Connecticut House Bill HB06421

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Regulation Of Cable Television Rates.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06421 would likely lead to significant changes in how cable television companies set and adjust their rates. The regulation could limit the frequency and extent of rate increases, thereby offering consumers better protection from sudden price hikes. This could also encourage companies to focus on improving service quality and customer satisfaction to retain subscribers, as they might find it more challenging to pass costs onto consumers through increased rates.

Summary

House Bill 06421 seeks to amend Title 16 of the general statutes to establish regulations specifically governing the rates charged for cable television services. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure fair pricing for consumers while maintaining a stable regulatory environment for service providers. By addressing cable television rates directly, the bill intends to promote transparency and predictability in the telecommunications market, which has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding pricing practices and service availability.

Contention

While proponents of HB 06421 argue that regulation is necessary to protect consumers from unfair pricing practices and promote competitive pricing, some opponents express concerns about government interference in the market. They argue that too much regulation may stifle innovation and increase operational costs for service providers, potentially leading to fewer choices for consumers. Furthermore, there is a discussion on whether the proposed regulations would adequately consider the rapidly changing landscape of telecommunications and the growing number of streaming services that compete with traditional cable offerings.