FCC Announces Broadband Labels Compliance Dates

FCC Announces Broadband Labels Compliance Dates

As JSI previously reported, in November 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced new rules for broadband Internet providers, mandating the display of labels at the point of sale. These labels must disclose information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and speeds while also including links to network management practices, privacy policies, and the Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. On September 19, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget approved the information collection requirements for these rules. The FCC has now announced compliance deadlines for these Broadband Labels: Providers with 100,000 or fewer subscribers must comply by October 10, 2024, while all other providers must comply by April 10, 2024.

• Additionally, all providers must comply with the obligation to ensure that labels are accessible in online account portals and the requirement to present the labels in a machine-readable format on the provider’s websites through a dedicated URL by October 10, 2024.

In Case You Missed It – Order on Reconsideration for Broadband Labels

The Commission released an Order on Reconsideration affirming its determinations that providers must itemize monthly discretionary fees on the label and state how much data is provided with the service plan, as outlined by the label template. Additionally, the Commission clarified that the requirement to document interactions with consumers at alternate sales channels (e.g., company retail locations, retail seller locations, or over the phone) will be considered satisfied if, instead:

   1.   The provider establishes the business practices and processes it will follow in distributing the label through alternative sales channels;
   2.   Retains training materials and related business practice documentation for two years; and
   3.   Provide such information to the Commission upon request within 30 days.

Furthermore, the Commission confirmed that wireless providers can indicate “taxes included” or use similar language in the label template if taxes are part of the base price. Lastly, it upheld its previous determination that “enterprise service offerings or special access services” do not fall under the category of “mass-market retail services” and are, therefore, not subject to the label requirement.

Contact Dounia Chikhoune with any questions regarding the rules or if your company needs assistance ensuring compliance with broadband labels.