Code of Massachusetts Regulations
207 CMR - CABLE TELEVISION DIVISION
Title 207 CMR 10.00 - BILLING AND TERMINATION OF CABLE SERVICE
Section 10.03 - Form of Bill

Universal Citation: 207 MA Code of Regs 207.10

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) The bill for cable television service shall contain the following information in clear, concise, and understandable language and format:

(a) the name, local address and telephone number of the cable television operator. The telephone number shall be displayed in a conspicuous location on the bill and shall be accompanied by a statement that the subscriber may call this number with any questions or complaints about the bill and or subscribers rights under 207 CMR 10.07 in the event of a billing dispute;

(b) the period of time over which each chargeable service is billed including prorated periods as a result of establishment and termination of service;

(c) the dates on which individually chargeable services were rendered or any applicable credits were applied;

(d) separate itemization of each rate, charge, or fee levied or credit applied, including but not be limited to, basic, premium service, and equipment charges, as well as any unit, pay-per-view, or per item charges or fees;

(e) the amount of the bill for the current billing period, separate from any prior balance due; and

(f) the date on which payment is due from the subscriber.

(2) Cable operators may identify as a separate line item of each regular subscriber bill the following:

(a) The amount of the total bill assessed as a franchise fee and the identity of the franchising authority to whom the fee is paid;

(b) The amount of the total bill assessed to satisfy any requirements imposed on the cable operator by the franchise agreement to support public, educational, or governmental channels or the use of such channels;

(c) The amount of any other fee, tax, assessment, or charge of any kind imposed by any governmental authority on the transaction between the operator and the subscriber. In order for a governmental fee or assessment to be separately identified under 207 CMR 10.03, it must be directly imposed by a governmental body on a transaction between a subscriber and an operator.

(3) All itemized costs shall be direct and verifiable. Each cable operator shall maintain a document in its public file which shall be available upon request and shall provide the accounting justification for all itemized costs appearing on the bill.

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