Shopping for internet service just isn’t fun. You know what you need, but trying to sort out all the blather from internet sellers is like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Hold the phone—or the internet. Your uncle has heard your cries of frustration. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is changing all that. You can compare internet service like boxes of cereal. A new broadband label will make internet service comparisons easier.
Broadband label—like the grocery label
Under the FCC’s new requirements, broadband labels are designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet services. The labels are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels and are intended to help consumers comparison shop for the internet service plan that best meets their needs and budget. Internet service providers that offer home, fixed internet services, or mobile broadband plans are required to have a label for each service plan they offer.
What’s inside the box?
It all starts today. On April 10, 2024, you can look for broadband labels at any point of sale, including online and in stores. The labels must disclose important information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds. They also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies. Here’s a sample of the new broadband label.
While many providers will begin displaying their labels today, there’s a catch. Providers with less than 100,000 subscribers have until October 10, 2024, to comply with the FCC rules to display broadband labels at their points of sale.
And what if they don’t do it?
It may be that not every provider is going to play fair. If a provider is not displaying their labels or has posted inaccurate information about its fees or service plans, you can file a complaint. That can be done with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center linked here.
List all the services, with their actual costs, would seem to be a really good idea, and a benefit to everyone. We’ll see if it actually occurs.
Really doesn’t mean anything. Too many things are variable. Broadcast fees, sports fees, taxes, “special” fees, equipment fees,which change when they want them too, etc.
Internet speeds are suggestive.
Removing certain things, or changing the tier of these services will only add to the bill.
Most only state what the maximum speed may be. I’ve had the cable company come out and test my 800mbps service and even with their fancy equipment, they could only get about 600 max. With my NEW wireless devices I’m lucky to see 500mbps standing right next to the modem doing there speed test.
I have had the same modem and TV boxes for years, and the rental fee keeps going up for these devices.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Wow! What a development! Amazing to get full transparency!?! Thank you for the notice, and safe travels! 🙂
Yeah. Good luck with THIS!
While a great idea, it’s not showing any local fees, taxes or any of the fees/taxes imposed by other government agencies. In addition, who defines “typical” – I.e., your mileage may vary.