What are Franchise Fees – Why You Won’t See Them Added to Your NHTC Bill
When you compare internet providers, the advertised monthly price doesn’t always tell the whole story. Additional charges, including taxes, equipment fees, service fees, and other line items can sometimes make the amount on your monthly bill higher than the price you expected.
One charge you may have seen on telecommunications or cable bills is a franchise fee. At NHTC, we believe your internet bill should be easy to understand. That’s why NHTC does not pass franchise fees on to our customers as an additional charge on their monthly bills.
What Is a Franchise Fee?
A franchise fee is generally a fee associated with a communications provider’s use of public rights-of-way, such as streets and other public property, to install and maintain infrastructure. For example, communications networks may require providers to place fiber, cable, conduit, poles or other equipment within public rights-of-way to connect homes and businesses.
Depending on the service, location, and applicable agreements or regulations, providers may be responsible for paying fees associated with that access.
Can Franchise Fees Be Passed on the Customers?
In some circumstances, yes. You may have seen a separate line labeled “franchise fee” on a cable or telecommunications bill. Federal rules may allow cable and telecommunications operators to pass certain franchise fees through to subscribers and separately itemize those charges on customer bills.
That means the price a customer initially sees advertised may not necessarily be the exact amount they ultimately pay once applicable fees and charges are included.
Does NHTC Charge Franchise Fees?
At NHTC, we take a different approach. We do not pass franchise fees on to our customers as an additional monthly charge. If NHTC is responsible for a franchise fee associated with providing service in an area, we absorb that cost rather than adding a separate franchise-fee line item to your bill.
Why? Because we believe in simple, transparent pricing. When you choose an NHTC internet plan, we want you to understand what your service costs without discovering unnecessary provider-added fees later.
More Than Just a Monthly Internet Price
Price matters when choosing an internet provider, but it’s important to look beyond the advertised number. A lower advertised price may become less attractive when additional charges are added for things like equipment, data usage, contracts, or other provider fees.
NHTC fiber internet service is built around straightforward value, including:
- No contracts
- No data caps
- A router included
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds
- Local service and support
- No franchise fees passed on to customers
It’s part of our commitment to making reliable fiber internet easier to understand, and easier to budget for.
What Other Fees Should You Look for on an Internet Bill?
Franchise fees aren’t the only charges worth considering when comparing internet providers. Before signing up for service, it’s a good idea to understand what is included in the advertised monthly price.
Depending on the provider and plan, additional charges may include:
- Router rental fees: Monthly charge for router (may also be referred to as equipment fees)
- Data overage fees: Additional charges for exceeding a plan’s monthly data allowance
- Early termination fees: Charges for canceling service before a contract ends
At NHTC, we believe in making internet service simple. Our fiber internet plans include a router, no contracts, and no data caps. We also don’t pass franchise fees on to our customers.
When comparing providers, remember to look beyond the advertised price and ask what’s actually included in your monthly internet bill.
Transparent Internet Pricing from a Local Cooperative
NHTC has been serving our local communities since 1951. While the technology has changed dramatically over the years – from telephone party lines to today’s fiber-optic network – our commitment to the people and communities we serve remains at the center of what we do. As a local cooperative, we believe our customers deserve clear information about their service and their bill.
So, when comparing internet providers, don’t just ask: “What’s the advertised monthly price?” Also ask: “What will actually appear on my bill?” At NHTC, we work to keep the answer simple.
Looking for Fiber Internet in North Alabama?
NHTC provides high-speed fiber internet to homes and businesses in communities across our North Alabama service area, including New Hope, Owens Cross Roads/Hampton Cove, Grant, and our growing service area in Gurley.
Explore NHTC fiber internet plans and learn more about the benefits of choosing a local provider at nhtc.coop.