FCC wants details on AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile data plans

Although some have seen this as a practice that benefits customers, others argue it goes against the FCC’s net neutrality regulations, since they require that Internet services be treated the same across the board. T-Mobile made waves when it introduced Binge On, which allows customers to stream an unlimited amount of video from over 20 services, including Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, Crackle, and many others.

Tom Wheeler, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, told reporters Thursday that his office has sent letters to the companies to “make sure we are informed as to what is going on”. Basically this allowed users to stream videos from certain platforms without the data consumed from the videos eating into their data plans.

“Let me be real clear”, he said.

The CGB’s decision was supported by Chairman Tom Wheeler, who said of the moratorium, “This provides a reasonable period to assess the burden associated with the enhancements to the transparency rule, which will not be known until after the Paperwork Reduction Act process is completed”. That service, which already launched in Boston and Chicago, enables Comcast’s broadband-only subscribers to use their Web connections to access numerous same programs that cable customers can watch. Insurance companies are raising rates for BIAS providers to cover new potential liabilities under the Open Internet order in case customers file a net neutrality complaint, Alex Phillips, president of the Wireless ISP Association (WISPA) and owner of Harrisonburg, Va.-based broadband provider Highspeedlink.net LLC, told Bloomberg BNA. “This program provides both great customer choice and industry innovation that encourages competition and we believe it is absolutely in line with net neutrality rules”, the company said. Small ISPs viewed those rules as manageable, the wireline attorney said. Verizon said this month that it would soon begin a limited trial of sponsored data, which could roll out more widely next year. Last month Wheeler said he would keep an eye on T-Mobile’s Binge On service, but he also praised the service for its innovation. “We look forward to talking with the FCC and sharing more details about Binge On”, the company said in a statement.

T-Mobile says its Binge On streaming service is open to any provider that meets its technical requirements.

For those unfamiliar with net neutrality, the idea is that bandwidth should be neutral.

Critics worry in particular that Internet access providers will start offering uncapped streaming video services. “We remain committed to innovation without permission and hope the FCC is too”, Michael Balmoris, an AT&T spokesman said in an email.