Gallego Cheers FCC Rule Requiring TV Providers to Show Their Full Prices Up Front
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the White House announced a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed rule that would require cable and satellite providers to show the full price of their services upfront, with no hidden fees. In 2019, Consumer Reports found that added fees increase TV provider bills by 24%.
“This is an important step by the FCC to increase transparency,” said Rep. Gallego. “But we need to go further to eliminate all hidden fees, including cancellation fees. That means passing my Junk Fees Prevention Act to enforce price transparency across industries and protect consumers.”
Gallego is the lead sponsor of the Junk Fee Prevention Act to codify upfront pricing into law. The bill seeks to eliminate burdensome and oftentimes hidden fees imposed on consumers when purchasing tickets, hotel rooms, and other forms of entertainment by requiring the total prices of services be provided upfront and eliminate the excessive fees that cost American billions of dollars each year. The bill also eliminates early termination and cancellation fees for internet service providers.
Last week, Gallego applauded the announcement that Live Nation, AirBnB, SeatGeek, and other companies will voluntarily provide upfront, no hidden fee pricing on their platforms.
In April, he visited Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to tout his bill. In addition to requiring fees to be shown upfront, the Junk Fee Prevention Act would prohibit airlines from charging extra for an accompanying adult to be able to sit with their child during a flight.