Representative Angie Craig Introduces Legislation to Ensure Transparency for Broadband Consumers

Rep Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced legislation to provide consumers with transparent information on broadband services available in the marketplace. The Broadband Consumer Transparency Act of 2021 would require sellers of broadband services to display information in a uniform and clear manner at the point of sale to allow consumers to easily compare plans and to understand what they are purchasing. Roughly 7 in 10 U.S. adults surveyed by Consumer Reports who have used a cable, internet, or phone service provider in the past two years said they experienced unexpected or hidden fees. In 2016, the FCC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau together rolled out an easily-readable label to help standardize the information meaningful to consumers as they compare plans. However, in 2017, President Trump’s newly installed FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, abandoned the proposal. This concept also passed the House in 2020 during consideration of a broader infrastructure package. The bill would require sellers of broadband services to provide the following information to all consumers:

• Price: Price points, including various charges like overage, equipment, early termination and administrative fees.
• Data Allowances: This is the carrier-defined plan limit after which consumers will face some consequence, such as additional charges or slowed data speeds.
• Performance: Broadband speed and other performance metrics.