Telecom Industry Is Mad Because the FCC Might Examine High Broadband Prices (techdirt.com)

Article summary

The FCC is considering examining high broadband prices in the US, which has prompted pushback from the telecom industry. The industry argues that the FCC's potential examination of pricing data could lead to rate regulation, which they oppose. The FCC's consideration of broadband affordability is part of its periodic report on whether broadband is being delivered to all Americans on a reasonable and timely basis. The telecom industry's response has been criticized as an overreaction, given that the FCC has not actually taken any concrete steps towards regulating prices.

Main themes

• broadband prices
• FCC regulation
• telecom industry pushback
• lack of competition
• pricing transparency
• municipal fiber networks

What commenters say

• The telecom industry's opposition to the FCC's examination of broadband prices is seen as a self-serving attempt to maintain their profit margins.
• The complexity of taxes and fees is not a valid excuse for ISPs to avoid transparency in their pricing.
• ISPs should be required to disclose all taxes and fees upfront, rather than surprising customers with extra charges on their bills.
• The US telecom industry is characterized by a lack of competition, which leads to high prices and poor service.
• Municipal fiber networks and smaller, local ISPs may be better equipped to provide affordable and reliable broadband services.
• The FCC's consideration of broadband affordability is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of high prices and poor service.
• ISPs are capable of tracking and disclosing taxes and fees, as they already do on customer bills, and should be held to the same standard in their advertising and sales practices.