What is the fair usage policy (FUP)?

What does fair usage policy (FUP) mean? 

The fair usage policy (FUP), also occasionally known as the acceptable use policy (AUP), is a set of guidelines that ensures all subscribers get the best mobile internet experience possible. Even if you have an unlimited data plan, a fair usage policy may apply.

The FUP is part of your mobile broadband provider’s terms of service. Since mobile customers share an internet connection, a single high-volume user could theoretically make other users’ experiences worse. The FUP aims to prevent this issue by outlining proportionate amounts of data for each user — especially at peak times — as well as consequences for exceeding those limits. Activities like excessive video streaming and downloading large files could be considered a violation of the FUP.

For example, the EU fair usage policy ensures that travelers from the European Union still experience high data speeds when roaming in other EU countries, known as the “roam like at home” rule.

Generally, the fair usage policy only comes into play with mobile data usage. Your home or office Wi-Fi usage falls under the category of “fixed wireless” and is typically not controlled by an FUP, since the bandwidth you receive is on an individual basis. However, the specifics of the FUP and what it applies to will vary based on the provider.

What is the purpose of the fair usage policy (FUP)? 

The purpose of FUP is to ensure fair access to network resources and consistent service for all users. The FUP is not about monitoring your internet usage or punishing you for streaming a movie; it’s about making sure you always get the best data speeds possible, no matter where you are.

As an internet user, you can share a mobile internet connection with as many as 50 other people. Whenever any of you use data, a cell tower has to transmit the signal to your device. If one of those other users starts doing something that takes up excessive bandwidth — such as uploading or downloading massive files — your internet speeds could slow down dramatically. At peak usage times, this single heavy user could create a mobile broadband traffic jam. Thankfully, the fair usage policy prevents this situation from happening.

The FUP addresses multiple factors to optimize your mobile internet experience:

• Maintaining service quality. Service disruptions and slowdowns are always annoying, but FUPs help keep them to a minimum. By keeping individual users from taking up too much data and slowing down internet connections for everyone else, every user can get consistent service, even at high traffic times.

• Preventing abuse. Excessive bandwidth consumption — such as continuous peer-to-peer file sharing, simultaneous streaming, or downloading or uploading large files daily — can be considered network abuse because it strains network resources. However, excessive data use can also be a sign of illegal activity, like pirating. The FUP prevents these issues and promotes more sustainable, responsible internet usage.

• Managing prices. By limiting network strain, internet service providers reduce network maintenance costs, which means that they don’t have to raise prices for everyday users like you.

• Ensuring equality. The FUP makes sure that each subscriber gets the bandwidth they’re paying for.

To whom does the fair usage policy (FUP) apply? 

FUP may apply to anyone who uses mobile broadband. If you use any of the following, check your internet provider’s terms of service for an FUP:

• Cellular data

• eSIM services

• Data roaming

However, even if you fall under an FUP, your day-to-day internet use probably won’t be affected. Scrolling social media, browsing the web, checking your email, and even streaming videos generally won’t exceed your FUP’s limits. Even downloading a large file once may be fine. You typically only start encountering issues when your data usage becomes excessive.

What is the difference between a fair usage policy and a data limit?

A fair usage policy is distinctly different from a data limit. A data limit is a strict cap on usage, but the FUP is a guideline that can be applied flexibly to ensure every subscriber gets their fair share of data.

If you reach your data limit on a plan, your service will either be suspended, or you’ll need to pay overage fees to continue using mobile data. Your data limit will be clearly stated in your plan.

Conversely, the fair usage policy is not a hard limit on your data usage. The FUP allows broadband providers to fairly allocate mobile data between customers. The exact amount of bandwidth you’re entitled to may not be laid out explicitly in your agreement, as it could vary based on the time of day and network traffic, but going over the fair usage limit won’t automatically result in extra fees or suspended service.

What happens if you reach the fair usage policy limits?

If you reach the fair usage policy limits, you’ll have the opportunity to reassess your data usage. Generally, a day or two of heavy data use won’t cause your broadband provider to take any action. However, if you consistently break the FUP, you could face consequences.

If you break the FUP, your internet service provider will send you an official notice and outline the next steps. This initial notice is generally just a warning, but repeated notifications could result in:

• Throttling. Your network provider may intentionally slow down your internet speed to manage network congestion and ensure fair access for all users. This reduced internet connection speed could last for a few hours or for the rest of the billing cycle.

• Extra fees. Your mobile provider may charge you a fee or penalty for repeatedly going over your data allowance.

