David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The largest U.S. broadband Internet providers must begin displaying information similar to nutrition labels on food products to help consumers buy services starting April 10 under new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. .
Verizon Communications (NYSE:) said it will begin providing the labels on Wednesday. The FCC first attempted to mandate labeling in 2022. Smaller suppliers will be required to provide labeling starting in October.
The rules require broadband providers to post point-of-sale labels indicating prices, speeds, fees and data allowances for both wireless and wired products.
Verizon Chief Customer Officer Brian Higgins said in an interview that the labels will help consumers make “peer-to-peer comparisons” of product offerings, speeds and fees.
Higgins said standardized labels across the industry “make it easier for customers to compare which supplier best suits their needs.” He said customers will still have to explore different bundle deals from telecom operators.
Tagging was first introduced as a voluntary program in 2016. Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement them in the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
“Consumers will finally have information they can use to compare stores, avoid unnecessary fees, and make informed choices about which high-speed Internet service best suits their needs and budget,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
Labels must be fully visible on home shopping pages and “cannot be hidden with a few clicks or reduced to a link or icon that the consumer can miss,” Rosenworcel added.
The Federal Communications Commission has been tackling a variety of price disclosure issues and this month adopted rules requiring cable and satellite TV providers to clearly state “all-inclusive” prices to end what the commission said were “misleading cost reporting practices.” on video programs such as taxes, fees, taxes, etc. or additional payment.”
The FCC also proposed prohibiting cable and satellite providers from charging consumers early termination fees and refunding subscribers if they cancel before the end of the billing cycle.