AT&T Inc on Thursday announced it was lifting data charges for all home internet customers who are not currently on unlimited data plans, citing the coronavirus crisis, while Comcast Holdings stated it was increasing data speeds for its low-income clients.
In a statement, AT&T said a good number of its internet users already have unlimited home access plans, and that they are lifting internet data overage for the remaining customers. The company made the decision as 18 US legislators sent letters to major internet service providers, urging them to waive the data caps.
For most of its faster wireline networks, AT&T implements monthly data limitations of 150 gigabytes on DSL, 250 GB on fixed wireless and 1 terrabyte. Overage payments for an additional 50 GB are $10, up to a maximum of $100 or $200 a month depending on the package.
It is expected that millions of Americans will telecommute, as companies allow workers who can work from home to avoid going to the office. Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, held calls with business leaders and associations on Thursday about the effect of coronavirus on communications and customers, persons informed of the matter disclosed.
But users have been grumbling about data limits for years already, and how internet providers will use them to collect more payments. As a result, the users impacted will wind up rationing their use of the Internet. It does not help that broadband price war in some areas can be small, leaving customers with little choices to gain access to home internet.
Comcast, America's largest home-Internet provider, hasn't disclosed whether it will lift data limits, so the restrictions are obviously still being implemented for the meantime. Comcast revealed on Thursday it was improving speeds from 15Mbps download/2Mbps upload to 25Mbps/3Mbps on Internet Essentials, a low-income program for Americans. The company said it was also offering new low-income subscribers 60 days of free Essentials coverage.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel stated the situation would encourage institutions "to pursue the expansion of telecommunting, telehealth and tele-education." Rosenworcel added that where data caps are in place, "we need to understand how those constraints can be removed."
The US senators group also encourages internet companies to offer free or cost-effective connectivity to students who have shut down their schools or colleges due to the pandemic.
AT&T is the second-largest network for implementing domestic Internet access data limits. The company's announcement also noted that it "continues to sell Internet access for $10 per month to eligible limited-income households" through its subscription Plan Access, though the company has not made any revisions on that system.
