These Internet “nutrition” labels are not perfect and do not solve many troubling problems with Internet services. But when it comes to U.S. internet services, we have precious little power. Informational labels can be very helpful in taking your power back.
We will explain how to find Internet labels, their advantages, and disadvantages.
How to use nutrition labels on the internet
As of Wednesday, most internet service providers in the country, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, Cox, AT&T and Verizon, are required to include information labels when purchasing service. It is usually listed on the website.
Companies typically sell Internet services only in specific regions. In some cases, sales may only be made within specific neighborhoods or individual apartment buildings.
It’s worth entering your address into this handy but incomplete FCC interactive map to see your potential internet provider options.
Most people should only consider companies listed in the technology category as “Cable,” “Premises Fiber,” or “NGSO Satellite.” (The last service is Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service, which is transmitted via satellite.) Keep in mind that this information may not be completely accurate.
Also check out the 5G options under the Mobile Broadband tab. This is a rapidly growing option that leverages mobile phone networks for home Internet service. This is a great and (for now) relatively affordable option for some people. It doesn’t work for everyone.
Once you’ve compiled a list of companies that sell services where you live (maybe just one or two), you can search online for their information labels.
Find your company’s website and enter your address. When you see the available Internet service package options, click Broadband Information. That’s the information label required by the FCC.
(If your provider doesn’t offer Internet service where you live, it probably won’t show you the information label. In at least one case, you might want to buy Internet service before you see the information label.) (I had to click.)
In theory, you should look at the “introductory price” of a new service and the expected increase in price over time. Surprising additional charges may appear on your bill.
“Standard Speed” should also be displayed. In reality, your home WiFi may not be as stable and fast as advertised.
Disadvantages of information labels
I say “in theory” because the labels I saw on the internet didn’t detail all of that information.
Sascha Meinrad, a telecommunications professor at Penn State University who helped analyze the information labels this week, said nearly half of Internet information labels have so far failed to comply with the FCC’s disclosure requirements.
If you see an information label that you believe is missing a disclosure, please file a complaint with the FCC here. The rules are vague, and some of the incomplete information can be filled in over time.
Information labels also apply only to Internet services. You won’t get the same details if you buy a package of services like TV, phone, and internet. In the end, it may end up being cheaper than the information on the label.
Chhaya Kapadia, chief of staff at the New America Open Technology Institute, said it would be better if information labels were included on monthly bills, so people wouldn’t have to look for the information online. Stated.
Dane Jasper, CEO of Sonic, a respected internet provider, wants to make it easy to compare information labels from different providers side by side. (It may be available soon.)
But in my conversations, people who rarely agree, including representatives of major internet providers, smaller providers like Sonic, and representatives of consumer advocacy groups, all agreed that internet labels are useful. It was notable that you said it was a win for you.
It’s finally easier to find the answer to the basic question: “Which company provides Internet service in my area?” How much does it cost? Is the service good? What’s the problem?
“There are many ways to do these things better, but this is a big issue for consumer transparency,” Kapadia said. “We should celebrate.”
