Media Contact: 
Paloma Perez
paloma.perez@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL PROPOSES TO INVESTIGATE HOW DATA CAPS AFFECT CONSUMERS AND COMPETITION
  -- FCC Also Launches Portal to Collect Data Cap Consumer Experiences 

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023—Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced she is asking her fellow Commissioners to support a formal Notice of Inquiry to learn more about how broadband providers use data caps on consumer plans.  Data caps, or usage limits, are a common practice where an internet service provider (ISP) restricts how much bandwidth or data a consumer uses, though many broadband ISPs temporarily or permanently refrained from enforcing or imposing data caps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In particular, the agency would like to better understand the current state of data caps, their impact on consumers, and whether the Commission should consider taking action to ensure that data caps do not cause harm to competition or consumers’ ability to access broadband Internet services. 

In addition to the proposed Notice of Inquiry, the FCC has opened a new portal for consumers to share how data caps have affected them here: fcc.gov/datacapstories.  By sharing their data cap stories on their fixed or wireless broadband networks, consumers will help the FCC understand whether and how data caps impact access to broadband for all individuals, including those with disabilities, low-income consumers, and historically disadvantaged communities, and access to online education, telehealth, and remote work.

“Internet access is no longer nice-to-have, but need-to-have for everyone, everywhere.  As we emerge from the pandemic, there are many lessons to learn about what worked and what didn’t work, especially around what it takes to keep us all connected,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “When we need access to the internet, we aren’t thinking about how much data it takes to complete a task, we just know it needs to get done.  It’s time the FCC take a fresh look at how data caps impact consumers and competition.” 

Specifically, the Notice of Inquiry would:
· Seek comment to better understand why the use of data caps continues to persist despite increased broadband needs of consumers and providers’ demonstrated technical ability to offer unlimited data plans;
· Seek comment on current trends in consumer data usage;
· Seek comment on the impact of data caps on consumers, consumers’ experience with data caps, how consumers are informed about data caps on service offerings, and how data caps impact competition; and
· Ask about the Commission’s legal authority to take actions regarding data caps.

###

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).