ANATEL guarantees that the operator cannot cut off your fixed internet: know your rights

You have subscribed to a fixed internet plan and now worry: can the provider cut off my connection if I use too much data? The answer is no. An ANATEL precautionary measure protects your residential internet access, preventing companies from interrupting the service due to excessive data consumption.

You are entitled to unlimited internet at home

The right to access fixed internet continuously is an important protection. Broadband providers still include data cap clauses in their contracts, but these limitations are suspended indefinitely thanks to regulatory decision. In practice, you can browse, watch videos, and download without service interruption.

This protection considers fixed internet an essential service for work, education, and communication. Unlike mobile internet, where the provider can restrict access after the contracted data package is exhausted, fixed network continuity is mandatory.

Why can’t the provider reduce your speed?

If you notice a significant drop in your internet speed after heavy data usage, stay alert. If the provider confirms that there was an intentional reduction as punishment for exceeding a data cap, this violates ANATEL’s regulations.

Your rights as a broadband user include:

• Browsing without interruption regardless of data volume consumed
• Speed cannot be cut or drastically reduced due to “exceeding” the cap
• Guarantee of receiving at least 80% of the contracted average speed
• Right to a discount on your bill if the service is interrupted

How to act if your internet is illegally cut off

The first step is to report the problem. Contact the provider and request an explanation for the speed reduction or access cut. If the company confirms that restrictions were applied due to data cap limits, you have a legal basis for a complaint.

Make the report in two ways:

1. On the Consumidor.gov website, which centralizes complaints against companies
2. Directly with the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), which can open an investigation

Important: always note the protocol numbers of each service contact. These records are essential to prove the violation.

Fixed internet is different from mobile internet: see the differences

Confusion is common because the rules change drastically between these services. In mobile internet (4G/5G), the provider has full legal permission to cut access or reduce speed when the data package runs out. This is because cellular infrastructure has technical limitations different from fixed networks, with spectrum issues that justify restrictions.

That’s why you receive SMS alerts when you reach 80% or 100% of your data cap on your phone. This is completely different from what can happen with your home internet, where such practices are prohibited.

The future of this protection: will data caps continue to be banned?

The debate about ending unlimited internet periodically resurfaces in legislative discussions, but consumer protection organizations like IDEC work to keep the prohibition in place. The situation is not final — new legislative pressures may arise.

To follow official resolutions and determinations regarding your digital rights, consult the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) portal, which publishes key regulatory decisions. Stay informed about changes in consumer protection policies affecting your access to residential internet.

Summary of the differences between the services: