What's happening
This bill requires cable television companies to provide subscribers with regular written information about required equipment and compatible retail options.
Why it matters
Increases transparency for consumers. By requiring cable companies to disclose what equipment is needed and which retail alternatives are compatible, subscribers can make more informed choices and potentially avoid unnecessary rental fees.
Empowers consumer choice. Subscribers will receive details on where and how to purchase compatible equipment, helping them decide between renting from the cable company or buying their own devices, which may be more cost-effective over time.
Promotes competition and potential cost savings. Making it easier for consumers to buy equipment from retailers could encourage competition among manufacturers and retailers, possibly lowering equipment prices and improving product quality.
Addresses technology clarity. The bill ensures that subscribers understand what types of devices (e.g., modems, other data transmission devices) are required for their service, reducing confusion and technical barriers when setting up or upgrading their cable and internet services.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Cable Companies Must Disclose Equipment
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 39
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Committed to rules
- Amended on third reading (t) 4519a
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.439
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Cable Equipment Info
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Angelo Santabarbara
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4519--A Cal. No. 439
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 14, 2019
Introduced by Sens. SKOUFIS, COMRIE, METZGER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications -- reported favorably from said committee, ordered to first and second report, ordered to a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to information cable television companies must provide to subscribers regarding availability of required equipment at retail
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 4 of section 224-a of the public service law is amended by adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:
(d) Each cable television company shall provide to each of its subscribers at the time of the initial subscription and at least semiannually thereafter a written description of: (1) the equipment required for such subscription; (2) information regarding how or where a subscriber may purchase such equipment at retail; and (3) information regarding what retail equipment is compatible with the cable television company system. For purposes of this paragraph "equipment" shall include but not be limited to a modem or electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from a computer via telephone or other communication lines.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06362-07-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to information cable television companies must provide to subscribers regarding availability of required equipment at retail
Purpose
To notify cable customers of their options regarding certain equipment required for cable subscriptions, including how such equipment , includ- ing modems, can be purchased at retail.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1: Amends subdivision 4 of section 224-a to add a new paragraph (d) that requires cable television companies to provide notice regarding equipment, including modems, required for subscriptions.
Section 2: Effective Date.
Justification
Cable providers charge customers for services that are dependent on the use of leased equipment from the same service provider, such as a modem, remote control and other device. While some consumers have the option of purchasing their own modems, many may not be aware of other options and some choose to lease as part of a service package.
This bill would require cable companies to provide information to subscribers that details how or where such equipment can be purchased outright and what retail equipment would be compatible with the cable system.
Prior legislative history
2017-18: A3025 - referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.