Bill Overview
Title: Uncap America Act
Description: This bill generally prohibits broadband internet service providers from capping the amount of data that customers may download or upload without being subject to additional costs or reduced internet speeds. Broadband internet service providers may, however, impose a data cap if the cap is tailored primarily to address network management or congestion. The Federal Communications Commission must issue regulations that define what constitutes a tailored data cap and otherwise enforce the prohibition.
Sponsors: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: Broadband Internet Service Users
Estimated Size: 270000000
- The bill focuses on broadband internet service providers, which millions of people rely on for internet access.
- The prohibition of data caps directly concerns all broadband internet users, likely increasing the quality of service they experience.
- Most internet users in both urban and rural areas would be affected, as data caps are a common issue, especially in areas with limited provider choices.
Reasoning
- The policy targets broadband users, a large segment of the US population, with approximately 270 million users.
- A wide range of individuals will be impacted, from those in urban centers to rural areas where choices may be limited.
- Certain demographics, such as lower-income families and rural communities, might experience greater positive impacts due to historical cost and speed limitations.
- The implementation budget and reach constraints suggest the need to balance the depth and breadth of impact, ensuring key areas and demographics are positively affected while avoiding excessive costs.
- Consideration for households with children, teleworkers, and high-use individuals will illustrate broader socio-economic impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Graphic Designer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I currently hit data caps regularly since working from home demands high data use.
- This policy could relieve stress related to incurring extra charges or reduced speeds during project deadlines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
IT Consultant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The family's internet gets clogged under current caps, affecting my work and children's school tasks.
- Uncapped plans could allow smoother daily internet usage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rarely get close to hitting data caps, so this policy might not have much immediate effect on me.
- Still, it's good to have the assurance that data restrictions won't interfere with my hobbies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (rural Nebraska)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My internet is often slowed down even though I have pretty basic use.
- Eliminating caps could improve my online experience with streaming and doctor appointments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student on a budget, avoiding extra fees from data caps will directly ease my financial stress.
- I need reliable internet for both studies and leisure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Homemaker (Miami, FL)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see some slow-downs but don't usually hit the cap; however, no limits will definitely be a plus for peace of mind.
- Being on a fixed income, avoiding additional charges is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public School Teacher (Portland, OR)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned when virtual classes meet bandwidth limits, which isn't often but it's inconvenient at those times.
- This policy should make any needed remote education smoother and less interrupted.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sometimes internet charges add up when the site traffic spikes, making data caps an unpredictable expense.
- This could stabilize operational costs related to the internet, helping cash flow stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelancer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Collaborations can slow down if the internet hits a cap, worrying me during peak project times.
- Removing caps would mean one less concern over maintaining smooth client interactions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I use the internet mostly for social calls and have managed under caps.
- While I believe the policy is important for others, my situation might not change dramatically.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 3: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 5: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The exact costs and benefits are partially dependent on how effectively the FCC can define and regulate what constitutes a tailored data cap.
- The dynamic internet service market may see shifts as ISPs adjust to new regulatory frameworks, impacting long-term forecasts.
- Data usage trends and advancements in network technology might alter the relevant costs and benefits over time.