Small providers with 100,000 subscriber lines or less have until October 10, 2024 to implement broadband labels that provide consistent information about broadband speeds, pricing and other service parameters. The goal is to make it easier for consumers to compare providers.
Larger providers with more than 100,000 lines have until April 10, 2024 to comply with most rules. The exception is compliance with the requirement to make labels accessible in an online portal. All providers have until the later October 10 deadline to implement that requirement.
The broadband labels are similar in appearence to those that appear on food items with calorie and nutrition information.
The FCC initially expected earlier compliance deadlines, but subsequently revised the requirements and pushed out the initial implementation deadline.
In September, the commission confirmed that providers would be required to itemize monthly discretionary fees on the label and state how much data is provided with the service plan. Certain other clarifications also were made at that time.
The six-month and one-year time clocks were triggered by publication of broadband label final rules in the federal register.
“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 Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in a prepared statement.
