A law prohibiting TV and broadband providers from charging a rental fee for equipment the customer owns is going into effect Sunday.
TV and broadband providers are among the most hated industries in America. Both industries are notorious for offering “introductory pricing,” only to increase the price significantly once the period is over. The industries are also known for “hidden fees” and charging rental fees for equipment the customer owns.
A new law is set to prohibit the latter issues starting Sunday, following a six-month extension provided by the FCC as a result of the pandemic. As part of the Television Viewer Protection Act, providers will be prohibited from charging rental fees for equipment the customer provides. The providers must also make a good-faith effort to explain fees and be transparent about the costs of service.
It remains to be seen if companies will try to find loopholes, or abuse the definition of “good-faith,” but the regulation is a step in the right direction.