A trade association representing smaller internet providers is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to prevent apartment complexes from limiting tenant access to broadband services in exchange for kickbacks from large cable companies and other internet providers.

The FCC is exploring ways to boost broadband deployment to apartment complexes and condominiums. In comment to the commission, INCOMPAS urged regulators to issue new rules preventing owners of multi-tenant housing from entering into deals with internet providers to restrict which broadband services are available to tenants. The association specifically called out practices such as revenue sharing, kickbacks, exclusive wiring arrangements and exclusive marketing agreements.

"It's time for the FCC to set the 30 percent of Americans living in apartment and condo buildings free from broadband monopoly control," INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering said. "They should not be forced to pay more for slower speeds when new broadband competition is knocking on the front door." http://bit.ly/2vftYog

At least one association opposes the idea. In its own comments to the commission, NCTA—The Internet & Television Association said "there are no are no signs of market failure that would warrant regulating these private contracts," the news site Broadcasting & Cable reported. http://bit.ly/2xsPEOd

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