FCC Asked To Probe High Internet Prices

A group of four liberal senators have asked the FCC to investigate high prices for cable and broadband Internet, arguing providers can charge extremely high rates thanks to minimal competition, with fees that are obscured behind opaque billing practices.

"Many Americans have very few, if any, options when it comes to choosing their local cable and Internet providers. And, as the telecommunications industry becomes increasingly concentrated, this lack of choice has resulted in huge price increases and often poor service for consumers,” wrote Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as well as Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

According to The Hill, they specifically mentioned the proposed merger of Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable, which they said would “only increase concentration in the cable and broadband markets.”

The senators asked FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to provide them with information about the average cost of broadband by state and provider, as well as for urban and rural customers.

“The Commission’s collection of pricing information is critical to upholding its mission to protect consumers, and promote competition, and deploy broadband across America,” they said.

The FCC declined to comment on the letter.