NMHC, NAA & RETTC Applaud FCC’s Decision to Withdraw Proposal to Ban Bulk-Billing Agreements

Withdrawal Marks Victory for Renters and Housing Providers, Preserving Affordable Internet Access and Paving the Way for Expansion of Broadband Infrastructure

NMHC, NAA & RETTC Applaud FCC’s Decision to Withdraw Proposal to Ban Bulk-Billing Agreements

Colin Dunn
cpdunn@nmhc.org

Today, the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center (RETTC) applauded Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr for withdrawing a recent proposal to restrict high-speed internet bulk-billing agreements. His decision to withdraw the proposal will ensure that millions of consumers – renters, homeowners and condominium owners – will continue to reap the benefits of bulk billing.

“We’re glad to see that Chairman Carr has taken banning bulk billing off the table. That’s a huge win for renters,” said Sharon Wilson Géno, President of NMHC. “Bulk-billing arrangements have made high-speed internet more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans, especially for low-income renters and seniors living in affordable housing. We’re glad that the Chairman and the FCC are sticking up for housing providers and renters, rather than threatening the existing regulatory framework that has been so successful in deploying affordable and reliable broadband to communities across the nation.”

Bulk-billing agreements allow property owners to negotiate directly with internet-service providers, typically securing high-speed internet for renters at rates up to 50 percent lower than standard retail pricing. In addition to the savings, bulk billing removes barriers to broadband adoption like credit checks, security deposits, equipment rentals, or installation fees.

“NAA applauds this important decision by Chairman Carr to withdraw a proposal to ban bulk-billing agreements,” said Bob Pinnegar, NAA President & CEO. “By making this move, the new FCC is acknowledging the critical role these agreements play in encouraging broadband investment, bridging the digital divide and lowering internet costs. NAA looks forward to working alongside the FCC to develop policies that further expand broadband access and deliver results for the nation’s renters and housing providers.”

Beyond affordability, bulk billing can be key to powering next-generation services in rental housing. From smart-home technologies that make daily life more convenient to sustainability solutions that cut energy use, bulk billing helps renters meet the demands of modern life while also saving them money.

“Chairman Carr’s decision to nix the proposed bulk-billing restriction sends a clear message,” said Kevin Donnelly, Executive Director & Chief Advocacy Officer of RETTC. “The FCC has once again affirmed that bulk billing and managed WiFi solutions are of strong benefit to consumers and should be leveraged to overcome barriers to deployment, affordability and adoption, not regulated or restricted. We look forward to working with Chairman Carr and the FCC to ensure housing providers and renters continue to have access to affordable, reliable broadband to support property operations and enable resident-desired services and seamless connectivity.”

About NMHC

Based in Washington, D.C., the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) is where rental housers and suppliers come together to help meet America’s housing needs by creating inclusive and resilient communities where people build their lives. We bring together the owners, managers, developers and suppliers who provide rental homes for 40 million Americans from every walk of life—including seniors, teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, families with children and many others. NMHC provides a forum for leadership and advocacy that promotes thriving rental housing communities for all. For more information, contact NMHC at (202) 974-2300 or email the Council or visit NMHC's website at nmhc.org.

About NAA

The National Apartment Association (NAA) serves as the leading voice and preeminent resource through advocacy, education and collaboration on behalf of the rental housing industry. As a federation of 141 state, local and global affiliates, NAA encompasses more than 95,000 members representing over 12.5 million apartment homes globally. NAA believes that rental housing is a valuable partner in every community that emphasizes integrity, accountability, collaboration, community responsibility, inclusivity and innovation. To learn more, visit www.naahq.org.

About RETTC

Based in Washington, D.C., the Real Estate Technology & Transformation Center (RETTC), brings together real estate companies and technology providers to blaze a path forward for digital transformation in America. RETTC serves as the preeminent advocacy, resource and networking platform for real estate and tech leaders as they navigate a long-term and complex technology-enabled transformation. This evolution will impact the renters and communities we serve, help address our nation’s long-term housing challenges, improve business operations and enhance our ability to drive innovation across the economy. For more information, email info@RETTC.org or visit RETTC’s website at RETTC.org.