You can complain about the government all you want, but sometimes it does useful things.
In this case, the Federal Communications Commission, has begun stirring up competition between internet service providers that offer their wares to apartment complexes. Currently, most Americans who live in apartments only have one choice of internet providers. Oftentimes it is neither the best nor the cheapest option.
The FCC has begun forcing broadband providers to disclose any sort of exclusive marketing agreements between landlords and tenants. It is also banning any sale-and-leaseback agreements where a landlord exclusively leases from one provider.
Per FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel:
“One in three people in this country live in an apartment, condominium, public housing, mobile home park, or other multi-tenant environment. In too many of these places, broadband choice can be especially hard to find. There’s often only one provider, and that means those who live there can wind up paying higher prices for lower quality service.”
The new rules are expected to take effect later this year. Once in effect, renters can choose any internet provider that services their area, and landlords will not be allowed to interfere. This could also make services available to those who currently don’t have internet access.
There are still more issues the FCC needs to address; this is just the beginning. The new regulation will offer millions of renters access to higher quality and more affordable internet service providers than ever before.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.