Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.
Impact
The introduction of A3068 could lead to significant changes in the operations of cable television companies. By enforcing that all committed service areas receive both cable and broadband services before allowing prioritization practices, it aims to ensure comprehensive service coverage for consumers. It addresses concerns relating to potential inequalities in service quality afforded to different customers based on discriminatory practices that could arise from paid prioritization. This law seeks to foster inclusivity in access to high-speed Internet, particularly in underserved municipal areas.
Summary
Bill A3068 is designed to enhance the regulation of cable television companies operating within the state of New Jersey. This legislation mandates that cable television (CATV) companies must ensure the provision of cable television service alongside broadband Internet speeds to all households within their designated service areas before they can implement any paid prioritization of Internet network traffic. Paid prioritization is characterized by methods that favor certain Internet traffic over others, such as prioritizing based on payment or affiliations. The bill aims to protect consumers by creating a fair playing field in the provision of broadband services.
Contention
While the bill appears beneficial for consumer protection, it may invite contention among cable providers who argue that such requirements could considerably add to operational costs. Cable companies may feel restricted in their business models, especially concerning tiered Internet services and prioritization techniques necessary for certain applications. There could also be debate on the balance between regulation and market freedom, with some stakeholders advocating for less interference from state mandates in business practices. Thus, the bill could provoke discussions about the appropriate level of oversight in the cable and telecommunications industry.
Carry Over
Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.
Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.
Exempts cable television subscriber from notifying cable television company, Office of Cable Television, or other complaint officer of cable television service outage to receive credit or rebate.
Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.
Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.
Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.
Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.
Requires certain CATV companies to provide Internet service at public libraries with business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to public libraries' needs.