The Federal Communications Commission announced that it will open a renewed investigation into broadband data caps and how they impact both consumer experience and company competition.The FCC is soliciting stories from consumers about their experiences with capped broadband service.The agency also opened a formal Notice of Inquiry to collect public comment that will further inform its actions around broadband data caps."Restricting consumers' data can cut off small businesses from their customers, slap fees on low-income families and prevent people with disabilities from using the tools they rely on to communicate," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said.
"As the nation’s leading agency on communications, it’s our duty to dig deeper into these practices and make sure that consumers are put first."This topic has been a hot one of late, and the FCC launched another notice of inquiry about the practice of capping Internet access last year.In April 2024, the agency successfully required that ISPs offer clear information labels on their service plans, detailing additional fees, discounts, and upload and download speeds.Data caps could also come under additional fire as the FCC attempts to restore net neutrality rules, which classify broadband as an essential service.
Returning net neutrality has not been a simple journey, however, as the agency faces legal challenges from broadband providers.
