As time goes on, you'd expect internet services to become better, but in fact, the exact opposite has happened with internet service providers (ISPs) implementing data caps as streaming services such as Netflix gain traction. Netflix has noticed the trend of ISPs implementing data caps too and has decided enough is enough; it's urging the FCC to crack down on ISPs who implement usage caps.
In its filing with the FCC, Netflix said:
“Data caps (especially low data caps) and usage based pricing (“UBP”) discourage a consumer's consumption of broadband, and may impede the ability of some households to watch Internet television in a manner and amount that they would like. For this reason, the Commission should hold that data caps on fixed-line networks – and low data caps on mobile networks – may unreasonably limit Internet television viewing and are inconsistent with Section 706.”
In March of this year, it came to light that Netflix was throttling its content, streaming only lower quality video to AT&T and Verizon customers. This practice, which has been on-going for over five years, was met with criticism from AT&T and Verizon, who argued that their networks were capable of delivering high-quality videos and that Netflix should have asked users beforehand. As it turns out, Netflix was protecting these users from incurring extra costs due to usage caps imposed by the ISPs.
According to DSLReports, the FCC has shown little interest, historically, of punishing ISPs that impose usage caps on their users. The publication warns that “if you're waiting on the FCC to seriously police usage caps (or even ensure ISP meter accuracy), you may not want to hold your breath.”
Source: FCC via DSLReports
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