# Plain Language Summary: No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act

This bill would prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—the government agency that oversees phone and internet services—from controlling how much internet service providers can charge for broadband. Right now, the FCC has the legal authority to step in if it believes an internet company is charging unfairly high rates. This bill would strip away that power completely, meaning internet companies could set their prices however they want without federal oversight of those specific charges.

The practical effect is straightforward: your internet bill would be entirely up to your service provider. If Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or your local internet company decides to raise rates, there's no federal agency that can say "that's too much" and force them to lower it. This could mean higher bills for consumers, especially in areas where there's only one or two internet providers available and people don't have much choice. The bill does include two narrow exceptions: the FCC could still tie rate regulation to companies that receive government subsidies for rural broadband, and companies would still have to follow truth-in-billing rules so they can't hide charges or mislead customers about what they're charging.

The bill essentially reflects a philosophy that internet service should work like other competitive markets—companies set prices, and competition keeps them in check. However, critics point out that internet service isn't always competitive; many Americans have only one or two providers available in their area, which means there's limited competition to naturally control prices. Supporters argue that removing rate regulation encourages investment in broadband infrastructure and keeps government out of business decisions.

No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act

Kinzinger, Adam

No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from regulating the amounts&nbsp;charged by providers&nbsp;for broadband internet access service.