FCC to End Rule Requiring ISPs to List All Fees

The Federal Communications Commission announced a rule change that will allow broadband and cable providers to replace detailed listings of “passthrough” fees with a single “up‑to” price in consumer advertisements. Under the new guidance, Internet service providers may present a headline price such as “up to $79.99 per month” without separately itemizing costs associated with government fees, network maintenance, or other charges that are traditionally passed through to customers. The amendment, which takes effect later this year, follows a review of the FCC’s 2022 “price‑cap” policy and is intended to simplify pricing disclosures while preserving the ability of carriers to adjust fees in response to regulatory or infrastructure changes.

Consumer advocacy groups have expressed concern that the shift could obscure the true cost of service, making it harder for shoppers to compare offers across providers. The FCC, however, argues that the “up‑to” format reduces confusion caused by lengthy fee breakdowns and aligns with practices already used in other sectors, such as mobile phone plans. The commission will monitor the impact of the rule and retain the authority to require more detailed disclosures if evidence suggests the new approach misleads consumers.