April 14, 2026—America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its proposed rulemaking to address unfair or deceptive rental housing fee practices. ACA Connects focused its comments on the provision of broadband, cable television, and other communications services offered to renters through bulk billing arrangements. Building on prior filings, it demonstrated that these arrangements deliver significant benefits for renters, including discounted rates, high performance networks, and better customer service.
“Bulk billing plays a crucial role for renters to have more affordable, high-quality options to connect to the internet and watch video,” said Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of America’s Communications Association. “As FCC Chairman Carr has recognized, bulk billing aggregates the buying power of consumers to negotiate better deals and discounts and empowers independent providers to provide tailored services and boost investment. The FTC should follow his lead.”
Key excerpt:
“Bulk billing arrangements offer unique benefits for residents in certain rental housing environments, including senior communities, low-income apartments, and student housing.
“For instance, in senior communities, bulk service providers are not only required to provide fiber connectivity at discounted prices but often assist in helping seniors learn how to use their devices to access internet sites. For low-income properties, they are often required to offer low-cost packages for the least financially able renters without undertaking credit checks. For student housing, they provide access to fiber without requiring a long-term service commitment.”
ACA Connects FTC Comments re Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices
April 13, 2026
ACA Connects supported additional comments through its membership in the Bulk Broadband Alliance, which includes the Community Associations Institute, EducationSuperHighway, National Apartment Association, and National Multifamily Housing Council.
Last year, this coalition effectively joined forces to stop the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposed ban on bulk billing.
Now, the Bulk Broadband Alliance is urging the FTC to also recognize that bulk billing arrangements are a pro-consumer, pro-competitive practice that helps make rental housing more affordable. They warn that restrictions on these arrangements could raise costs and limit services, particularly for lower-income tenants.
Bulk Broadband Alliance FTC Comments re: Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices
April 13, 2026
Related:
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing approximately 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29 million households. ACA Connects members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.