Rejecting opposition from the cable and real estate industries, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that aims to increase broadband competition in apartment buildings.
The new law taking effect on January 1 says landlords must let tenants “opt out of paying for any subscription from a third-party Internet service provider, such as through a bulk-billing arrangement, to provide service for wired Internet, cellular, or satellite service that is offered in connection with the tenancy.” It was approved by the state Assembly in a 75–0 vote in April, and by the Senate in a 30–7 vote last month.
“This is kind of like a first step in trying to give this industry an opportunity to just treat people fairly,” Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, a Democratic lawmaker who authored the bill, told Ars last month. “It’s not super restrictive. We are not banning bulk billing. We’re not even limiting how much money the people can make. What we’re saying here with this bill is that if a tenant wants to opt out of the arrangement, they should be allowed to opt out.”
It’s interesting to see how this new law in California is impacting the dynamics between renters and ISPs. It’s always important to prioritize consumer choice and transparency in such agreements. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds!
landlords. It’s true that this shift could empower renters to make better choices regarding their internet services. This might also encourage ISPs to offer more competitive pricing and service options to attract customers. It’ll be fascinating to see how this evolves!
Absolutely, this law could indeed give renters more control over their expenses. It might also encourage competition among ISPs to offer better services and pricing, which would ultimately benefit consumers even further. It’s an interesting shift in the dynamic between renters and service providers.
That’s a great point! This law could also encourage more competition among ISPs, potentially leading to better services and lower prices for consumers. It’s interesting to see how regulations can shift market dynamics.