Consumer Reports (CR) is telling the Federal Communications Commission that, according to many of its members, some cable and telecom broadband operators are continuing to charge for modems or routers even when consumers are using their own equipment and the agency should investigate.
Charter CEO Tom Rutledge remains a believer in the bundle — just with different parts.
The new Broadband America report from The NPD Group reveals that only 50 percent of homes in the continental US have true broadband speed of 25 Mbps download or higher. In fact, 34 percent of homes receive internet access at speeds of less than 5Mbps, including 15 percent that do not have any internet access. Vermont, West Virginia, New Mexico, and Mississippi are among the least connected states, while New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, and California are among the most connected. In Vermont only 24 percent of homes receive broadband speeds, while in New Jersey 65 percent of homes do.
The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Inspector General alerted Lifeline, Emergency Broadband Benefit, and Affordable Connectivity Program consumers and providers to improper and abusive enrollment practices that are part of some providers’ online enrollment processes. These providers impermissibly coerce and deceive applicants for Lifeline service into enrolling in unwanted EBB/ACP service or into transferring their EBB/ACP service away from their preferred provider, contrary to the FCC Enforcement Bureau’s earlier Enforcement Advisory and FCC rules.
If implemented properly, broadband consumer labels can empower individuals and communities to ensure that their broadband service meets their needs and expectations. However, the Coalition recognizes that navigating the detailed information included in the broadband consumer label can be overwhelming. With this in mind, these labels can also support digital navigators and community leaders in guiding community members to find the right plan for them.
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