Internet service providers (ISPs) must now display broadband ‘power’ labels by transparently communicating the true costs, speeds and data volumes offered.
The rule was introduced in response to growing consumer complaints about hidden fees, data caps and other misleading marketing of broadband packages – and accepts effect today. Below you can see the full information you need to provide …
There is a saying that what the headline gives is what the fine print takes away – and it never does nothing was more true than with Internet providers.
Broadband companies entice consumers with attractive prices and ‘to’ speeds, while actual speeds are much slower and overall costs are much higher.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has had enough of this already. Starting today, all ISPs with more than 100,000 subscribers will be required to use a standard format label.
Overview section
One common tactic is to advertise a price that is only valid for an introductory period and then switch to a significantly higher price. The label should include this information in the top section.
- Monthly Price $
- This monthly price is the starting rate Yes/No
- Time to apply the starting rate rates YY months.
- Monthly price after initial rate $
- Contract duration YY months
A link to the contract must also be provided.
Additional charges & conditions
The second section should indicate all hidden feelings, whether one-time or monthly, as well as the cost of early termination of the contract.
- Monthly Provider Fee
- Fee Description $
- One-Time Purchase Fee
- Fee Description $
- Early Termination Fee $
- Government Taxes Included/Varies by Location $
li>
Discounts & packages
Consumers also complain that Internet service providers do not inform them about better deals on offer in the form of discounts and packages with services such as mobile phone plans. Available offers should now be disclosed and links provided.
Real Speeds
No more bullshit about speeds ‘up to’ whatever: ISPs must now list the speeds their customers typically see.
- Typical download speed in Mbps
- Typical download speed in Mbps
- Typical latency in ms.
Data caps and surcharges
Finally, if data is limited or there is an additional charge above a certain amount, this should be clearly stated.
- Data is included in the monthly price in GB
- Fees for additional data usage $/GB
The Federal Communications Commission previously asked consumers to provide real speed data to create their own maps after it stopped trusting the numbers provided by broadband providers.
Image: Composite shot by 9to5Mac of the FCC and Sander Whiteling on Unsplash
