The FCC recently updated its Truth-in-Billing rules to help consumers detect and prevent “cramming,” the placement of unauthorized charges on their telephone bills. FCC rules also specify standards applicable to cable bills. 

Telephone Bills. Under the FCC’s Truth-in-Billing rules, telephone bills must be clearly organized. In addition, the new rules require each bill to: 

• Clearly and conspicuously identify the service provider associated with each charge
• Separate charges by service provider
• Place in a separate section any charges from third-parties for non-telecommunications services
• Separately subtotal each section and clearly and conspicuously display the subtotals
• Clearly and conspicuously identify any change in service provider 

Cable Bills. Under FCC rules, bills for cable services must be clear, concise, and understandable. Cable bills must also: 

• Fully itemize basic and premium service charges and equipment charges
• Clearly delineate all activity during the billing period, including optional charges, rebates, and credits
• Provide the FCC community unit identifier (CUID)
• Provide franchise authority contact information unless the authority requests otherwise
• Include contact information for both immediate and written closed captioning complaints 

In addition, cable bills may include separate line items for franchise fees, PEG fees, or other government-imposed taxes or fees. 

Cable franchises, state consumer protection laws, and state truth-in-billing laws may impose additional rules. If you have questions about the FCC’s subscriber bill requirements, please contact Jake Baldwin or Andrea Person at (312) 372-3930 or James Moskowitz at (202) 872-6881 or jmoskowitz@cm-chi.com.