New regulations for cable and satellite TV providers require them to transparently display the total costs for video subscriptions, including additional fees that can amount to hundreds of dollars per year, as announced by the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday.
The FCC stated, "Charges and fees for video programming offered by cable and DBS (direct broadcast satellite) providers are frequently hidden in deceptive promotional materials and invoices, leading to significant and costly confusion for consumers."
The FCC's new rule compels cable and satellite companies to clearly disclose the total cost, incorporating fees for regional sports programming as a single line item.
According to advocacy organizations Consumer Reports and Public Knowledge, expenses for broadcast TV, regional sports, and set-top box rentals can add an extra $37 to the average monthly bill, representing up to a third of the total.
The companies opposing the FCC rule, including the NCTA, the Internet & Television Association, argued that the requirement is technically complex due to varying regional fees, making it costly to tailor to individual markets.
In November, the FCC voted to mandate broadband providers to clearly disclose the cost, speed, and data allowances provided by their internet services.
