Net Neutrality Transparency Rule Ensures Consumer Protection From Data Cap Harms, Wheeler Tells Lawmakers
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler "will propose enhancements" to the existing net neutrality transparency rule in the order circulated Feb. 5, he said in a Feb. 4 letter to bipartisan lawmakers from both chambers, released by the agency last week. “That…
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rule, which empowers consumers to make informed choices about broadband services, already requires broadband providers to disclose the commercial terms of a consumer's broadband service, including any data caps or allowances. Because it provides a basis for enforcement where appropriate, the existing transparency rule provides us with an even more effective tool than a voluntary code of conduct would. I am confident that the transparency rule -- as it exists already today and as I hope it will be enhanced moving forward -- will help to ensure that consumers are protected from harmful practices.” Wheeler spent much of the letter discussing how the FCC is monitoring the usage of data caps among providers. The agency will look at whether usage caps “affect future determinations of whether ‘advanced telecommunications capability’ is available to all Americans” in its next Broadband Progress Report, Wheeler said. “Usage-based limits also are an important factor in determining services that are eligible for support under the FCC's Connect America Fund program.” The agency is monitoring complaints regarding usage-based systems for fixed providers now, he added: The “Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau is streamlining the process of synthesizing and analyzing consumer complaint trends and will make more of that data readily accessible to the public. We will use this enhanced capability to monitor customer complaints closely, to identify any problems associated with the use of data caps and other usage-based pricing measures, and to take action where appropriate.”