Groups Say Proposed FCC Broadband Bulk Billing Ban Could Hurt Consumers

R Street Institute is concerned that the FCC's proposed rules banning broadband bulk billing in multi-tenant environments (MTE) could retard broadband inclusivity efforts. The group told an aide to Commissioner Anna Gomez the rules could "potentially exacerbate challenges to getting Americans online and staying connected," in an ex parte filing Tuesday in docket 17-142 (see 2405080043). Consumers "benefit from lower prices that are possible when a broadband provider can negotiate with" MTE owners, "reducing the risk of investment and increasing potential return," said R Street. It also warned that letting consumers opt out of bulk billing agreements "could prevent such agreements at all, depending on the text of the rule." It urged that the FCC seek additional data on the potential rule's impact. In addition, Summit Broadband raised concerns about the proposed rules, holding separate meetings with aides to Gomez, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Nathan Simington. The facilities-based provider warned of the potential harm the proposed rules would have on its customers, many of whom are homeowners associations (HOA). "These mandatory opt out provisions would cause ISPs to raise prices to recoup potential lost revenues and could push some providers to exit the HOA marketplace altogether, leading to less facilities-based competition," Summit Broadband said.