Broadband ‘nutrition’ labels go live

Top half of a Verizon label.

The deadline is here for broadband providers like Frontier, Spectrum, Verizon and others to provide a Broadband Facts label for their services.

Verizon and Hughesnet are just two of the providers who are currently showing the labels ahead of deadline.

As reported by Reuters, “Verizon Chief Customer Experience Officer Brian Higgins said in an interview the labels will help consumers make ‘an equal comparison’ between product offerings, speeds and fees. Higgins said standardized labels across the industry ‘make it easier for customers to do a comparison of which provider is going to be the best fit for their needs.’ He said customers will still need to research various bundling offers across carriers.”

Google Fiber was way ahead of the game, releasing its label last fall.

The labels are similar in format to the required food nutrition labels we’re all familiar with and must “disclose important information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds, and to include links to information about network management practices, privacy policies,” and the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hopes the labels will provide consumers with a more transparent and easier way to shop for internet.

“This is a big win for consumers, who need clear and transparent information when making decisions about what internet service makes the most sense for their households. Consumers will finally get information they can use to comparison shop, avoid junk fees, and make informed choices about which high-speed internet service is the best fit for their needs and budget,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. 

Most providers have until April 10, 2024, to display the labels, but providers with 100,000 or fewer subscriber lines have until Oct. 10, 2024.

The label will show your monthly price, contract requirements, any additional charges and terms like early termination fees or taxes and any discount or bundle pricing that is available.

ISPs must also list if they participate in the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program.

Plan speeds, both upload and download, along with latency and monthly data allowance, will also be shown.

Hughesnet’s broadband label

As you see on one of Hughesnet’s labels, the monthly price is prominently displayed, along with clear information on how long the discount price will last and the rate after it ends. The label also shows equipment fee charges, data included in the plan, typical speed to expect and links to other information.

FCC approval of labels

There were three public meetings on the topic, the last held in May 2022. The last hearing “focused on the experiences of digital navigators working with consumers to select broadband plans, Federal agency representatives discussing lessons learned from existing Federal Government labels, and advocates working to meet the needs of the disability community while exploring how information is conveyed and considered by consumers.”

Find more broadband news and studies on trends in the industry on Allconnect’s news hub and research hub.