FCC chair to investigate exactly how much everyone hates data caps

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants the FCC to open a formal inquiry into how data caps harm Internet users and why broadband providers still impose the caps. The inquiry could eventually lead to the FCC regulating how Internet service providers such as Comcast impose limits on data usage.

Rosenworcel yesterday announced that she asked fellow commissioners to support a Notice of Inquiry on the topic. Among other things, the Notice would seek comment from the public "to better understand why the use of data caps continues to persist despite increased broadband needs of consumers and providers' demonstrated technical ability to offer unlimited data plans."

The inquiry would also seek comment on "trends in consumer data usage... on the impact of data caps on consumers, consumers' experience with data caps, how consumers are informed about data caps on service offerings, and how data caps impact competition." Finally, Rosenworcel wants to seek comment about the FCC's "legal authority to take actions regarding data caps."

"In particular, the agency would like to better understand the current state of data caps, their impact on consumers, and whether the Commission should consider taking action to ensure that data caps do not cause harm to competition or consumers' ability to access broadband Internet services," the press release said.

Tell FCC about your data cap experiences

Although the proposed Notice of Inquiry requires a commission vote before it can be issued, the FCC already created a "Data Caps Experience Form" and encourages Internet users to use that form to "share their unique experiences and challenges with data caps." The FCC said it wants to hear from users of fixed services (e.g., home Internet) and wireless broadband, "including those with disabilities, low-income consumers, and historically disadvantaged communities." The FCC also wants details on how data caps impact "access to online education, telehealth, and remote work."

The chairwoman's office noted in its press release that "many broadband ISPs temporarily or permanently refrained from enforcing or imposing data caps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Internet access is no longer nice-to-have, but need-to-have for everyone, everywhere," Rosenworcel said. "As we emerge from the pandemic, there are many lessons to learn about what worked and what didn't work, especially around what it takes to keep us all connected. When we need access to the Internet, we aren't thinking about how much data it takes to complete a task, we just know it needs to get done. It's time the FCC take a fresh look at how data caps impact consumers and competition."