You can now make sure there are no hidden fees or taxes before you sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Starting today, major ISPs with more than 100,000 subscribers will be required to display nutrition facts both in-store and online under new FCC rules. These labels should display the company’s plans, fees, and additional costs such as activation fees and upfront or rental fees for modems and other equipment.
You should also indicate whether a particular amount advertised is an introductory rate or a reduced rate, and how long you can enjoy that low rate. In addition, the label must indicate each plan’s download and upload speeds and associated early termination fees. ISPs cannot hide these labels with multiple clicks or obscure them with other elements. These must be accessible through the customer account portal and the ISP must provide a copy upon request.
The FCC first proposed the idea of nutrition labeling for ISPs in 2016, but it wasn’t until 2022 that it formally implemented rules requiring companies to provide point-of-sale labeling. As you can see in the image below, this is similar to the nutrition label on food and (in theory, hopefully) equals all the money you’d pay for a wired or wireless plan. At the time the rule was announced, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC would “prevent unexpected fees and junk costs that can be buried in long, daunting and confusing statements.” He explained that he had chosen to approve and implement this regulation as part of his efforts to “get rid of things.” terms of service. “
According to the FCC’s website, providers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers will have a little more time to comply, until October 10th. Also, in case you come across an ISP that does not display an inaccurate label when it should or should, if you have any information, file a complaint with the Commission through the official portal. can do.
