What's happening
This bill requires cable companies in New York to charge all subscribers the same rate for the same service.
Why it matters
Eliminates price discrimination among subscribers. By banning different rates for the same cable service, the bill prevents companies from charging certain customers (such as new subscribers, seniors, or those in particular neighborhoods) different prices for identical service packages, addressing fairness and equity concerns.
Could impact promotional pricing and negotiation. Cable companies often offer introductory deals or allow customers to negotiate lower rates; this bill would likely end those practices, meaning long-term subscribers and new customers would pay the same, potentially impacting customer acquisition and retention strategies.
May affect overall cable pricing models. Without the ability to offer variable pricing, companies may need to adjust their pricing structures, possibly resulting in higher standard rates for all or reducing flexibility in how services are bundled and marketed.
Intended to increase transparency and consumer trust. Uniform pricing makes it easier for consumers to compare options and understand their bills, potentially reducing confusion and dissatisfaction over perceived unfairness in billing.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Equal Cable Rates for All
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 14
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- 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.
Equal Cable Rates for All
In Assembly Committee · Corporations, Authorities And Commissions · Sponsor Angelo Santabarbara
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5352
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
April 29, 2019
Introduced by Sen. COMRIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring cable companies to charge the same rate for the same service
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 225 of the public service law, as added by chapter 83 of the laws of 1995, is amended to read as follows:
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, and by federal law and regulation, the rates charged by a cable television company shall be those specified in the franchise which may establish, or provide for the establishment of reasonable classifications of service and categories of subscribers, or charge different rates for differing services or for subscribers in different categories. No cable television company shall charge a different rate for the same service to different subscribers.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06529-01-9
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 requiring cable companies to charge the same rate for the same service
Purpose
To require cable companies to charge the same rate for the same service in the State of New York.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: The Public Service law is amended to state no cable tele- vision company shall charge a different rate for the same service to different subscribers. Defines television cable company as any company providing cable services to subscribers via cable, satellite or micro- wave.
Section 2: Effective Date.
Justification
Currently cable companies are able to charge different rates to differ- ent subscribers for the exact same service or make special offers not available to all customers. In some cases, a person may be paying more than others in the same community or even their next door neighbor for the exact same cable service simply based on when they subscribed for the service. This legislation would create cable rate parity, requiring that special pricing plans or any new plans made available to new customers are also made available to any existing customers at the same cost savings.
Legislative history
2017-18: A11130 - referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
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.