The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to improve the usefulness of labels applied to consumer broadband services.
Current FCC rules require internet service providers to have a label for each broadband service plan they offer, providing information on rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds, as well as links to additional information about the provider’s privacy policies. However, the Commission says that the original requirements, initially adopted in 2022, resulted in confusing labels that also increased compliance costs for providers.
Issued in mid-July, the FCC’s Report and Order updates its original broadband labeling requirements to “visualize the monthly cost of services more clearly…giving consumers a label that they can more clearly understand and use when comparing high-speed internet service plans.”
The FCC says that the new rules also allow providers the flexibility to discuss the label information in conversations with consumers, instead of just reading a scripted summary of the information. Providers can also use links and QR codes to help consumers more quickly connect with requested information.
Read the FCC’s Report and Order detailing its changes to broadband consumer labeling requirements.
Read additional information about the labeling requirements, including a sample label.