Understanding Internet Data Caps

While shopping for internet service, data caps are a hot button topic. We want our internet to be fast and have a consistent monthly bill that doesn't break the bank. Data caps threaten that comfort we all want. It's not uncommon for internet providers to implement data caps on their internet plans. Some are way more internet than the basic user could possibly want and others could cost you in extra fees or slowing service down so much it's practically unusable. Before choosing your next wireless internet provider, know everything there is to know about data caps. From why data caps are still around, to the pros and cons of data caps; let's dig in so you can avoid headaches later down the road. What Are Internet Data Caps?Data caps are a preset limit on the amount of data you can use within a billing cycle by your internet provider. The amount and the consequence for going over varies per internet provider. Pros Of Data CapsData caps are both positive and negative for internet users. Here is the real impact of data caps and why they matter: 

• Minimize Network Congestion: Data caps control how much of the internet provider's resources are used. There still can be network congestion during peak hours, but with data caps it will be much less often or prolonged.
• Better Internet Service For Everyone: When your internet provider can regulate its network, it can provide a better internet service for everyone. Less buffering, better speeds and ultimately a better overall experience.
• Sometimes A Lower Monthly Rate: If you're lucky, an internet provider that has data plans may offer lower monthly rates for less data. These plans can be a more economical choice for customers.

 Cons Of Data CapsWhen you hear data caps, most people know of them as a negative thing and for a good reason too. Here are the negative implications and how they can affect you: 

• Speed Throttling: This is when your internet provider intentionally slows down your internet speeds in response to you going over your data cap. You'll know that you're being throttled because the speeds are noticeably slower.
• Overage Fees: If you go over your data cap, you could be charged an overage fee. Overage fees vary per provider, usually $10 per a set number of gigabytes.
• No Internet Service: Some internet providers will cut their customers completely off if they go over their allotted data. The only way to turn it back on would be to buy more data or wait until the beginning of the next billing cycle.

 Internet Providers With Data CapsBelieve it or not, some internet providers still have data caps. Data caps are not meant to be a huge inconvenience or a way to charge you more fees. Their main purpose is to avoid network congestion that's caused by super users. Super users are a small fraction of customers that use an exorbitant amount of data that normal internet users couldn't dream of using. By imposing data caps, internet providers can regulate their network, avoid severe congestion and guarantee that they can provide a quality internet connection to everyone. Here are some internet providers that do have set data caps: 

• AT&T
• Buckeye Broadband
• Comcast Xfinity
• Cox Communications
• Hughesnet (capped Priority Data, uncapped Standard Data)
• Mediacom
• Shentel
• Sparklight
• Viasat (capped Priority Data, uncapped Standard Data)
• WOW!

 Internet Providers Without Data CapsSome internet providers still don't have data caps. Most of them are cable and fiber internet providers because their infrastructure can keep up with modern internet usage and more. Here are some internet providers that do not have data caps: 

• • AltaFiber
  • CenturyLink
  • Charter Spectrum
  • Frontier Communications
  • GoNetspeed
  • Greenlight Networks

• Metronet

• Optimum
• Verizon Fios
• Windstream

 How Do I Know If My Internet Provider Has A Data Cap?The simplest way to find out if you have a data cap is to call them or stop by their retail store and ask. If you don't feel like being on the phone, most internet providers will show your data usage and your data cap within their online dashboards. What Happens If I Go Over My Data Cap?It depends on your internet provider and the internet plan you signed up for with them. Some internet providers will cut you completely off, others will charge overage fees by the gigabyte, and others will keep you on but severely throttle your speeds. This question is best answered by your internet provider. We recommend reaching out as soon as possible before your household is subject to any consequences. We also recommend while shopping for new internet service that you ask this question upfront and understand how your potential new internet provider handles this situation.