For years cable companies like Spectrum and Comcast have advertised one price, but in the terms and conditions, you will find a ton of additional fees and taxes.
Now the FCC is proposing new rules that would require cable companies like Comcast and Spectrum to fully disclose the final cost of their service before someone subscribes.
“Consumers deserve to know what exactly they are paying for when they sign up for a cable or broadcast satellite subscription. No one likes surprises on their bill, especially families on tight budgets,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “We’re working to make it so the advertised price for a service is the price you pay when your bill arrives and isn’t littered with anything that resembles junk fees. Not only will this reduce cost confusion and make it easier for consumers to compare services, but this proposal will also increase competition among cable and broadcast satellite providers through improved price transparency.”
With these proposed new rules, cable and satellite companies must fully disclose all fees, including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming, and other programming-related fees, as a prominent single line item on subscribers’ bills and promotional materials.
This would dramatically change how TV is advertised, as fees are a major part of what you may pay with cable TV. Recently Cord Cutters News reported how Comcast can add $800 a year to your TV bill in just fees.
What do you think of this new rule? Should it now become law that cable companies must advertise the full cost of their products? Leave us a comment and let us know.