This controversy underscores the danger that the Federal Communication Commission's rules--which are now under review in federal court—pose for consumers and the growth of the Internet
The Government Might Outlaw Free TV Binge-Watching on Your Phone
By Heritage Foundation James Gattuso——Bio and Archives--February 8, 2016
Wireless data caps, the annoying limits on how much data you can use from your phone, have been a fact of mobile life for several years. Now, a new pricing concept in the wireless marketplace, known as “zero-rating,” promises to relieve consumers of the fear that streaming one too many videos will trigger extra charges.
But instead of receiving plaudits, zero-rating has come under attack by many in Washington as a violation of the network-neutrality rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last year. The controversy underscores the danger that the FCC’s rules—which are now under review in federal court—poses for consumers and the growth of the Internet.
The latest dispute involves T-Mobile, the no. 3 wireless carrier in the U.S. Since 2014, T-Mobile has offered a “Music Freedom” program under which consumers can stream content from music sites such as Pandora and Spotify without it counting against their limit.
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