FCC unveils new broadband labels to help consumers

WASHINGTON, April 5 (UPI) -- The Federal Communications Commission unveiled on Monday new broadband labels to help consumers have "easy-to-understand information about price and performance" of broadband internet services.

The new labels, designed much like nutrition labels, include prices, hidden fees, overage fees, data allowances, broadband speed and other relevant information.

"These labels provide consumers clarity about the broadband service they are purchasing, not only helping them to make more informed choices but also preventing surprises when the first bill arrives," said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. "Customers deserve to know the price they will actually pay for a service and to be fully aware of other components such as data limits and performance factors before they sign up for service."

Internet service providers are not currently required to provide labels, they are only recommended.

As part of the FCC's existing Open Internet transparency rules, ISPs already provide the information on that will appear on the labels, however, the labels make the information clear and simple to find and understand.

The FCC said it receives more than 2,000 complaints a year over "surprise fees associated with consumers' internet service bills."

A spokesperson from the National Cable & Telecommunications Assn. told Forbes in an email, "We appreciate this contribution by the Commission to offer consumers that same information in a format they are familiar with."

Last week, the FCC announced it would provide low-income households internet for $9.25 a month.