The FCC has taken its first step toward scaling back the broadband “nutrition label,” the standardized pricing sheet that helps consumers see the true cost of the plan. These labels were made mandatory back in 2024. Now, after years of debate, the FCC plans to remove those requirements, and therefore indirectly allow ISPs to hide fees from you.
FCC’s next step will indirectly allow ISPs to hide internet fees
In a 2-1 vote, the FCC approved a proposal to reconsider some major parts of the broadband label rules. Supporters of the rollback, led by Commissioner Brendan Carr, argue that the transparency rules are “burdensome.” They further claim that they do not meaningfully influence customers’ decisions on which internet plan to buy. The proposal would drop rules forcing ISPs to itemize fees, show labels online, offer multilingual versions, and read details by phone. Carr says that these add needless cost and complexity.
Proponents also argue that eliminating certain elements from the rule would allow ISPs to focus on the information that actually matters. Their point is that adding fee information and language details has zero real-world impact.
Critics also have a strong point to argue against the proposal
Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez, the lone dissenting vote, has sharply criticized the proposal as anti-consumer. She argues that transparency is very important, especially when considering expensive broadband plans. She questioned why the FCC would reverse a requirement designed to empower shoppers, calling it confusing and unnecessary.
Consumer advocates, on the other hand, warn that dropping the fee label and language could revive confusing bills. It may also hide price jumps behind vague charges. Broadband trade groups back revisions and say they remain committed to clarity. Both sides seem to have strong arguments. The next comment phase will determine whether labels are going to stay in their place or get stripped down even before consumers fully reap their benefits.
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