Viewpoints
By eliminating the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on bulk billing, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr allows multifamily owners to maintain affordable internet service for their residents.
By: Valerie M. Sargent
In a groundbreaking move, Brendan Carr, the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has just made waves in the multifamily housing industry.
As of Friday, Jan. 24, Chairman Carr has cleared the FCC’s docket of all items that were currently on circulation, including the highly debated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on bulk billing arrangements.
The docket says, “there are no Items on Circulation.”
For all of us that have been consistently advocating for this outcome, this is a rewarding affirmation that efforts to promote affordable, accessible, and efficient broadband solutions for multifamily communities have truly paid off. This decision marks a pivotal and positive moment for the industry, as it not only highlights the chairman’s sensitivity to the multifamily community’s concerns but also signals a significant victory for affordable broadband access in apartment buildings and other shared living spaces.
What’s at stake: The importance of bulk billing
You may recall from my recent article, about why a bulk billing ban was a bad idea, that for those in the multifamily industry, the concept of bulk billing has long been an essential part of offering affordable, high-quality internet services to residents. Bulk billing agreements make it possible for property owners to secure significantly lower rates than standard retail prices for their residents, a key necessity to bridging the digital divide in affordable housing as well as keeping costs for consumers down overall. This is achieved by negotiating directly with the internet service providers to bundle service for all residents in a community, often resulting in much more affordable internet access without residents having to deal with everything else required to set up individual accounts directly with the providers, such as deposits and credit checks.
Bulk billing has become increasingly crucial as multifamily communities embrace smart home solutions and sustainability measures more communities have come to rely upon.
Bulk billing helps residents manage internet costs, making it easier to access the essential tools needed to navigate homes equipped with today’s proptech amenities.
A win for the industry
This recent action from the FCC chairman effectively puts an end to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that had previously raised so many concerns within the multifamily industry and beyond. The rulemaking, which sought to impose restrictions on bulk billing agreements, was met with widespread opposition from a diverse group of stakeholders. Members of Congress joined with public housing advocates, housing organizations representing developers, owners, and operators of rental housing, digital equity advocates, and internet service providers, all of whom recognized that such government intervention would disrupt a system that benefits consumers and fosters affordable broadband access.
The decision is consistent with the other two times the FCC has opted not to regulate bulk billing arrangements after thoroughly reviewing the matter. This unwavering stance demonstrates the undeniable benefits of keeping such agreements free from unnecessary hindrance from the government.
A bright future ahead
For the multifamily industry, this is a moment to celebrate. There has been much advocacy in support of bulk billing. The FCC’s decision reaffirms that bulk billing is a critical part of ensuring that affordable, high-speed internet remains accessible to all, particularly in multifamily communities. This move to clear the docket, including the withdrawal of the bulk billing Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, is a step in the right direction, aligning with the industry’s vision of empowering residents through cost-effective connectivity solutions.
In the coming weeks, I’m certain that many in the industry will join me in commending Chairman Carr. This is not just a win for the multifamily sector, but for consumers nationwide. It’s clear that the new chairman’s approach will have lasting effects on the landscape of broadband policy, allowing communities to thrive without unnecessary regulatory constraints.
As the rental housing industry continues to advocate for innovative solutions in broadband and technology, this decision sets a precedent for future progress, signaling that the FCC understands the needs of today’s connected world and the critical role of affordable broadband in shaping tomorrow’s communities.
I am so happy to see this outcome, and I know the multifamily industry will be optimistic that this victory will pave the way for more positive actions in the future, ensuring residents continue to benefit from the essential services that bulk billing arrangements make possible.
Thank you, Chairman Carr, for listening to us.
Valerie M. Sargent is a multifamily speaker, trainer and executive consultant, and writes about multifamily issues for Broadband Communities. Contact her at http://www.valeriemsargent.com. For more information, visit http://www.bbcmag.com.
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