US FCC investigates telecom firms over data cap policies
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has raised concerns that data caps disproportionately affect low-income households and people with disabilities.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a formal inquiry into the use of data caps by telecom companies. The investigation aims to assess how these caps impact consumers and market competition, particularly in an increasingly connected world.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel expressed concerns about the effects of limiting internet usage. She pointed out that data caps could harm small businesses by cutting off access to customers, penalise low-income families with additional fees, and limit essential communication tools for people with disabilities.
Rosenworcel noted that, for many Americans, rationing internet use would be unthinkable. However, millions of people across the country constantly face limitations on their data usage, which may hinder their ability to stay connected.
The inquiry is expected to explore whether these caps unfairly limit consumer choice and what impact they have on competition among telecom providers.
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