Internet broadband bills are now required to be more transparent and easily digestible for average customers following the new ruling from the Federal Communication Commission.
The FCC on Wednesday rolled out its so-called "broadband labels" that will break down costs of the internet service much similar to the nutrition labels put out by the Food and Drug Administration on foods, drugs, and consumables.
(Photo : Thomas Jensen via Unsplash)
According to the commission, the labels need to disclose "important information about broadband prices," including introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds.
All price details need to be immediately noticeable and must not be buried within multiple clicks, the FCC told Associated Press.
Internet service providers are required to show these labels at least before consumers purchase any subscription plans from the broadband companies.
How to Contact FCC for New 'Broadband Labels' Violations?
Customers are encouraged to report to the FCC if a service provider has failed to include "broadband labels" to their bills or provided "inaccurate information about its fees."
Consumers can reach the FCC through its Consumer Complaint Center.
The ruling rolled out five months after US President Joe Biden vowed to remove "junk fees" and "hidden fees" on internet bills.
Also Read: FCC Investigates U.S. Phones That Receive Signals From Foreign Satellites
US Gov't Proceeds to Cut Down Internet Fees
The move from the FCC is part of the ongoing efforts in the current administration to lower internet bills amid continued service price hikes.
Affordable internet is among the flagship projects the Biden administration pushes for its reelection campaign in the upcoming November polls.
The White House earlier pushed the release of an extended budget for the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program which will reduce prices for internet bills across America.
As of writing, Americans are unable to apply for the subsidy program as the current funding will soon run out.
The ACP provides discounted internet bills to more than 23 million households and several institutions, schools, and agencies in the US.
Related Article: FCC: Millions Could Lose Internet Access if Subsidies Discontinued
