For some time now, the FCC has been talking about banning hidden fees in cable TV bills. Now the FCC has officially announced it will vote on rules that would once and for all end the practice of having hidden fees. This includes rules that will ban early termination fees on cable TV.
The FCC says these new proposed rules would make cable TV and video services have clear, easy-to-understand bills with accurate information. With this rule, the advertised price will have to be the true price.
Not everyone is happy with forcing full disclosure of fees. Many want cable TV fees to be fully banned. Taking a step in this direction, Consumer Reports has created a petition to ask the FTC to ban these hidden so-called junk fees.
“Fees on your cable TV and internet service, hotel rooms, concert tickets and bank accounts aren’t just annoying. They cost you real money. Our research in 2019 found that an average family of four pays about $3,200 a year in fees. And with the growth in online transactions, where fees seem to slip in right before you checkout, that amount has likely increased,” Consumer Reports said in a statement on their site. “The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into these fees and wants to hear from consumers about what kinds of fees they are encountering. Sign our petition, then tell us about the fees you hate most—so we can better target the worst fee offenders.”
If you want to sign the petition visit Consumer Reports website HERE.
Even if rules pass to require disclosure of the fees or to ban them altogether, will the courts uphold these new rules or strike them down? Only time will tell what will happen.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help.