Many organizations have launched the Bulk Broadband Alliance to advocate for bulk billing arrangements for Internet services. The alliance aims to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of these agreements. Bulk billing arrangements allow property managers to negotiate with internet service providers for broadband services at a reduced rate.
This model is standard in apartment complexes, condominiums, senior living facilities, and student housing. Grant Spellmeyer, president and CEO of ACA Connects, said, “Bulk billing agreements provide customers with discounted rates and quality service while promoting competition and investment in advanced infrastructure.
According to Spellmeyer, bulk billing offers substantial consumer benefits. These include monthly pricing typically 50 percent lower than traditional retail services’ promotional rates.
It also eliminates additional fees like installation charges. Dawn M. Bauman, chief strategy officer at the Community Associations Institute, said, “Bulk billing generally translates to cost savings on services like internet and cable TV while providing quality and reliability that surpasses traditional retail service.
Adeyinka Ogunlegan, vice president of government affairs and policy at EducationSuperHighway, believes bulk billing agreements are fundamental to digital equity initiatives.
Bulk billing benefits AOS and tenants
Bulk billing has been pivotal in making it affordable for residents in multi-dwelling units, especially those in public and affordable housing, to connect to the online world,” she explained. The Bulk Broadband Alliance will focus on representing stakeholders and educating policymakers.
They want to highlight the potential harm of restricting bulk billing agreements, such as the FCC’s recent proposal to eliminate them. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed a plan allowing tenants to “opt-out” of arrangements mandating a specific broadband provider for their household. Critics argue that regulating bulk billing arrangements could drive consumer costs and hinder new infrastructure developments.
Sharon Wilson Géno, president of the National Multifamily Housing Council, warned that the proposed regulation could undermine the economic rationale for bulk deals. This could increase housing affordability challenges and ultimately harm residents. The Bulk Broadband Alliance remains committed to advocating for bulk billing’s continued benefits.
They oppose regulations that could restrict these advantageous arrangements.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
