Public Knowledge Welcomes FCC Action To Launch Broadband Nutrition Labels Supporting Consumer Choice

The FCC voted to approve an NPRM to require broadband providers to display price information labels so consumers can choose the best provider for them.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require broadband providers to display price information labels for consumers. These “broadband nutrition” labels, ordered by Congress in the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” would also include introductory rates, data allowances, broadband speeds, and management practices to help consumers make informed choices about their broadband provider. Public Knowledge applauds the FCC for taking action to ensure consumers have the best information to choose the best provider for them.

The following can be attributed to Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge:

“Consumers shopping for broadband aren’t given the information they need to make informed decisions. They don’t necessarily know what speeds they are being offered; if the plan is subject to data caps; or if the price of service is inclusive of taxes and fees. Even if this information is available, it is often buried in fine print. The broadband nutrition labels would remedy this problem by giving consumers useful information at the point of sale in an easy-to-understand format. 

“As the record develops, we hope it will show that these labels can be made even more impactful if the Commission were to adopt requirements that the labels link to information about what speeds a household might need, as well as provide information on what certain technical terms mean. We appreciate Congress and the Commission working to make it easier for consumers to choose the best broadband provider that meets their needs. We look forward to working with the Commission and other consumer groups to make them as effective as possible.”

Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.