FCC is looking to regulate broadband data caps

Jessica Rosenworcel, chair of the Federal Communications Commission announced an offer Examining broadband internet data caps and their impact on consumers. To help with the investigation, the FCC has opened a door Asking for public comment on how they have been affected by data caps – that is, limits on how much internet data a customer can use before being charged more money or slowing down their service.

The FCC specifically wants to hear about the data cap’s effects on “people with disabilities, low-income consumers, and historically disadvantaged communities,” as well as their impact on education, the ability to access public safety services, and more.

With plenty of ISPs suspending data caps during the Covid pandemic, companies like Comcast have taken note of the need for Americans to stay connected to the internet for work, education and personal reasons. As the pandemic progressed, companies began to limit plans once again, but pushback by the public and government has slowed a full return to pre-pandemic data limits.

Rosenworcel is asking the board to withdraw its proposal, calling Internet access “essential for everyone, everywhere.” But before the FCC can begin regulating data caps, it will need to figure out whether it even has the authority to do so.

Meanwhile, the FCC’s standoff could impede any dealings with the data cap — for example, its partisan division has already barred wireless companies from fining them for illegally selling their customers’ location data . Right now, most large companies that impose limits do so on a monthly basis and usually start charging extra after one terabyte of monthly usage.

In the case of AT&T, Pricing May Begin $55 per month for the 25Gbps plan before going up to $65 per month or more after a year, and the company will charge you $10 for each additional 50GB you use (unless you go unlimited for $30 per month). or a plan that is already unlimited). Same is the case, with plans starting at $50 per month for a 100Gbps or 200Gbps plan, with teeny-tiny 5Gbps upload speeds and 1.25TB monthly limits, then again charging $10 per 50GB if you go above that.

If this makes your head spin, I don’t blame you. And none of this takes into account the extra fees that ISPs often tack on to the end of your bill. Going over the terabyte-plus data limit isn’t that difficult, especially if you stream a lot or use high-end game consoles, where new games quickly exceed 100GB. Once you do that, you can quickly rack up another $100 in just a few days, especially if you have a few kids and a Disney Plus subscription.