In September this year, the Federal Communications Commission said that it would now expand its scrutiny of data limits set by broadband-Internet service providers. As for the nature of this research, this survey will try to assess the implications of these restrictions in the area of quality and availability of the service as perceived from the end user’s perspective. Furthermore, the FCC wants also to determine whether such practices are restricting competition in the sector. In order to do this the agency ensures it posts messages encouraging users to share their experiences and concerns on the disadvantages they face concerning data caps.
A brake on communication
Even FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has given indications on how these limits could be injurious. “Limiting consumer data can deny small businesses their consumers, charge low income earners, and people with disabilities their means of communication,” she said. She says that it is about time the FCC, as the nation’s leading communications agency, went a little further probing such practices.
A long-standing debate
This hot topic was examined in by the FCC last year. The agency was able to effectively mandate in April 2024 ISPs to place clear information label on their service plans including extra charges, promotions, usage charges and download and uploading rates.
This Data limit might be pushed even further as the FCC tries to restore net neutrality, setting broadband as a utility. But to get back to the net neutrality is not an easy task because the agency is faced the broadband providers challenges.
Big Tech’s position
Therefore, the sector most focused on the actions of the FCC is the technology sector generally comprising of, Microsoft, Google, Amazon or Facebook among others.
This thing maybe could do what the original system aimed, that is change the rules of Internet service use anew, or at least alter the question of how and when, net neutrality, network management, and including consumer protection standards occurred.