FCC requires internet providers to show customers fees with broadband 'nutrition labels'
Nutrition labels are typically found on your favorite snacks and treats. Now a similar label will be a new added ingredient for internet service providers.
To break down your internet consumption, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has ordered broadband internet providers to create digestible labels for their customers to understand online and in-stores.
Starting April 10, customers will begin to see broadband labels like nutrition labels that are mostly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FCC announced.
"The labels are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels and are intended to help consumers comparison shop for the internet service plan that will best meet their needs and budget," the FCC said in the press release.
Internet providers with less than 100,000 subscribers have until Oct. 10, 2024 to comply with the FCC rules to display these broadband labels to their customers.
FCC rules:Cable TV providers must offer clear pricing totals for video subscriptions
Which internet service providers have to have the new labels?
The FCC said that the following internet service providers are required to have the new label for each service plan they offer:
- Home internet services
- Fixed internet services
- Mobile broadband plans
What are included on the labels?
The expectation is that broadband internet providers will be more transparent with their customers by providing this important information with their customers:
- Broadband prices
- Broadband speeds
- Data allowances
- Introductory rates
The labels will also include links to information about the companies network management practices and privacy policies. In addition, a glossary will be available to help consumers better understand the information displayed on the label.
FCC also regulating cable providers for price transparency
This announcement by the FCC for internet providers comes on the heels of a similar announcement the agency made last month for cable and satellite-TV providers who now need to show the total costs for video subscriptions. This is a part of FCC's ongoing effort to improve pricing transparency.
In a news release, the FCC said total costs include extraneous fees that can often unexpectedly accumulate for users. Under new guidelines, consumers will have the ability to compare provider and programming costs with other competitors like streaming services.
"Charges and fees for video programming provided by cable and DBS (direct broadcast satellite) providers are often obscured in misleading promotional materials and bills, which causes significant and costly confusion for consumers," the FCC stated. "This updated “all-in” pricing format allows consumers to make informed choices."
Under the new mandates cable and satellite companies must clearly state all the costs as a single line item, the FCC said. Fees like regional sports programming or broadcast retransmission consent can no longer be obscured.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X @forbesfineest.