Internet customers are paying more in internet fees

A survey of internet customers in some of the country’s most populous states found that consumers pay more for internet services today than when they initially signed up.

The U.S. News & World Report survey also found that even though customers pay more in internet fees, they are unwilling to cut some of that cost by signing up for a plan with a data cap.

Americans reject the idea of data caps

Many internet plans today offer unlimited data, but internet plans with data caps are generally cheaper.

Despite potential savings, the survey reports that consumers don’t pay attention to data caps — or aren’t even aware if they have one — indicating a general level of unfamiliarity with their monthly internet bills.

72% of respondents from the most populous states say they have never run into a data cap, while 14% aren’t sure if their internet providers impose one.

Rising cost of household bills affects ability to pay for internet

While internet prices have increased, most respondents haven’t had to completely cut other costs to be able to pay their bills. But conversely, 53% of respondents claim that the increased cost of groceries and other household goods has stretched their budgets thin, making it difficult to pay their monthly internet bills. Of that 53%, 14% often find it difficult, while 39% occasionally find it difficult.

Respondents want the ACP reinstated

The rising cost of the internet isn’t new, but losing a program that helped millions of Americans pay for their internet is.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ran out of funding in the spring of 2024, leaving millions without the $30 – $70/mo. stipend that provided discounted, and sometimes completely free, internet.

Survey respondents had their own feelings about the program ending, with 87% of them wanting the ACP reinstated.