Data cap

Meaning

A data cap is a fixed amount of data allowed in a billing period, after which the plan may slow, charge extra or stop. Which of these applies depends entirely on the plan terms, so find the sentence that says what happens after the limit. Both downloads and uploads may count, depending on the terms. Check your usage from recent months, add some room for growth and compare plans using the same figures. A hard cap stops or charges, while a soft cap or FUP reduces speed. See also: Fair usage policy, and the guide Data Caps and Fair Use Policies Explained.