UPDATE 1-US telecom regulator needs to bar cable TV early-termination charges


(Provides feedback by FCC chair, feedback by Republican FCC commissioner, particulars of current FCC adjustments, paragraphs 3-9)

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Nov 21 (Reuters) – Federal Communications Fee Chair Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday proposed to bar cable and satellite tv for pc TV suppliers from charging shoppers early-termination charges to exit contracts.

Rosenworcel stated the fee will take an preliminary vote on Dec. 13 on the plan, which might additionally require TV video-service suppliers to refund subscribers in the event that they cancel previous to the top of that billing cycle. She cited President Joe Biden’s govt order that encourages the FCC and different businesses to take steps to crack down on what the administration calls “junk charges.”

Since Democrats took management of the FCC in early October, Rosenworcel has moved shortly to set new guidelines.

The FCC final month voted to advance a proposal to reinstate landmark net-neutrality guidelines and assume new regulatory oversight of broadband web rescinded below former President Donald Trump.

Final week, the FCC adopted ultimate guidelines to forestall digital discrimination in entry to broadband companies below a directive from Congress. Below the brand new guidelines, the FCC can examine broadband entry discrimination complaints and might problem penalties to corporations violating the principles. “We’ve created a course of that’s geared toward discovering options that work for all events,” Rosenworcel stated.

Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr stated the plan offers “the federal authorities a roving mandate to micromanage almost each side of how the Web capabilities.”

In November 2022, the FCC stated U.S. broadband suppliers should show data much like diet labels on meals merchandise to assist shoppers store for broadband web companies.

The principles require broadband suppliers to show, on the level of sale, labels that present costs, speeds, charges and knowledge allowances.

The FCC in June granted preliminary approval to a proposal requiring cable operators and direct broadcast satellite tv for pc suppliers to specify the “all-in” value clearly and prominently for video programming service in promotional supplies and on subscribers’ payments.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington Modifying by Matthew Lewis)