Internet providers roll out broadband "nutrition" labels for consumers

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: April 10, 2024 / 11:00 AM EDT


Beginning Wednesday, internet service providers (ISPs) will be trying to make it easier for consumers to understand what's in their monthly internet bills. The Federal Communications Commission is now requiring providers to provide notices that resemble nutrition labels that break down what they're getting and how much the individual parts of their internet service cost.

The content of the labels won't be calories or grams of sugar and fat, though. Instead, broadband consumers will be able to see information including monthly price, discounts and bundles, internet speed range for plans, the amount of data included each month, network management and privacy policies, customer support contacts, as well as any additional charges and terms, including early termination and late fees.


Sample of internet broadband "nutrition" label internet service providers will be using to inform consumers about the costs of internet services. Provided by FCC

The new labels will give consumers a way to more quickly compare plans, based on price and internet speeds.. For example someone seeking a high-speed connection for online gaming would find the typical download, upload and latency speeds useful. Others who may be more focused on price would look at the top of the label for the cost of monthly price and additional charges for a particular service plan.

The largest ISPs will have to display these labels to consumers before they purchase a service plan either online or in a store. The information is required for any standalone home or fixed internet service, as well as mobile broadband plans, according to an FCC fact sheet.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/internet-providers-broadband-nutrition-labels-for-consumers/

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FCC PRESS RELEASE - Consumer Broadband Labels Now Required Nationwide at Points of Sale

FCC Broadband Labels Website - Broadband Consumer Labels

[KT2000]

1. Should be included

in the monthly bills as well. I noticed pay online bills change and it takes forever to find out why. This is a great idea.

[erronis]

2. Let's hope that deviations from their posted labels will be punished as applicable.

One thing to require labels but another to follow up on complaints and enforce the regulations. Under Biden I think this may happen; with a (r)epuglicon administration I doubt it.

[Astraea]

3. Good. We are being ripped off

We have Cox and our bill is over 100$ a month. And we don't even have the unlimited data plan.

They are screwing us; they even try to make sure you'll be stuck with them, because if you switch providers, you'll lose your cox email accounts. I found that out before we tried to switch to Verizon home internet, which we could have had for a third of the price we were paying Cox.

If I had known I'd have to stick with them, I would never have signed up for Cox. This sort of crap should be against the law, as it deprives consumers of choice and turns internet access into a monopoly.

I'm hoping that now that Cox is abandoning its e-mail service and transferring it to Yahoo, I'll be able to change providers.

[Astraea]

4. Double checked and we're paying $127.50

It's crazy.