• Different data plans. Your provider may request that you switch to a premium data plan that better matches your typical usage.

• Termination of service. Service cancellation is generally a last result, and it only occurs in severe cases or after repeatedly ignoring warnings.

The exact penalties will depend on your internet provider’s terms of service, so read it carefully.

How do you stay within the fair usage policy?

Are you worried about staying within the fair usage policy? Thankfully, you can easily avoid breaking the FUP with some simple data usage best practices.

Try these tips:

• Read your mobile provider’s FUP carefully. Don’t just scroll through the terms of service! Read the FUP on your plan and make sure you fully understand your data allowance and what happens if you violate the terms.

• Check your data usage often. Did you know that your phone can track your data usage for you? Regularly check how much data you use per billing cycle to make sure you stay within the FUP.

• Use data-saving features. Many smartphones come pre-equipped with data saving features. Androids offer “Data saver,” and iPhones have “Low data mode.” These features will stop your phone from using unnecessary data.

• Restrict background apps. You may not realize it, but apps can actually use large amounts of data in the background. Restricting your background apps keeps them from using network data or refreshing when you’re not actively using them.

• Lower video quality. Lower the video quality when you’re streaming to save on data. Especially if you’re watching on your phone, the difference between HD and 720p won’t be that extreme. YouTube even has a “Data saver” option that you can select.

• Pre-download content. If you’re planning on watching a show or podcast to keep you entertained on a long flight or train ride, download the content on your home Wi-Fi before you leave. That way, you don’t have to use data on-the-go.

If you stay on top of your data usage, it’s easy to stay within the FUP.

FUP in eSIM services

An FUP doesn’t just apply to your local mobile provider; you may also encounter a fair usage policy in eSIM services. An eSIM is an alternative to pricey international roaming fees and physical prepaid SIM cards that allows users to stay connected via mobile data. Because eSIMs are all about accessing data on the go, they may fall under an FUP.

Most eSIM plans give you a set amount of data. For example, Saily offers eSIM in the USA plans for 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB. These fixed data plans do not generally come with a FUP, since you only have access to a limited amount of data to begin with.

While many users find that a fixed eSIM data plan meets their needs, unlimited eSIMs are a great option for digital nomads and world travelers. If you purchase an unlimited eSIM data plan, you’ll likely be subject to an FUP. eSIM providers, just like your home mobile provider, utilize the FUP to guarantee consistent, reliable service.

What should I look for in the fair usage policy when choosing an eSIM plan?

When you’re choosing an eSIM plan, look for the following key features in your fair usage policy:

• Data limit. Understand what your fair use limit is under the FUP and look for one that fits your typical data usage.

• Penalties. Make sure you know what your eSIM provider will do if you go over your fair use limit, such as limiting speeds or applying extra fees.

• Usage tracking. Understand how your eSIM provider tracks your data usage and when your data cap resets.

• Cost. Obviously, you want to know whether your eSIM plan will be cost-effective. While eSIMs are almost always cheaper than international roaming, you only want to pay for the amount of data you need.

With the right eSIM plan, you can stay connected, no matter where you go — and avoid breaking the FUP.

How Saily implements the fair usage policy 

Saily implements a fair usage policy with its unlimited plans to ensure all our customers get the reliable service that our eSIMs are known for.

Here is an overview of Saily’s FUP:

• Purpose: The FUP prevents excessive internet usage by individual users so that everyone gets a consistent experience. Saily defines excessive usage as greater than the average usage of 99% of other unlimited plan users, which means that you probably won’t break the FUP if you stick to your standard data usage.

• Daily full-speed data allocation: Each unlimited eSIM user gets 1 GB of full-speed data every 24 hours. If you exceed 1 GB, your speed will be reduced to 512Kbps until the 24-hour period resets. However, you’ll still get consistent access to the internet, just at a slightly slower speed to manage network traffic.

• Prohibited activities: To keep everything fair, Saily prohibits using your eSIM for bulk machine-to-machine data applications, continuous content streaming, excessive tethering/hotspots, and any activities that degrade the experience of the rest of the users.

• Penalties: Saily reserves the right to monitor your data usage, and if you violate your fair usage limit or misuse the FUP, they may take action to ensure fair access for all users. If you violate the FUP, Saily will notify you, and we may temporarily reduce data speeds or limit service access. In extreme cases, Saily also reserves the right to suspend or terminate service.

Saily’s eSIM fair usage policy is there to make sure you always get the data you need, when you need it. Download an eSIM now to stay connected on your next trip!