FCC asking if free-data plans from T-Mobile, AT&T and Comcast break Internet rules

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Federal regulators are looking into new offerings, such as T-Mobile's Binge On, that exempt video and other services from data caps to determine whether they violate new rules for Internet traffic. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said the agency sent letters to T-Mobile, AT&T and Comcast asking for informal meetings to discuss "some of the innovative things they are doing." "This is not an investigation. This is not any enforcement," he said.

The letters were sent Dec 16, and the companies were asked to make employees available by Jan. 15. Chairman Wheeler said the goal is for FCC officials to stay aware of innovative services in the wake of the agency's tough new network neutrality regulations, which are designed to ensure the uninhibited flow of Internet content. The meetings will be an "informal review of new offerings so the commission is fully informed about new marketplace offerings," FCC spokeswoman Kim Hart said. The companies also can discuss "their views on how the broadband industry as a whole is developing," and the FCC "will invite others -- including other commercial interests and public-interest groups -- to meet with us as well," Hart said.


FCC asking if free-data plans from T-Mobile, AT&T and Comcast break Internet rules Regulators want to talk to AT&T, Comcast and T-Mobile about sponsored data (Washington Post) FCC wants details on AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile data plans (Reuters) Free Data Sounds Great, but the FCC Has Questions (national Journal) FCC requests information on AT&T, T-Mobile and Comcast services (The Hill)