FCC Keeping Watchful Eye On Usage Caps, May Act Over the years the FCC hasn't paid much attention to usage caps, despite their potential to be used to hamper the development of Internet video. Worse, the agency has been oblivious to the fact that many ISPs' usage meters simply don't work (like when users are charged for usage when their modems were off), opening the door to additional abuse.

quote: "An operator the size of Comcast absolutely will draw scrutiny,” said our source. “If Comcast decides to impose its currently tested market trial plans on Comcast customers nationwide, the FCC will take a closer look. Under Title II, the agency is empowered to watch for attempts to circumvent Net Neutrality policies. Usage caps and charging additional fees to customers looking for an alternative to the cable television package will qualify, especially if Comcast continues to try to exempt itself." Carriers used to claim usage caps were necessary to manage congestion, but as the cost of bandwidth in the States and engineering advances made this excuse untenable, the industry in 2013 finally With usage caps really just a symptom of limited competition here in the States, sources tell Stop The Cap the FCC may act if ISPs begin to notably expand usage limitations:Carriers used to claim usage caps were necessary to manage congestion, but as the cost of bandwidth in the States and engineering advances made this excuse untenable, the industry in 2013 finally admitted congestion had nothing to do with it . The industry still contends that imposing usage caps (usually ranging from 150 GB to 300 GB) is about "fairness," though critics still suggest it's about one thing: protecting legacy TV revenues from the encroaching Internet video threat. As more and more customers drop digital voice services to go cell only, and drop traditional TV services for Internet video, the temptation to impose usage caps to recoup that lost revenue is only going to grow -- especially in less competitive markets. An FCC that's actually paying attention to the potential competitive problems with caps and unreliable meters as this occurs would be an interesting change of pace.







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Most recommended from 111 comments

miser

join:2004-01-16

Sandusky, OH 7 recommendations miser Member Shills Wow. The anonymous shills are sure out today! Looks like someone is scared of the FCC!



-Miser

Jim721

join:2014-07-31

Belleville, MI 3 recommendations Jim721 Member Awesome !! What else can I say but it's about time this was looked into and hopefully be banned.