Good news for consumers as MSN reports…

Consumers would be able to easily compare rates for home and mobile broadband service under plans given an initial green light by the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday.

The proposed new rule would require broadband providers such as AT&T Inc. and Comcast Corp. to show consumers standardized price data similar to the window stickers on new cars and the nutrition labels on packaged food. …

Under the proposal, internet service labels would include details on prices, data allowances, speeds, and the difference between introductory and regular rates. They would have to be prominently displayed at the time of sale to consumers buying either home broadband or mobile broadband plans.

The FCC is also asking for comment on the labels’ content as well as how the labels must be displayed—for example, whether companies will have to show them prominently on their marketing websites or simply provide a link. The FCC will take public comments on the proposal before completing the rules in the coming months.