The US will require information on broadband services from Internet providers
Internet providers in the United States must create labels to provide information about broadband service, according to the new regulation of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has approved a new regulation that will require broadband Internet operators to introduce more transparent labeling for their services, with more information for the consumer.
Information such as prices – including registration fees – as well as download speeds, the maximum amount of data allowed, network management practices or other critical information about broadband Internet services will have to be clearly displayed in labeling at points of sale, as reported by the FCC in a statement.
Encouraging competition between broadband providers
“Access to accurate and easy-to-understand information about broadband Internet services helps consumers make informed decisions and is essential to a well-functioning market that fosters competition, innovation, low prices and high quality service,” explained the US agency.
The FCC’s proposal is based on optional labels that had already been previously approved in 2016, a rule that the institution will turn into a regulation after a year of public tests to inform operators.
The FCC has begun collecting comments from consumers to assess whether the new labels can help them in the process of purchasing broadband Internet service or whether they should be updated in format and displayed in certain locations.
Source: dpa
