(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Arijuhani)
In the most “consumer” move the FCC has ever made, the regulator has introduced a new label inspired by nutrition labels in a bid to ensure potential customers know what they should expect from their broadband package.
Using the same design as consumers are used to finding on the back of their nutritional products, the new labels will replace information like “saturated fat” with any fees and the performance you should expect for parting with your hard-earned cash.
(Image: FCC Broadband Label)
In order for consumers to find most of the information at the moment, they would have to call the provider and trust what they’re being told as it’s not in the public eye. The labels, however, offer an easy method of seeing all the facts in a design that consumers are used to and can be subject to scrutiny if a provider isn’t delivering on its service promises.
“These labels provide consumers clarity about the broadband service they are purchasing, not only helping them to make more informed choices but also preventing surprises when the first bill arrives,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement. “Customers deserve to know the price they will actually pay for a service and to be fully aware of other components such as data limits and performance factors before they sign up for service.”
Unfortunately, ISPs aren’t yet forced to use the labels so it remains to be seen how many providers will use them for advising consumers. The FCC’s Consumer Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from Verizon and T-Mobile, approved the labels which gives some hope of uptake from at least two ISPs whilst the FCC pushes for the labels to become standard.
What are your thoughts on the nutrition-inspired broadband labels? Let us know in the comments.
