The Federal Communications Commission is officially investigating broadband data caps and their impact on consumers. On Tuesday, the FCC approved a Notice of Investigation to examine whether data caps harm consumers and competition and why data caps remain in place “despite increased broadband demand” and the “technical ability to offer unlimited data plans,” as previously noted Engadget.
Many internet plans have a data cap that limits how much bandwidth you can use each month. If you exceed the data cap, internet providers typically charge an additional fee or slow down your service. The FCC began asking consumers to weigh in on broadband data caps last June. You can now read hundreds of them on the authority's website.
You can still report your experiences with broadband data caps to the FCC using this form. There you will be asked for information about the name of your ISP, usage limits, and any challenges you have encountered due to the cap.
“For most people in the United States, rationing their internet usage would be unthinkable and impractical,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in the press release. “Restricting consumer data can cut off small businesses from their customers, impose fees on low-income families, and prevent people with disabilities from using the tools they rely on to communicate.”