FCC Pulls Harmful Data Caps, Bulk Billing Proposals

Washington, DC, January 27, 2025 – WISPA – The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries, commends FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for pulling all of former FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s pending items from the FCC’s formal items on circulation list.  This is consistent with prior FCC actions when FCC leadership has significantly shifted after the results of a general election.

Two of the pulled items were of consequence to small WISPs.

In the waning days of the last Commission, Chairwoman Rosenworcel sought information on the need by ISPs to impose “data caps.”  WISPA advocated against limitations on data cap practices, arguing that curbs on data consumption may in fact be necessary to enable all consumers in a particular market to enjoy access to internet content.  Moreover, the inability to charge consumers based on the amount of data they consume could have serious ramifications to the investments operators have made to expand their networks to meet demand.  This inquiry was rightfully pulled from circulation.

FCC Chairman Carr also pulled the proposal to ban all bulk billing agreements in multi-tenant environments (MTEs).  Bulk billing agreements with a competitive carrier can provide a valuable consumer benefit by offering broadband service at up to a 60% discount from retail rates to all MTE residents, especially in low-income and public housing developments.  The item would have taken away an important tool for broadband providers delivering services in that growing marketplace.  WISPA had requested that the Commission permit reasonable bulk billing service agreements to remain effective, which, with the item pulled from circulation, remains the law.

WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.

Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org