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[–] 229 points 2 years ago (35 children)

Cable lobby group NCTA-The Internet & Television Association claimed that the commission's "micromanagement of advertising in today's hyper-competitive marketplace will force operators to either clutter their ads with confusing disclosures or leave pricing information out entirely."

Or, you know, you could just tell the truth.

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  • [–] 177 points 2 years ago (17 children)

    hyper-competitive marketplace

    Ah yes, when I think of "hyper competitive" I think of the one and only one cable provider who services my neighborhood.

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  • [–] 77 points 2 years ago (11 children)

    Comcast calls me all the time trying to sell me on their Trojan horse streaming box or their cell service. I’m polite to the caller cause I know it’s just a gig for them but I always calmly tell them I only have Comcast as I have no other choice and I’d rather peel off my finger nails than give them any other business. It speaks to how bad things are that I’m dying for Verizon of all companies to come “save” me. Hyper-competitive, fucking lol.

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  • [–] 16 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    Verizon FIOS is like a unicorn. Service is stable, price hasn't moved, support is available, clear and friendly. Install and repair dates are quick.

    one day the shoe will drop, been waiting for it for years, but in my little corridor they just keep kicking comcast's ass.

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  • [–] 11 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    I was so happy when I was able to tell Comcast/Xfinity to suck toads after moving to an area with Google Fiber. Google may be a shit company, but I gotta admit I really love symmetrical gigabit service for $70/month.

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  • [–] 7 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    leave pricing out entirely.

    So I have to actually do research instead of being baited in? That's fine too.

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  • [–] 6 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    Nothing better than Verizon advertising $65 a month, which is already too much, then when you actually try to sign up it's not just more; they straight up refuse to tell you what it will be (yes, I tried asking).

    I know that's not cable but they both play the same games. No, it's not impossible for you to just tell a customer what you're going to charge them.

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    [–] 68 points 2 years ago (17 children)

    Quick! Someone tell us why this isn't a good thing because the government did it! Surely there's some secret corruption at work!

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  • [–] 17 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    Whatever it is It will only come down to costing companies with deep lobby pockets money and how the conservative new agencies are spinning it.

    I'd like to see everything priced on the rim and out the door. Taxes, registration, fees, shipping all on the line. I'd like the price on the shelf/invoice/website/advertisement/cash register and bank statement to all match.

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  • [–] 16 points 2 years ago

    The lobbying group for cable companies said that it would hurt their highly competitive market(I'm sure they weren't able to type that without laughing) and it makes it harder for them to advertise one price since the cost of the sports and local bundles are regional (though they have no problems getting those prices correct on the bills.)

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  • [–] 15 points 2 years ago (6 children)

    Umm uhhhh they'll have to increase the total price to make up the difference in processing more numbers which will cause the employee budget to decrease hurting the local economy which means less taxes to fund fire department and your babies will burn in a fire caused by the unqualified cable tech they had to hire to offset the loss in profits.

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    [–] 67 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    Nice job, FCC, and only 20 years late!

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  • [–] 61 points 2 years ago

    ...micromanagement of advertising in today's hyper-competitive marketplace...

    WTF are they on about? Cable TV is the least competitive market out there. I've never lived anywhere with more than two options.

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  • [–] 48 points 2 years ago (6 children)

    Whoever Joe Brandon appointed to the FCC seems to be a real one.

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  • [–] 33 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    Noo the gubernment can't have teeth! Won't anyone think of the billionaires!?

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  • [–] 47 points 2 years ago*

    In case you were wondering the Republicans on the FCC both dissent claiming that the FCC has no jurisdiction to ban lying because people being marketed too aren't cable subscribers yet and therefore outside of the FCC's purview. What a load of horse-hockey. Their next argument will be that the FCC has no right to regulate cable at all because the consumer hasn't been screwed until they give the cable company their money at which point it's too late.

    As much of a free-market-enjoyer that I am, this is what you get when you vote Republican (or stay home).

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  • [–] 32 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    I nominate Jessica Rosenworcel for President. And, uh, Supreme Court too.

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  • [–] 16 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    My family hasn't been subscribed a satellite/cable tv service in almost 16 years... 8 if you include streaming services.

    Their shitty services, comercials, deceptive pricing, arbitrary limitations, and lack of content drove me away long ago. 🏴‍☠️

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    [–] 14 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    woah what’s with all these comments being removed?

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  • [–] 29 points 2 years ago (2 children)
  • [–] 11 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Prepare the nipples for tweaking!

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  • [–] 8 points 2 years ago

    Media Contact: Office of Media Relations MediaRelations@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC VOTES TO REQUIRE CABLE AND SATELLITE TV PRICING TRANSPARENCY New ‘All-In’ Pricing Rules Will Address Consumers’ Confusion on Hidden Fees in Cable and Satellite TV Billing

    WASHINGTON, March 14, 2024—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules requiring cable and satellite TV providers to specify the “all-in” price clearly and prominently for video programming service in their promotional materials and on subscribers’ bills. The FCC aims to eliminate the misleading practice of describing video programming costs as a tax, fee, or surcharge. This updated “all-in” pricing format allows consumers to make informed choices, including the ability to comparison shop among competitors and to compare programming costs against alternative programming providers, including streaming services. TV providers often use deceptive junk fees to hide the real price of their services. The FCC is putting an end to this form of price masking, increasing competition, and reducing confusion among consumers. These new rules require cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to state the total cost of video programming service clearly and prominently, including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming, and other programming-related fees, as a prominent single line item on subscribers’ bills and in promotional materials. The record demonstrates that charges and fees for video programming provided by cable and DBS providers are often obscured in misleading promotional materials and bills, which causes significant and costly confusion for consumers. These new rules continue a series of consumer-focused proposals to combat junk fees and support transparency for consumers. In addition to this “all-in” pricing, the Commission is preparing to upcoming launch of the mandatory Broadband Consumer Labels and has proposed to eliminate early termination fees from cable and satellite TV providers. Action by the Commission March 14, 2024 by Report and Order (FCC 24-29). Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Starks and Gomez approving. Commissioners Carr and Simington dissenting. Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington issuing separate statements. MB Docket No. 23-203

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  • [–] 6 points 2 years ago

    Cable is antiquated.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago
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