Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

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Cable TV

• Cable TV Prices. Federal, state and local agencies may regulate cable TV prices under some circumstances:

• The Federal Communications Commission regulates cable TV rates and business practices to some degree, especially where no effective competition exists. But most price and service decisions are left to the market.

• Local municipalities may regulate cable TV rates and business practices to some degree, especially where no effective competition exists. There is no state regulation of cable TV rates, and local regulation is subject to limits prescribed by federal law. Most price and service decisions are left to the market. For more information, check with your municipality.

• Telephone technology is merging with cable TV and computer technology. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) may regulate telephone rates charged by companies that own and operate telephone lines.

• Recent law changes have eliminated many obstacles to competition between telephone and cable service providers. “Wireless” communication technology, including “satellite cable” TV and cellular telephones, has added yet another dimension to this fast-changing market.

• For more information, see Consumer Law topic, Telecommunications & Cable TV.

• Cable TV Subscriber Rights. Wisconsin Statutes section 100.209 guarantees certain rights to cable TV subscribers. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) administers this law. For more information, see Consumer Law topic, Telecommunications & Cable TV.

• Cable TV Subscription and Billing Practices. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates unfair and deceptive business practices. DATCP rules regulate subscription and billing practices by providers of telecommunications and cable TV services. These rules prohibit “slamming,” “cramming,” “negative option” billing and other unfair practices. Violators may be prosecuted, and there is a private remedy for consumers. For more information, see Consumer Law topic, Telecommunications & Cable TV.