Internet Providers Can’t Charge You for This Anymore Starting this month, your ISP no longer can bill you for this fee. The federal government has put an extra gift in your stocking this holiday season. As of Dec. 20, your internet service provider no longer can levy “rental” charges when you use your own equipment — such as a modem or router — with internet service. The change is part of the Television Viewer Protection Act, which President Donald J. Trump signed into law in December 2019 as part of a larger legislative package. The law applies to companies that provide broadband internet access, including companies that also provide TV services.