Aiming to put an end to unexpected costs and fee for broadband , the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday nem con approved a proposition demand supplier , such as AT&T and Comcast , to create “ nutrition label ” to help consumers sail the manufacture ’s maze of terms and whirl .
Like nutrient labels at the grocery store computer storage , the broadband nutrition labels will provide customer with central info about home and mobile internet plans , including prefatory rates , speeds , and data allowances , at the gunpoint - of - purchase , the FCC explained in anews release . Nonetheless , the final rendering of the labels wo n’t be known for at least a few month because the delegacy is require to consider input from the public .
The FCC ’s broadband nutrition label are n’t new . It approved voluntary label back in 2016 , although that effort “ never got that far , ” according to FCC chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel . This sentence is unlike , she contribute , because these labels are mandatory .
Illustration: Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket (Getty Images)
“ With these broadband nutrition labels we can liken service providers and plans , hold broadband providers to their promise , and foster more competition — which imply better service and good cost , ” Rosenworcel said in a statement .
FCC commissioner Brendan Carr echoed Rosenworcel ’s message on empowering consumers but pointed out that the authority should ensure the new label leave clarity , not confusion .
He has a point . While the intention behind the broadband nutrition label aims to solve a problem and help customers interpret the true toll of the table service they buy , I think about my aged and tech - averse mama , who most certainly does n’t know what most of the word in the 2016 label mean . I also consider it could be puzzling to admit quotation to so many charges — such as “ monthly charge ” and “ other rush — and not include a “ total charge . ”
The 2016 label.Screenshot: FCC
Here ’s to hoping the final version of the recording label is a act easier to understand . The FCC must finalize its dominion for the recording label by Nov. 15 of this year .
AT&TComcastGovernmentJessica Rosenworcel
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