On December 20th, something exciting is happening for television viewers, and no, it’s not a new Hallmark Christmas movie (although, we’re sure that’s happening too, and when it does happen, we’ll be there!) 1/6

What’s happening is that FINALLY, consumers are going to get some transparency into how much they will spend on pay-TV service (e.g. cable or satellite television), before they sign up. #WTFee 2/6 https://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-fee-transparency/

Last year, after advocacy by @publicknowledge and CR, Congress passed the Television Viewer Protection Act which goes into effect on Sunday & requires pay-TV providers to tell consumers the total monthly charge for service, including fees, before they sign up. #WTFee 3/6

The new law requires providers to reiterate that information to consumers within 24 hours of them signing up. Once the consumer gets that notice, they can cancel the service without any fees or penalties. #WTFee 4/6

The new law will also put an end to the unconscionable business practice of charging consumers a rental fee for cable modem routers even if consumers do not use them! #WTFee 5/6

We hope that the @FCC will robustly enforce this legislation, and Congress should also expand the requirements to companies providing internet service, or any other services bogged down with hidden fees. #WTFee 6/6