House Commerce Committee Leaders Demand Answers from Internet Companies Regarding Raising Prices and Imposing Data Caps During COVID-19 Pandemic

House  Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Representative Jerry McNerney (D-CA) sent letters today to nine internet service providers (ISPs) questioning their commitment to consumers amid ISPs raising prices and imposing data caps during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers explained that after committee members wrote to these same companies in March to express how crucial it was that families have reliable, affordable broadband during this historic time, almost all announced plans to introduce or expand affordable service offerings, free months of service, opening of Wi-Fi hotspots, and the waiver of data caps. They likewise announced they were taking a voluntary pledge, led by the Federal Communications Commission, to keep customers connected regardless of whether they fall behind on payments. Since then, however, some of those companies have raised prices and imposed or expanded data caps on consumers. As part of their ongoing oversight efforts, the Committee is demanding answers to a series of questions, including:

• Did the company participate in the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected” pledge?
• Has the company increased prices for fixed or mobile consumer internet and fixed or phone service since the start of the pandemic, or do they plan to raise prices on such plans within the next six months? 
• Prior to March 2020, did any of the company’s service plans impose a maximum data consumption threshold on its subscribers?
• Since March 2020, has the company modified or imposed any new maximum data consumption thresholds on service plans, or do they plan to do so within the next six months? 
• Did the company stop disconnecting customers’ internet or telephone service due to their inability to pay during the pandemic? 
• Does the company offer a plan designed for low-income households, or a plan established in March or later to help students and families with connectivity during the pandemic?
• Beyond service offerings for low-income customers, what steps is the company currently taking to assist individuals and families facing financial hardship due to circumstances related to COVID-19? 

Letters went to Altice USA, AT&T, CenturyLink/Lumen, Charter Communications, Comcast Cable Communications, Cox Communications, Frontier Communications, T-Mobile US, Verizon Communications