Data Plans – FAQ

Why do we have data allowances?
Why am I getting charged for data now when I have never been charged in the past?
How can I reduce my data usage?
What are the implications of going over my data allowance?
Will I be notified when I reach my data allowance?
How can I avoid incurring data usage charges?
How do I monitor my own data usage?
Are there options to buy more data?

Why do we have data allowances?
Rise Broadband, like all major Internet service providers, has a data allowance policy to eliminate congestion on our network and provide a better experience for all customers. Data overage charges help to preserve this as well as allows us to re-invest in our network to keep up with the ever-growing consumption of data by our customer base.

Why am I getting charged for data now when I have never been charged in the past?
For most customers, data usage isn’t just about Internet anymore. Today, streaming videos, playing online games, and using multiple devices to access the Internet at the same time results in a larger average consumption of data. Data overage monitoring allows us to provide the best internet access to all our customers, even during peak use times.

How can I reduce my data usage?
For many people, streaming video plays a large part in the consumption of data.  Did you know that most newer HD TV’s will up-convert a standard definition video stream?  This is important to know as Video Streaming services like Netflix allow you to change the data stream on your account.  A standard definition video stream only uses .3 GB per hour compared to between 3-7 GB for High definition and Ultra HD.

The lowest data allowance plan from Rise offers 150 GB of data.  With 150 GB of data, streaming at .3 GB per hour provides you with 500 hours of viewing time.  500 hours per month is equal to 16.5 hours per day!

For more information provided by Netflix, go to https://help.netflix.com/en/node/87

Other tips on controlling data include:
Make sure your WiFi is password protected to avoid unauthorized use of your connection.

What are the implications of going over my data allowance?
No changes will be made to your Internet connection.  Your speed will remain the same and your data usage will not be restricted.  However, extra charges will be incurred once you’ve exceeded your data limit.  For every 10GB used over the data included in your plan, a $5.00 charge will be posted to your account.  You will be notified each time a Data Overage charge is added to your account.

Will I be notified when I reach my data allowance?
Yes. We send a series of e-mail communications to our customers as they approach and exceed their data limit.  Please be certain your e-mail address on file with Rise is up to date.  Customers approaching their data limit will receive a first warning e-mail when 75% of the data cap is reached.  A second e-mail warning is sent when 95% of the data limit is reached.  Once 100% of the data limit is reached, Rise will send an e-mail for every 10 GB increment used above and beyond a customer’s data limit.

How can I avoid incurring data usage charges?
The most cost effective way to avoid data overage charges is to move to an Unlimited Data plan.

How do I monitor my own data usage?
Yes.  Log on to Risebroadband.com and select My Account from the top right of the page.  Scroll down on the page to Check My Data Usage and click on the Check Usage button. Your data usage information should automatically populate.  If it does not, enter your account information in the appropriate fields and then your data usage information will be displayed.  Still require assistance?  Please call us at 866-988-7152.

Are there options to buy more data?
Yes.  While we cannot add data to a current service plan, we do have options for customers to move into Unlimited Data service plans.  The following tables show various speed plans and their available data caps: