Representative Angie Craig Applauds Executive Order to Promote Competition between Internet Service Providers
President Biden’s order includes Craig’s provisions to ensure pricing transparency for broadband consumers and prohibit landlord exclusivity agreements
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig applauded President Biden's Executive Order on promoting competition in the American economy, singling out provisions to save Americans money on their internet bills by fostering competition and increasing transparency in billing. The President's executive order, which was announced earlier today, included provisions that effectively implement legislation previously introduced by Craig, which would provide consumers with transparent pricing information and the opportunity to choose their provider when shopping for broadband services in the marketplace.
"As we work to provide every family in the country with access to affordable, high-speed internet, we must also ensure that consumers have affordable options to choose from, as well as the information necessary to understand exactly what they're being charged for," said Representative Craig. "I am grateful for President Biden's executive orders today, which will help to restore transparency and competition between internet service providers – qualities that have been lacking in the industry for far too long."
President Biden's Executive Order intends to save Americans money on their internet bills by banning excessive early termination fees, requiring clear disclosure of plan costs to facilitate comparison shopping, and ending landlord exclusivity arrangements that stick tenants with only a single internet option. More details about the effort can be found here.
Earlier this year, Craig introduced the Broadband Consumer Transparency Act, which would require straightforward disclosures in an easily understandable format to help consumers better understand the services they are purchasing and protect against hidden fees and sub-standard internet performance. And in the 116th Congress, during consideration of a House infrastructure package, Craig filed an amendment that would prohibit multi-tenant property owners from establishing exclusivity agreements with internet service providers – preventing residents from accessing the communications provider of their choice depending on where they live.