Cable One says usage caps are essential for network performance

Cable One has responded to a customer complaint about its broadband usage caps with a three-page letter explaining why the data limits are crucial to the performance of its network and keeping customers. "Managing Cable One’s network for optimal performance is crucial for providing a reliable service," the company said. "Establishing reasonable data plans is an important part of that process."

Cable companies are required to respond to customers who render gripes at the Federal Communications Commission’s online Consumer Help Center. CableOne’s usage caps range from 300 gigabytes for a 100 Mbps service to 500 gigs for its $200-a-month gigabit-speed package. As the company explained in its letter, it no longer charges customers for overages. But subscribers get a letter (a polite one!) if they go over for one month and are automatically bumped to the next higher tier if they exceed their usage limit for three consecutive months.