Netflix Fights for Your Right to Stream Against "Unreasonable" Data Caps

With the amount of time Americans spend on the internet, steaming movies and shows, sending images to each other, and looking at websites, why do data caps still exist? Netflix is asking that exact same question.

The media streaming giant filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (via Fortune) stating that "Watching television shows on the internet is no longer a novelty." They say that broadband consumers are coming to expect quality from their streaming services that is equal to or better than the current offerings from cable services like Comcast. However, caps on data usage are holding everyone back.

In this filing, Netflix states the FCC should determine if American households have access to sufficient services that can handle internet television. In addition, they say data caps discourage users from utilizing streaming services with fear of going over their limit.

Netflix came right out and said that data caps are a hindrance on current technology. Consumers should be able to use their streaming services, smart TVs, and even phones in a way they want without being blocked from doing so. Netflix would also like the FCC to adopt download benchmarks of 10Mbps for mobile products.

Many phone carriers have been rolling out phones that allow users to stream Netflix without affecting their data cap allotment. However, Netflix pointed out to the Commission that this promotion violates the FCC's Net Neutrality rules.

While the king of streaming media, Netflix, is fighting for their own company, they're also fighting for the future of streaming entertainment, and it seems like they're winning.