Think of them like nutrition labels on a can of green beans
The next time you sign up for internet service, youll be able to see what youll be getting more clearly defined. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says her agency has mandated the use of Broadband Consumer Labels, which means internet service providers are now required to display consumer-friendly labels at the point of sale.
Today is an exciting day for consumers. Broadband Nutrition Labels are finally here. Consumers across the country can now benefit from consistent, transparent, and accessible point-of-sale information about broadband prices and services, Rosenworcel said.
These nutrition label disclosures are designed to make it simpler for consumers to know what they are getting, hold providers to their promises, and benefit from greater competitionwhich means better service and prices for everyone.
The Commission adopted language and accessibility requirements for the label's display to ensure that it benefits all consumers. The labels are required for all standalone internet services or mobile broadband plans, regardless of whether they are fixed or mobile. An associated plan's advertisement must display the label - not just an icon or link to it - in close proximity to the label. Heres what one of those labels looks like:
The labels must be machine-readable by October 10, 2024, so third parties can easily collect and aggregate data so that comparison-shopping tools can be developed for consumers. Providers with fewerthan 100,000 subscribers must also comply with the rules at that time.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-04-11 11:27:41
