Bill · H.R. 5550· House(119-HR-5550)
Lower Internet Costs Act
- Introduced
- 9/23/2025
- Last activity
- 9/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Josh Harder
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Lower Internet Costs Act" directs the FCC to create new regulations for broadband service providers. These rules would require companies to show the total price of service as a single, clear line item on subscriber bills and in promotional materials. The bill also requires providers to give advance notice when introductory prices are about to expire. Additionally, the act seeks to prohibit providers from charging certain specific fees to subscribers.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring transparent pricing and prohibiting several specific hidden fees from broadband providers.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
The prohibition of covered fees and increased price transparency can help reduce the total cost of essential internet services for low-income households.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+4
The bill provides cost savings and better price clarity for middle-income households on broadband services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Price Transparency: Providers must state the aggregate price of broadband service as a "clear, easy-s-understand, and accurate single line item" on bills and in marketing materials (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)).
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Advance Notice of Price Changes: For subscribers on introductory or limited-time plans, providers must notify them 60 days and 30 days before the period ends, stating the end date and the new price that will be charged (Section 2, subsection (b)(1)(A)).
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Clarity in Promotional Materials: When advertising limited-time prices, providers must include the future price and the length of the promotional period (Section 2, subsection (b)(2)(A)).
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Help with Location-Based Pricing: If prices change based on where a person lives, the rules require providers to tell consumers how to find the specific price for their location (Section 2, subsection (b)(2)(B)).
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Elimination of Certain Fees: The bill prohibits providers from charging "covered fees," which include charges for state cost recovery, network maintenance, local access, and technical support or equipment repair (Section 2, subsection (a)(2) and (c)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Urban Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- 9/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House