Do You Support a Law Cracking Down on Hidden Fees in Cable and Internet Bills?

What’s the story?

• A duo of Democrats are introducing a bill that would require phone, cable, and internet service providers (ISPs) to include all surcharges in the prices they advertise.

What are both sides saying?

• The Truth-in-Billing, Remedies and User Empowerment over Fees ('TRUE Fees') Act was introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) .
• "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," Markey said in a release.

"If phone, cable and internet companies won't be fully transparent with consumers, then Congress should act," Markey added.

• Consumer Reports, which has attempted to draw attention to the issue with its “What the Fee?!” campaign, touted the legislation as being “simple, straightforward, and effective.”

“The TRUE Fees Act would address the out-of-control fee problem in the telecommunications marketplace and deliver much-needed transparency for cable and internet providers’ unnecessarily-complicated billing practices,” Consumer Reports said.

• The Internet & Television Association, a trade group for U.S. broadband and pay television industries, said cable-service providers “are transparent about pricing and deliver itemized bills to customers” through monthly statements and their websites.

What do you think?

Do you support the TRUE Fees Act? Or do you feel cable-service provides are adequately transparent? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com / MartinPrescott)