Verizon has asked the FCC to require the cable industry to make it as easy for consumers to choose a new video provider as it already is for them to switch voice providers. Verizon argues that the currently many cable companies refuse to accept video service cancellations from a new provider, creating extra work and confusion for consumers. However, long-established procedures enable a new provider to submit a voice disconnection order on behalf of the customer.
“The process to switch video providers is more cumbersome for consumers,” Verizon wrote in a petition filed with the FCC today to request a declaratory ruling. “Cable incumbents do not accept disconnect orders from the new provider; instead, they require the customer to contact them directly to cancel service after choosing a new video provider and to return equipment.
In a separate filing with the FCC earlier this week, Verizon said that the cable industry delays its customers’ switches to competing voice providers by regularly failing to meet the commission’s timing requirements for local number portability.
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