FCC to make changes to Broadband labels for consumers and streamline process for providers

The FCC reports...

Today, the Federal Communications Commission improved the FCC’s broadband labels, making them a more useful tool for consumers and reducing compliance burdens on providers. The Report and Order adopted today will ensure consumers have access to clear, accurate, and concise information about the broadband plans available to them.
Consumers want information that helps them make informed decisions—information that is relevant, easy to read and understand, and quick to access. They should know exactly what they are getting when they shop for and purchase broadband service and should be able to determine whether the high-speed internet product they are buying meets their needs. Labels that are overly complex or
difficult to navigate end up frustrating or confusing consumers, not empowering them.
In 2021, Congress directed the Commission to enact rules to require the display of broadband consumer labels to disclose to consumers information regarding the broadband plans offered by broadband internet access service providers. The Commission’s initial broadband label rules, adopted in 2022, resulted in sometimes-confusing labels that strayed beyond the statutory framework
Congress created, increasing compliance costs for providers in the process. The Report and Order
adopted today will refocus the rules and minimize some of the confusion and frustration that consumers have had with the labels.
The Commission’s action enables consumers to visualize the monthly cost of service more clearly and removes outdated information and other details that distract from essential information, giving consumers a label that they can more clearly understand and use when comparing high-speed
internet service plans. The updated rules also give providers the freedom to discuss the label
conversationally over the phone, rather than reading it to consumers verbatim. Finally, the changes ensure consumers can access a plan’s label when they need it, while offering providers the flexibility to use links, QR codes, or icons to quickly connect consumers with the label for a plan.
Internet service providers are required to have a label for each standalone broadband service plan they currently offer. The labels must show introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds, and must also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies. More information about the labels is available on fcc.gov/broadbandlabels.
Action by the Commission July 22, 2026 by Report and Order (FCC 26-48). Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving and issuing separate statements.

KSTP 5 on your Side video on new broadband nutrition labels

KSTP 5 reports

The new labels show the provider’s name, the plan’s name and the base monthly price for internet service, along with any additional one-time or recurring fees — like installation charges, modem rental fees and other equipment-related fees, which must be separated from the base price.

The new labels are mandated by the Federal Communications Commission after nearly a decade of lobbying by Consumer Reports and other advocacy groups.

Broadband “nutritional” labels are required April 10 (today!)

KSTP TV reports

Much like nutritional labels on food products, “broadband labels” for internet packages will soon tell you just what is going into the pricing of your service, thanks to new rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission this week.

“If you’ve ever shopped for home or mobile internet, you can understand how hard it can be to understand what you’re actually paying for,” said Jon Donenberg, Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, on a call with reporters. “The broadband nutrition label is a tool that can help consumers make sure they have a clear, straightforward explanation of home and mobile services before signing up for anything.”

Following the design of FDA food labels, these broadband labels will provide easy-to-understand, accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet service to help consumers avoid junk fees, price hikes, and other unexpected costs.

Internet service providers selling home access or mobile broadband plans will be required to have a label for each plan beginning April 10.

The labels will be mandated to appear at any point of sale, including online and in stores, and they will be required to disclose all pricing information — including introductory rates, data allowances, and speeds. The labels will also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies.