Rep Brindisi Calls on FCC to Protect Customers, End Price Hikes for Internet Service During Pandemic

Rep Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) called on the Federal Communications Commission to do more to protect customers from abusive practices by their Internet service providers (ISPs). In response to requests from local families, Rep Brindisi sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, asking that the FCC extend consumer protections for the duration of the public health emergency and also bar ISPs from raising their prices while workers and students are ordered to remain at home. Rep Brindisi previously wrote to Thomas Rutledge, the CEO of Spectrum’s parent company Charter Communications, on March 13, asking that his company “[suspend] any planned price increases for at least the next 90 days.” Despite that request, many families throughout Upstate New York have seen their bills continue to increase during the pandemic. “I have two kids whose school is closed right now,” Rep Brindisi said. “I know how essential it is that they get online to do their assignments. The FCC must take steps to ensure that no family is forced to choose between their child’s online education and other priorities in the family budget.”