US Congress Truth in Billing Legislation

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) introduced the Truth-In-Billing, Remedies, and User Empowerment over Fees (‘TRUE Fees’) Act, legislation that requires phone, cable and Internet providers to include all charges in the prices they advertise for services.  This includes any some taxes, administrative fees, equipment rental fees, or other charges.  Other provisions require certain disclosures in e-bills, that consumers be given at least 21 days prior notice of rate increases and, in such case, be allowed to terminate the contact without paying an penalty. The legislation also provides remedies for consumers when they have been wrongfully charged and prohibits compulsory alternative dispute resolution..

“For too long customers have been surprised each month to find that their cable, phone and internet bills are much higher than the advertised price. The TRUE Fees Act would put an end to these advertising practices that only confuse consumers about the true costs. Consumers also should not be suddenly saddled with higher prices, and this bill not only requires providers to give consumers notice about any price increase but also to allow consumers to then end a contract without incurring a costly termination fee,” said Senator Markey. “If phone, cable and internet companies won’t be fully transparent with consumers, then Congress should act. I thank Congresswoman Eshoo for her leadership on the TRUE Fees Act, and look forward to working with all of my colleagues as this legislation moves forward.”

“Customers deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for in their monthly cable and Internet service bills. All too often they’re sold a service for one price, only to be blindsided by higher bills at the end of the month from tacked on ‘service’ or ‘administrative’ fees,” said Rep. Eshoo. “These fees add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year for cable and Internet providers at the expense of consumers who have little to no option than to pay up. The TRUE Fees Act is commonsense legislation that requires companies to be transparent about their prices and empowers consumers to take action if they’ve been taken for a ride.”

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The Regulatory Mix Today: US Congress Truth in Billing Legislation, US House Internet Privacy Hearings

US House Internet Privacy Hearings

In response to the release of the GAO report on Internet privacy See the Regulatory Mix dated 2/15/19 Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced that the Committee will hold its first privacy hearing this Congress, in the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, on February 26.

“Since I requested this report, the need for comprehensive data privacy and security legislation at the federal level has only become more apparent.  From the Cambridge Analytica scandal to the unauthorized disclosures of real-time location data, consumers’ privacy is being violated online and offline in alarming and dangerous ways,” Pallone said.  “This detailed GAO report makes clear now is the time for comprehensive congressional action on privacy that should include ensuring any agency that oversees consumer privacy has the tools to protect consumers,” Pallone continued.  “These recommendations and findings will be helpful as we look to develop privacy legislation in the coming months.”

“Americans treasure their right to privacy.  While advances in technology have fostered numerous consumer benefits, they also have enabled companies to vacuum up massive amounts of consumer data.  From the 2017 Equifax data breach, putting more than 143 million consumers at risk of losing personal information, to the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal, we have seen time and again that self-regulation is not protecting consumers,” Schakowsky said.

“Congress needs to act, and this hearing is an important first step,” Schakowsky continued.  “The American people are counting on us to deliver real results for them, and I will work with my colleagues to get it done.”

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 The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.