Rising Internet Fees Impact Consumers | Allconnect

A survey of internet customers in some of the country’s most populous states found that consumers pay more for internet services today than when they initially signed up.The U.S.News & World Report survey also found that even though customers pay more in internet fees, they are unwilling to cut some of that cost by signing up for a plan with a data cap.

Americans reject the idea of data caps Many internet plans today offer unlimited data, but internet plans with data caps are generally cheaper.Despite potential savings, the survey reports that consumers don’t pay attention to data caps — or aren’t even aware if they have one — indicating a general level of unfamiliarity with their monthly internet bills.72% of respondents from the most populous states say they have never run into a data cap, while 14% aren’t sure if their internet providers impose one.

Rising cost of household bills affects ability to pay for internet While internet prices have increased, most respondents haven’t had to completely cut other costs to be able to pay their bills.But conversely, 53% of respondents claim that the increased cost of groceries and other household goods has stretched their budgets thin, making it difficult to pay their monthly internet bills.Of that 53%, 14% often find it difficult, while 39% occasionally find it difficult.

Respondents want the ACP reinstated The rising cost of the internet isn’t new, but losing a program that helped millions of Americans pay for their internet is.The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ran out of funding in the spring of 2024, leaving millions without the $30 – $70/mo.stipend that provided discounted, and sometimes completely free, internet.

Survey respondents had their own feelings about the program ending, with 87% of them wanting the ACP reinstated.Written by: Camryn Smith Cammy is a writer with Allconnect, growing her broadband industry knowledge for over a year on the internet marketplace.Her expertise lies in home internet and broadband service with a focus on providers, plans… Read more Edited by: Anine Sus Editor I Read bio What to read next Read more Featured 23 million Americans will lose free internet today Robin Layton — 2 min read Featured Feds investigate use of data caps by internet service providers Robin Layton — 4 min read Featured 10 questions you should ask before choosing an internet service Ari Howard — 7 min read Latest Thursday, November 21, 2024 Internet customers are paying more in internet fees Camryn Smith — 2 min read Thursday, November 21, 2024 How to connect your smartphone to your home Wi-Fi network Robin Layton — 4 min read Wednesday, November 20, 2024 How to change your Wi-Fi network password Camryn Smith — 3 min read