Data cap

A data cap is a limitation on the amount of data traffic that a customer may consume on a particular network within a certain period of time, often a month.

Data caps are commonly applied on both fixed broadband and cellular mobile service contracts. Network operators argue that caps are necessary to stop heavy users from consuming so much of the available capacity that it impacts on other customers.

However, caps have controversially been applied even to some services described as offering an "all-you-can-eat" or unlimited bandwidth subscription.

Data caps are increasingly common as mobile internet traffic and the use of applications grows, forcing operators to limit each customers' data allowance they use or pay more for a higher limit.

Those customers who exceed their bandwidth limits may find their service restricted, or on mobile networks may find that they are charged a much higher price for any data beyond the cap.