The Federal Communications Commission announced that it will open a renewed investigation into broadband data caps and their impact on both consumer experience and company competition. Soliciting stories from consumers about their experiences with capped broadband service, the FCC also opened a formal Notice of Inquiry to collect public comment to inform its actions around broadband data caps. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted the negative effects of restricting consumers’ data, such as cutting off small businesses from customers, imposing fees on low-income families, and hindering people with disabilities from using essential communication tools. This topic has been a recent focus for the FCC, which launched another inquiry into capping Internet access last year and successfully required ISPs to offer clear information labels on service plans in April 2024. Data caps may face more scrutiny as the FCC attempts to restore net neutrality rules and classify broadband as an essential service, despite facing legal challenges from broadband providers.
