ISPs Could Lose a Data Gold Mine
Proposed FCC rules could crimp a growing source of revenue.
This article is for subscribers only.
Internet service providers are public utilities. For now, they are also ad agencies.
ISPs such as Comcast, Time Warner Cable, AT&T and Verizon sell access to the pipes you need to surf the Web. In turn, they use data from your online escapades to target advertising at you. Your Internet provider, for example, can use info about the video sites you frequent to offer you a higher-tiered broadband plan. It can also serve hoverboard ads to 20-something males who live in L.A, were it so inclined.