The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) announced new details of broadband Internet service provider transparency rules on Monday, releasing a “nutrition facts label” format for providing consumers with service information.
The new standard format – called “consumer broadband labels” – provides fast facts about service offerings such as price, fees, data allowances, speed, and reliability. The FCC posted two templates of labels for both mobile and fixed broadband Internet service providers.
The FCC confirmed that the new labels will not be required, but instead serve as a “safe harbor” option for providers seeking to comply with the agency’s Open Internet transparency rules that require disclosure of information in an accurate, understandable, and easy-to-find manner. Service providers choosing to disclose service details in a different format could risk potential enforcement liability.
The FCC also posted directions for providers for use when developing their own specific service labels. The new rules are final, but are not effective without the final approval of the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) and publication in the Federal Register.
If you have questions about your compliance responsibilities after the release of the new consumer broadband labels, please do not hesitate to contact Linda McReynolds, lgm@commlawgroup.com – 703-714-1318.
