Jacob Brown
Under new laws from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), main U.S. broadband internet providers must begin showing information identical to nutrition labels on food products on April 10 to help customers shop for services.
Verizon Communications has announced that it will start providing standardized labels for broadband products on Wednesday. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initially moved to mandate these labels in 2022, with smaller providers required to comply starting in October.
Key Features of the Labels
The new rules require broadband providers to display labels at the point of sale.
These labels will showcase prices, speeds, fees, and data allowances for both wireless and wired products. Verizon’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, Brian Higgins, emphasized that these labels will enable consumers to make equal comparisons between different product offerings, speeds, and fees.
The standardized labels across the industry aim to simplify the process for customers to compare providers and find the best fit for their needs.
Evolution of the Labels
The labels were initially introduced as a voluntary program in 2016. However, under the 2021 infrastructure law, Congress mandated the FCC to enforce them.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted the significance of these labels, stating that consumers will finally have access to information that enables them to comparison shop, avoid hidden fees, and make informed decisions about their high-speed internet service.
Ensuring Accessibility
Rosenworcel emphasized that the labels must be prominently displayed on main purchasing pages and cannot be buried within multiple clicks or reduced to a link or icon that consumers might overlook.
This ensures that consumers have easy access to the relevant information they need to make informed choices about their broadband service.
Conclusion
Verizon’s implementation of standardized broadband labels marks a significant step in providing transparency and empowering consumers in the broadband market.
With easy access to key information about prices, speeds, and fees, consumers will be better equipped to compare different service providers and choose the option that best meets their needs and budget.
