Data caps

Barriers to Unmetered Domestic Internet Traffic

There has been a lot of discussion for quite some time about monthly limits of Internet usage (data caps) that are typical in New Zealand. This discussion has been both internal within InternetNZ as well as in a number of public forums.

The discussion has been both about the low levels of data caps as well as if the future shift to fibre-based broadband is possible with such low data caps. On the other hand, many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have supported data caps as effective tools to manage customer demand, keep retail prices low, and contain their investments.

Against this backdrop, InternetNZ commissioned independent consultant Colin Jackson to talk to a wide range of people and organisations to get their views on why New Zealand has data caps. Recording and articulating these views is a first step towards considering what our goals and initiatives should be in this area.
 

Next steps

We are seeking views by 26 August 2011 on:

1. Comments about Colin’s report, including any major areas you think aren’t adequately covered or represented.

2. What goals should we set in the area of data caps and the suggested steps to get to those goals?