04/10/2024

Most Broadband Plans to Get 'Nutrition' Labels

ISPs must now display their services' actual costs and speeds

It appears that a nearly eight-year-long battle by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require internet service providers (ISP) to display information on the costs, fees and speeds of their broadband services is finally ending.

Starting on Wednesday, all but the smallest ISPs will be required to publish broadband “nutrition labels” on all of their plans, the regulator announced. The FCC’s intention behind the labels is that they’ll allow consumers to more easily comparison shop between plans and avoid any hidden fees.

The next time you shop for either a standalone home or fixed internet plan, or a new mobile broadband plan, you should notice such a label. Each label will include monthly broadband prices, introductory rate details, data allowances, broadband speeds, and links to find out about any available discounts or service bundles. Links to network management practices and privacy policies should be listed as well. The labels should appear both online and at physical stores.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Verge.