FCC Orders Comcast To Stop Labeling Equipment Rental a Service Fee

An anonymous reader writes "The FCC denied an appeal by Comcast, which argued that its practice of charging customers separately for a DTA (digital terminal adapter) -- a converter box that allows cable subscribers with older televisions to receive digital channels, which the company said would be provided at no charge -- is not subject to rate regulation, because it is a service fee. The ruling was issued on March 19." Also from the article: "In an e-mail last week to the Star Tribune, Comcast vice president of corporate affairs Mary Beth Schubert said the case “involved a relatively minor dispute about the way certain items are presented on the rate card but has no effect on overall pricing.” But, [Michael Bradley, an attorney whose firm represented Minneapolis-area franchising authorities in the dispute] argued the FCC’s decision sets a strong precedent for transparency within the cable industry."

Comments

Re:A simple solution

[Kryptonian Jor-El]

Live Sports. The only reason I keep cable is to watch live sports. Until the pirates figure out a way to stream live sports in high quality, I'll be sticking to cable. Beyond that, I don't need it

As a guy from Europe

[InsultsByThePound]

I'm never ceased to be surprised by your guys prices never match the advertised price. Surcharges/Fees/Taxes/Tips flying everywhere. About the only time I paid the price adverted was buying gas. And it's not like it's predictable "Oh, things will be 10% over the price", nope every industry from hotels to airlines to cellphones has it's own rules and offsets. Why hasn't there been a consumer revolt yet?