Consumer feedback to the Federal Communications Commission indicates net neutrality is firmly lodged in the US public consciousness a year after rules came into effect.

However, according to figures published by the US regulator, it is not the most complained-about subject. That’s billing, perhaps unsurprisingly, since it involves users’ money. Billing complaints numbered 23,000.

However, as Ars Technica points out, the number of net neutrality complaints is a raw number, which is not verified by the FCC itself.  Actually, the regulator has yet to identify any violations since its rules were passed in June 2015.  But the numbers show that net neutrality is firmly lodged in the collective mind of the US public.

The rules ban broadband providers, both mobile and fixed, from blocking, throttling or offering paid prioritisation over their networks. Indeed, some users might be using the net neutrality heading for unrelated subjects, such as slow speeds or data caps, which upset them. There is no breakdown between mobile and fixed in the complaints numbers.

As well as being a way for users to air a grievance, complaining has a practical purpose too, since operators and ISPs are required to respond to each complaint within 30 days. Hence it can be a more effective method than going straight to the operator or ISP.

For the full list of complaints see here.