The net neutrality debate is about access. But the discussion has evolved, because a few years ago — when all-you-can-eat data was still in — it included talk about data caps. Today, the talk mostly is about Internet fast lanes.
But a new study by the Government Accountability Office — which shows that consumers are resigned to data caps and tiered pricing when it comes to wireless, but are more concerned with limits on their broadband access at home — is bringing up data caps again, after the data buffets have largely closed their doors.
U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-California, requested the study, according to the Wall Street Journal. Eshoo is submitting the GAO s findings to the FCC, which is in the midst of going through public comments about its Open Internet plan. The FCC plan is being criticized as a step away from net neutrality — the principle that all network traffic should be treated equally — because it would officially make Internet fast lanes OK.
But fast lanes aren t the only concern. Eshoo says in a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler: In the midst of the net neutrality debate, there is a new threat to the free and open Internet and that is usage-based pricing which may include the throttling or slowing down of data speeds, overage fees and the exemption of some online services or applications from data caps. Also: The GAO study sheds light on the effects of data caps, including the potential impact on cord-cutters and suggests that consumers may not be fully benefiting from lower-cost options under usage-based pricing.
Photo of Rep. Anna Eshoo from her House website
