AT&T now allows customers to have faster 5G speeds for gaming and internet connection for an additional $7 in their monthly bill.
Effective immediately, the telecom giant will be offering its "Turbo" services to all eligible plans to boost "all the high-speed and hot spot data on a user's connection."
(Photo : Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images)
The company also hinted at plans to further expand its "Turbo" program to more "latency-sensitive applications" in the future.
AT&T has earlier leaked plans for the 5G speed boosting amid the Federal Communication Commission's deliberation to revive the net neutrality rule to regulate internet service providers on how much they can charge customers.
The roll-out of more add-on fees on internet bills reflects the FCC's move to bring back net neutrality, as well as fears from data experts that ISPs will introduce data speed "boosts" to drive up customers' internet bills.
Also Read: Internet Bills Can Charge Extra for Faster Gaming, 5G Connection Under New FCC Rule
Experts Scrutinize FCC's 'Net Neutrality'
While telecom networks tout the new add-ons as a way to boost data speed while still "consistent with open internet principles," data experts offer a different opinion on the matter.
Stanford's Barbara van Schewick earlier warned that ISPs like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are exploiting loopholes in the commission's revised net neutrality policy to charge customers still higher internet bills.
According to van Schewick, ISPs have been reported before testing ways to create faster 5G lanes for additional fees.
With more people relying on faster 5G connections for their jobs, studies, and hobbies, ISPs are sure to generate more money from customers despite the current regulatory rules.
Internet Prices Expected to Still Rise
Despite efforts from the government, experts and the FCC expect that prices for internet connection will continue to surge as more Americans will be deprived of their broadband bill subsidies.
The FCC has earlier reduced discounts for members of the Affordable Connectivity Program amid dwindling funds.
The commission said that it will continue to reduce the subsidies given per beneficiary as it eases people to the program's closing.
The White House has already pushed for legislation to extend funding for the program, although the bill remains in Congress as lawmakers cast doubt on the $6 billion additional budget's purpose.
Related Article: Internet Price Hikes Inevitable as Broadband Subsidy Runs Out, FCC Says
