FCC Expected To Vote On Hidden CableTV Fees

The FCC will be voting on rules Thursday that will require cable and satellite providers to display an “all-in” price for video programming on consumers’ bills and promotional materials.

 The final rules are expected to be largely similar to those the agency initially proposed last year. The commission plans to vote on a final version of the rules during its March 14 open meeting.

Proposed Final Rules for Pricing Transparency:

• Objective: To eliminate confusion caused by hidden fees in cable and satellite TV billing.
• Requirement: Cable and satellite TV providers will be required to clearly and prominently specify the “all-in” price for video programming services in their promotional materials and on subscribers’ bills.
• Purpose: This will prevent misleading practices where video programming costs are described as taxes, fees, or surcharges.

Benefits for Consumers:

• Informed choices: Consumers can compare prices among competitors and alternative programming providers (including streaming services).
• Increased transparency: The true cost of services will be visible.
• Vote: The proposed rules will be voted on by the full Commission at its March 14 Open Meeting.
• Components: The total cost of video programming services, including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming, and other related fees, will be presented as a prominent single line item on subscribers’ bills and in promotional materials1.

Additional Efforts:

• Broadband Consumer Labels: The FCC is preparing for the mandatory launch of these labels.
• Elimination of Early Termination Fees: The Commission has proposed eliminating early termination fees from cable and satellite TV providers.
• Alignment with Executive Order: These efforts align with the Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, emphasizing competition and lower prices.

The March Open Meeting, where the vote will take place, will be streamed live.