William E. Kennard, director of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, FCC, launched a campaign aimed at advocating for the rights that cable television consumers have, now that the commission's role in regulating cable television rates is coming to an end.
"The FCC will do its utmost to make sure customers know and enforce their rights in the new deregulated cable market," Kennard said. "We will also continue to work to make rates reasonable, breaking down barriers to competition in the video market," he added.
This campaign aims to educate consumers about the options they have after March 31, when the U.S. Congress ended the FCC's direct regulation of cable TV rates.
With this measure, the FCC no longer has statutory authority to receive and review complaints about cable channel rates. Since 1993, the Commission has resolved nearly 18,000 complaints involving 5,700 cable communities and ordered the return of some $100 million to nearly 40 million subscribers.
Without FCC tariff regulation, consumers would have paid between $3 billion and $5 billion more for cable service over the past six years.
Eight points to keep in mind
Cable TV consumers should be aware of the following eight options regarding the provision of this service:
From cable companies
Consumers have the right to fair negotiation with their local cable company, with reasonable rates reflecting the fair cost of providing this service.
Consumers are entitled to an explanation from the cable company when it raises rates for its service, and especially when it justifies the increase in the costs of obtaining new programming.
Customers have the right to write or call their cable companies, when they have complaints about the service provided on the various channels, or about the increase in programming costs, and they should get a prompt response.
Local government
Customers have the right to file their complaints with the local government (mayor's office, governor's office) about the increase in rates or the quality of service.
From the FCC
Customers have the right to provide the internal wiring in their home for cable connections.
Customers will soon have the right to purchase and use the boxes for wired connection at competitive market prices.
In addition
Customers have the right to contact consumer advocacy groups to help them when cases are not properly resolved by cable companies.
Customers who are unhappy with their local cable company should explore competitive alternatives to video programming services available from a DBS (satellite streaming service) and other providers.
