AARP Hearing Center
Background
Television is a source of news and entertainment for millions of people. Many consumers have “cut the cord.” They receive programming online via streaming services. Streaming can save people money, particularly those who already pay for high-speed internet service. The amount households pay for streaming, however, depends on how many different subscriptions they choose to have for various streaming platforms. The prices for streaming platforms are not regulated, putting the onus on consumers to monitor price changes. Streaming allows customers to avoid paying for bundled channels (many of which they may not watch). Instead, they just pay for the content they know they will watch. In some instances, households can also subscribe to streaming bundles.
VIDEO SERVICES: Policy
VIDEO SERVICES: Policy
Video services
Policymakers should ensure that cable, satellite, streaming services, and other pay-television operators include robust consumer protections.
Operators should be required to charge reasonable rates. Subscribers should have control over content and cost (see also High-Speed Internet Services and Net Neutrality). This includes through à la carte pricing, which allows consumers to watch and pay for only the individual channels they choose.
Policymakers should prohibit anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions involving cable, satellite, streaming, and other pay-television operators (see also Mergers and Acquisitions).
Policymakers should protect consumers’ right to public-access programming on pay television.