A New Chapter in the Consumer Broadband Label Debate

The Federal Communications Commission launched a new proceeding proposing to eliminate certain broadband label requirements and seek comment on other ways to streamline the broadband label rules to reduce compliance burdens. This Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is the latest chapter in a story that dates back at least to 2009, and the outcome could greatly impact the information consumers have available to them when they are subscribing to broadband plans. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is proposing to eliminate requirements that providers:  

1. Read the label to consumers over the phone.
2. Itemize state and local passthrough fees that vary by location.
3. Provide information about the now-concluded Affordable Connectivity Program.
4. Display labels in customer account portals.
5. Make labels available in machine-readable format.
6. Archive labels for at least two years after a service is no longer offered to new customers.