Senator Markey and Rep. Eshoo Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Surprise Telephone, Cable, and Internet Fees

Press Release

Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) introduced the Truth-In-Billing, Remedies, and User Empowerment over Fees ("TRUE Fees') Act, legislation that requires phone, cable and Internet providers to include all charges in the prices they advertise for services. The legislation also provides remedies for consumers when they have been wrongfully charged.

"For too long customers have been surprised each month to find that their cable, phone and internet bills are much higher than the advertised price. The TRUE Fees Act would put an end to these advertising practices that only confuse consumers about the true costs. Consumers also should not be suddenly saddled with higher prices, and this bill not only requires providers to give consumers notice about any price increase but also to allow consumers to then end a contract without incurring a costly termination fee," said Senator Markey. "If phone, cable and internet companies won't be fully transparent with consumers, then Congress should act. I thank Congresswoman Eshoo for her leadership on the TRUE Fees Act, and look forward to working with all of my colleagues as this legislation moves forward."

"Customers deserve to know exactly what they're paying for in their monthly cable and Internet service bills. All too often they're sold a service for one price, only to be blindsided by higher bills at the end of the month from tacked on "service' or "administrative' fees," said Rep. Eshoo. "These fees add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year for cable and Internet providers at the expense of consumers who have little to no option than to pay up. The TRUE Fees Act is commonsense legislation that requires companies to be transparent about their prices and empowers consumers to take action if they've been taken for a ride."

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