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Cable lobby and Republicans fight proposed ban on early termination fees / Customers should be allowed to cancel cable TV without penalty, Democrats say (arstechnica.com)

submitted 11 months ago by L4s to c/technology

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Cable lobby and Republicans fight proposed ban on early termination fees / Customers should be allowed to cancel cable TV without penalty, Democrats say::Customers should be allowed to cancel cable TV without penalty, Democrats say.

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[–] Furbag 39 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I find it hard to believe that anybody who hasn't had a frontal lobotomy or isn't a corpo ratfucker could ever be in favor of early termination fees as a legitimate and healthy business practice.

[+] SCB -11 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

Strong disagree regarding it as a business measure in whole. Without penalties for breaking contracts, many business relationships will absolutely fall apart.

Rather, this is an issue of consumer protection, and consumer rights should generally be given preferential treatment over contracts for the same reasons unions exist - it levels the playing field between entities of far differing power and means.

I absolutely guarantee that lobbyists are pitching that first half at republicans and downplaying the everliving fuck out of the second.

[–] Furbag 23 points 11 months ago (2 children)

We're obviously talking about consumer contract law here, so the point of business relationships falling apart is moot.

If cable companies could prove to me that them pressing a button to cancel my service merits the exorbitant cancellation fees that they charge, then maybe I'd change my opinion.

[–] SCB 6 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I mean that's why I said this

Rather, this is an issue of consumer protection, and consumer rights should generally be given preferential treatment over contracts for the same reasons unions exist - it levels the playing field between entities of far differing power and means.

"Early termination fees" do not solely apply to cable companies, and by and large are a good thing - this is how they shoved them past what should be common sense consumer protection legislation, which I also mention.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 11 months ago

They usually can. Installing the wiring to your home and paying the wages of the installers is not cheap. It takes time for that initial cost to be recouped by a company.

[–] dragonflyteaparty 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Why do these companies need a contract?

[–] SCB 1 points 11 months ago

Are you asking why contracts in general are important?