New California law attempts to give renters more choice over internet plans
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- New law lets California renters opt out of landlord bulk internet deals.
- Trade group CalBroadband warned it could lead to higher prices.
- The governor signed it despite efforts to kill it.
A measure that will require landlords to allow renters to opt out of internet deals was signed into law Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“While bulk-billing can sometimes result in discounted rates for internet users, some landlords pocket those discounts and even raise fees, leaving California tenants trapped without other options,” the bill’s author, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, D-Tracy, said in a statement Friday. “The bottom line is that we’re not here for corporate profits. We’re here to protect Californians and protect affordability.”
Assembly Bill 1414 was strongly opposed by the California Broadband & Video Association, also known as CalBroadband, a trade group for Comcast and other major companies. The organization said the measure was a threat to internet agreements where companies provide services to apartment complexes and rental homes in bulk and would lead to higher prices.
It had lobbied Newsom to veto the bill after attempts to kill the measure in the Legislature and with a sponsored article in The Sacramento Bee did not work.
“We’re disappointed that the governor chose to sign AB 1414 because we think it will be an impediment to utilizing an effective tool, bulk billing, that has helped middle class Californians be eligible for discounted rates to high-speed internet,” said Janus Norman, the organization’s CEO. “We will endeavor to do our best and continue to provide quality services at affordable rates.”
The measure was supported by several organizations, including the California Apartment Association and Western Center on Law & Poverty.
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 12:23 PM with the headline "New California law attempts to give renters more choice over internet plans."
