What Is FUP (Fair Usage Policy) in eSIMs and How It Affects Data Speed

When choosing an eSIM for Bali or Indonesia, one technical term can strongly affect internet performance: FUP (Fair Usage Policy).

FUP is a usage control mechanism commonly used by mobile operators and travel eSIM providers, especially on plans advertised as “unlimited.” It sets internal data thresholds after which speeds may be reduced or traffic managed to control network load.

What Is FUP (Fair Usage Policy)?

FUP (Fair Usage Policy) is a rule applied by telecom providers to limit how much high-speed data a user can consume, even on plans advertised as “unlimited.”

In practice, FUP means:

• You can use data freely only up to a certain amount
• After that threshold, the provider may:
  • Reduce your speed (throttling)
  • Lower your network priority (deprioritization)
  • Restrict hotspot/tethering
• The reset usually happens daily or monthly

So while the plan still works, performance is no longer the same.

How FUP Works

• High-Speed Limit: You get full speed (e.g., 100 Mbps) until you reach your FUP data limit (e.g., 500GB).
• Speed Reduction (Throttling): After hitting the limit, your speed drops significantly (e.g., to 20 Mbps), but your internet usually isn’t cut off.
• Purpose: To prevent a few users from hogging the network, maintaining service quality for all subscribers.

This is especially common in roaming eSIMs, where providers rely on agreements with local networks instead of operating as local subscribers.

What to Look for in an FUP

• Data Cap: Know your specific FUP limit (e.g., 20GB, 500GB).
• Reduced Speed: Understand the speed you’ll get after the cap (e.g., 128 Kbps, 2 Mbps).
• Reset: Find out when your data resets (usually monthly).

What If You Exceed FUP

• Slower Speeds: Your internet becomes much slower, affecting streaming, large downloads, or online gaming.
• Extra Quota/Top-Up: Some providers offer ways to buy more data or temporary speed boosts.

The Problem With “Unlimited” eSIMs That Use FUP

Many travel eSIMs are advertised as unlimited data, but the detailed terms often include conditions such as Fair Usage Policy (FUP), speed reductions after a certain data threshold, or network traffic management.

In practice, this means:

• Speeds may be normal only at the beginning of the usage period
• Performance can drop significantly after internal usage limits are reached
• Real-time services like video calls, navigation, and banking apps may become less reliable
• Hotspot/tethering may slow down or become unstable
• Data performance can degrade further in rural or inland areas where network capacity is limited

Under FUP, “unlimited” typically refers to continued access, not consistent high-speed performance, which can be a limitation for travelers who depend on stable mobile internet.

Why BaliEasy eSIM Does NOT Use FUP (And Why That’s Good)

BaliEasy eSIM does not apply a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). There is no internal usage threshold that triggers speed reduction, throttling, or changes in network priority during the validity of the plan.

Instead, BaliEasy uses a fixed-data model. Each plan includes a clearly defined data allowance that is delivered at normal network speeds until the data is fully used.

Performance remains consistent from the start of the plan until the data allowance is exhausted.

This approach removes uncertainty around speed behavior. Data usage is transparent, performance is predictable, and the service does not shift into reduced-speed phases.

When the data is used up, the connection ends or requires a top-up, rather than continuing at throttled speeds.

Why this is beneficial for foreigners:

For foreign travelers and long-stay visitors, mobile internet is often essential for navigation, ride-hailing, online payments, communication, and remote work. Without FUP:

• Internet performance is predictable from day one to the last day of the plan
• Real-time applications (maps, banking apps, video calls) remain reliable
• Hotspot usage is more stable, which is important for laptops or secondary devices
• There are fewer surprises caused by unfamiliar local network policies

This structure allows foreigners to better estimate their data needs and avoid unexpected slowdowns, making connectivity simpler and more dependable while traveling in Indonesia.

What “No FUP” Means in Real Use

• If you buy 30 GB, you get 30 GB at full speed
• Speed does not drop after 5–10 GB
• You can hotspot without sudden restrictions
• Performance stays consistent in inland areas, like:
  • Canggu
  • Ubud
  • Uluwatu
  • Amed
  • Nusa Dua
  • Inland and rural areas (subject to coverage)

This is especially important for foreigners in Bali, because network quality already varies by location. Removing FUP removes one more variable that can degrade your experience.

Read more: Bali eSIM for Inland/Rural Coverage for Foreigners

FUP vs No FUP: Quick Comparison

Final Takeaway

Fair Usage Policy (FUP) is a common reason why many “unlimited” eSIM services experience unexpected speed reductions during use.

While access to data may continue, performance often changes once internal usage thresholds are reached.

BaliEasy eSIM operates without FUP. There are no automatic speed caps, throttling, or priority changes applied within the purchased data allowance.

Data performance remains consistent until the allocated data is fully used.

For users who prefer predictable mobile internet behavior, especially when relying on data for navigation, communication, payments, or work, this structure removes uncertainty and clarifies how the service will perform throughout the usage period.