And AT&T isn't the only ISP with data caps. Comcast, for instance, limits monthly data usage to 250GB. Time Warner has launched trial programs with data caps and overage fees in some markets, but has put usage-based pricing on hold for now.

So you've got to wonder: If only 2 percent of AT&T customers will hit the new data limits, what's the pressing need for a cap? Not to be too cynical here, but it does sound as if AT&T and its fellow ISPs are hoping to cash in on Netflix's popularity.

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