Skip to main content

FCC halts investigations into zero-rating data programs like T-Mobile’s Binge On

The Federal Communications Commission recently gained a new head in Ajit Pai, and the agency is already showing signs of a policy shift on key issues like net neutrality.

According to recent letters posted by the agency, a number of inquiries into how carriers allow customers to access some services without it counting against their data, have been dropped. An instance of this is T-Mobile’s Binge-On program, which was being investigated for unfairly favoring some services over others. Similar concerns were raised over AT&T’s Sponsored Data program.

Recommended Videos

Advocates of net neutrality have long held to the belief that such programs are harmful to lesser-known services, and that carrier giants should be able to pick the winners and losers of the internet. Critics of net neutrality, however, argue that such rules harm competition among carriers.

Identical letters were sent to T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast today, suggesting that inquiries have been dropped and investigations closed. T-Mobile has arguably been the most dominant force in offering sponsored data programs, and its Binge-On service has been quite popular among customers.

“Any conclusions, preliminary or otherwise, expressed during the course of the inquiry will have no legal or other meaning or effect going forward,” read the letter. On top of posting the letter to the FCC website, FCC chairman Ajit Pai confirmed separately that the FCC would not be making similar inquiries in the future.

“These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace,” Pai said. “Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data. Instead, we will concentrate on expanding broadband deployment and encouraging innovative service offerings.”

Only time will tell if this represents the start of a bigger push against Title II and net neutrality in general.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
Honor 400 series phones will turn pictures into fun videos using AI
Person using the cameras on a Honor 400 series phone.

Chinese smartphone brand, Honor, is usually at the helm of camera-centric smartphone innovations and delivering ultra-slim foldable phones. For its next adventure, the company is also embracing a playful side of AI that turns still images into short clips. 

Leveraging the Google Cloud AI stack, the new feature will make its debut on the upcoming Honor 400 series smartphones. Set for an official launch on May 22, the Honor 400 and its Pro trim will come equipped with a massive 200-megapixel AI-enhanced camera, as well.

Read more
Leaked iPhone 17 cases show just how big camera bump could be on Pros
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Render

There have been plenty of rumors surrounding the next phones expected from Apple before the year is out. Many are suggesting Apple is planning to launch an iPhone 17 alongside the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, whilst also introducing a super slim iPhone in order to compete with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge. 

Multiple renders have leaked of all the rumored Apple devices, giving us an idea as to what we might be able to expect come September when they are expected to be revealed, and now a set of case images have leaked supporting the previous renders.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 may feature a surprise hardware return after all
A person using the open Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.

With the launch of any new Samsung phone comes the will-they-won’t-they debate around Exynos hardware. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – expected to launch in July 2025 – is no different, with new information suggesting that Samsung’s next folding phone will be Exynos powered.

The details come from a leaker who has given us useful information in the past. Jukanlosreve has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to say that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will use an Exynos chip, while the Flip 7 FE will not.

Read more