The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) rules requiring broadband service providers to display consumer-friendly labels are now in effect.
The new rules, which came into force on April 10, 2024, for wired and wireless broadband service providers with more than 100,000 subscriber lines, are intended to provide consumers with important, up-front information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds. According to the FCC, the goal of the new labeling requirements is to help consumers make informed decisions when it comes to subscribing to broadband services.
Service providers with 100,000 or fewer subscribers have until October 10, 2024, to comply with the new requirements.
The FCC’s consumer broadband label is similar in format to nutrition labels mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FCC has issued a “Consumer Fact Sheet” that details the required and recommended content for broadband labels.
Read the FCC’s original 2022 Report and Order setting out the labeling requirements for broadband services.
Readers can also view the FCC’s “Consumer Fact Sheet” on broadband consumer labels.
