stream, because it's more costly to us". It was in a monthly JW Broadcasting. (If you want, let me find it, I have a few ones that I have my minds on)

 

But, I personally, I agree with what others said. The brothers allow streamings. If you are worried, you can donate, and the fund for the 'worldwide work' will be appropriately allocated.

 

Both streamings and the downloads have their pros and cons. There are no reasons to discard one or another.

 

Streaming is good because you can watch the content without using up your drive space or waiting for the content to finish download; it starts right away.

[humble bumble bee]

Thank you brothers for all your answers. I found them reassuring.