The Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 (TVPA) and Section 642 of the Communications Act requires multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to “give consumers a breakdown of all charges related to the MVPD’s video service” before entering into a contract with a consumer for service and also provides consumers 24 hours in which to cancel such service without penalty. In addition, section 642 requires greater transparency in electronic bills and prohibits MVPDs and providers of fixed broadband Internet access service from charging consumers for equipment they do not provide. The Investigations and Hearings Division enforces the requirements of Section 642 and associated FCC rules, including transparency in billing requirements and restrictions on equipment charges.
Rules & Statutes
- 47 U.S.C. § 562 - as added by section 1004(a) of The Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-94, 133 Stat. 2534 (2019)