FCC ruling clears way for apartment dwellers, businesses to choose their own internet provider

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules prohibiting broadband providers from entering into exclusive revenue-sharing agreements with multi-tenant building owners. 

These new rules address the arrangements between multi-tenant building owners and broadband providers to limit other provider competition within the building. 

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed this ruling in January with hopes to increase competition and consumers’ choices in their broadband services. The proposal was adopted in a 4-0 vote.

“One-third of this country live in multi-tenant buildings where there often is only one choice for a broadband provider, and no ability to shop for a better deal,” said Rosenworcel. 

“The rules we adopt today will crack down on practices that prevent competition and effectively block a consumer’s ability to get lower prices or higher quality services.” 

The FCC claims the new rules will prohibit the practices limiting broadband competition within these buildings, allowing the consumer to choose the broadband provider that’s right for them. 

The ruling will also: 

• Require providers to disclose exclusive marketing agreements with tenants in accessible, easy language.  
• Reaffirm that sale-and-leaseback arrangements blocking competitive access to other providers are prohibited under existing Commission rulings.