FCC Explores How Broadband Data Caps Impact Competition and Consumers

Fixed and mobile broadband Internet access service providers (BIAS providers) have responded to increasing demand for more data by offering higher bandwidth plans. Many of these BIAS
providers, however, have imposed limits on data usage, or data caps, that, when exceeded, may result in higher fees and slower speeds for subscribers. With this Notice of Inquiry, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) explores the use of data caps  for fixed and mobile broadband Internet service, and their corresponding impact on consumers and competition. In light of the critical importance of broadband Internet access service, we seek comment to better understand the current state of data caps and whether data caps cause harm to competition or consumers’ ability to access broadband Internet services.