The FCC has banned multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and service providers from engaging in exclusive contracts, which force residents to use a specific voice, data or cable provider.
In a ruling announced Wednesday, the FCC says that "[opening] the door to competitive telecommunications services will help provide consumers with increased access to and choice of such providers."
Contracts between residential buildings and service providers that currently exist cannot be enforced, the FCC said, because the contracts "hurt consumers and harm competition."