# The NO CAP Act: What It Means for Your Internet During Emergencies

When disasters strike or public health emergencies happen, this bill prevents internet service providers from raising your rates or enforcing data limits during the crisis. Specifically, broadband companies can't increase what you pay for internet service, add new fees they didn't charge before, or enforce data caps (those monthly limits on how much you can download and upload) while an emergency is officially declared in your area. The protection lasts for 60 days after the emergency ends, giving people time to recover without worrying about surprise internet bills.

The bill applies to traditional home and office broadband services—the kind you get through a cable or fiber connection. However, it doesn't cover mobile phone data plans, so your cell phone internet wouldn't be protected under this rule. Schools and universities get a special exception: they can still use mobile broadband services during emergencies without these restrictions applying. The bill defines emergencies broadly to include major disasters and public health emergencies officially declared by the federal government, so it would cover situations like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and pandemics.

The practical impact is straightforward: if you're struggling to stay connected during a crisis, your internet provider can't make things worse by jacking up prices or cutting off your service because you've hit a data limit. This matters most for people who rely on internet for work-from-home, remote schooling, or accessing emergency information and services. The bill essentially says that during times when people need reliable, affordable internet the most, companies have to keep their terms stable rather than taking advantage of the situation.

NO CAP Act

Van Drew, Jefferson

New Overages in Crisis Areas Prevention Act or the NO CAP Act This bill prohibits broadband internet access service providers from increasing rates or enforcing data caps or allowances during a major disaster or emergency, including a public health emergency.