In plain English
It means there is a fixed usage limit for the mobile data included with the plan. That limit concerns the total amount used within a stated time period.
In context
Here, “data cap” names the maximum amount of mobile data the plan allows to be used during the stated period.
- Situation
- Choosing mobile plans, allowances, roaming, fair-use, and add-ons
- What it communicates
- labels a data-usage limit in the plan details.
Meaning limits
By itself, the term does not say what happens if that maximum is reached.
Examples
“Her phone plan has a 10-gigabyte data cap for each billing month.”
“Before switching plans, compare the data cap with your usual monthly mobile data use.”