New America to FCC: Broadband Nutrition Labels Are Mandatory

New America's Open Technology Institute (OTI) wants to nip in the bud any suggestion the Federal Communications Commission may be making that the congressionally mandated broadband nutrition label is voluntary. The FCC plans to vote at its January 27 open meeting on implementing the requirement in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that broadband internet access service providers be required to provide broadband service consumer labels that let consumers know what speed and quality of service they are getting at which price and with what fees attached. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has said that label must include "accurate information about prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds." Any ISP that does not deliver on that label could be pursued by the Federal Trade Commission under its authority to prevent "false and deceptive" advertising.