Data caps confuse a lot of people, especially when a plan is advertised as “unlimited.” Here’s how to think about it in plain English, and what to check before you sign up.

A data cap is a monthly limit on how much internet usage is included in your plan, usually measured in GB (gigabytes) or TB (terabytes). If you go over the limit, you may pay extra fees, or your speed may be reduced.

• Streaming video (especially HD/4K)
• Game downloads and system updates
• Cloud backups (phones, computers, photo libraries)
• Video calls (lower than streaming, but still meaningful over time)

On many wired home internet plans, “unlimited” often means no overage fees for typical home use. But it’s still smart to check the fine print. Some plans may include:

• Fair-use language
• Speed reductions after very high usage (more common on mobile / wireless)
• Extra fees for equipment, installation, or bundles

• Is the plan truly unlimited, or is there a cap?
• What happens if you exceed it (fees vs slower speed)?
• Does the price change after a promo period?
• Are modem/router rentals included or extra?

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