What the Tech: You will now see labels detailing costs from internet providers
By JAMIE TUCKER Consumer Technology Reporter
You’re probably familiar with nutritional labels on things like breakfast cereal, potato chips, and a can of soup. Now, similar labels are found at your local phone company and internet provider websites.
The FCC ordered all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to display these labels prominently wherever phone or internet plans are sold.
When I checked the major wireless carriers, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have broadband labels under each plan they offer. If you don’t see them in a store, ask a sales representative; they’re required to have them accessible for customer review. At the Verizon store, I visited the representatives had each label visible on a tablet they carried around the store.
The design of these labels is consumer-friendly. At a glance, you can see the monthly cost, any introductory pricing, and additional fees like connection charges. Discounts and bundles?
They’re itemized, too.
This information was hard to come by in the past, but now, it empowers you to compare offerings from different providers side-by-side effortlessly.
Major cable internet providers, such as Comcast and Spectrum, are also required to present this information on their websites. If you’ve ever tried comparing prices at cable companies you probably couldn’t find that information anywhere.
When you’re comparing plans, pay close attention to the promised internet speeds. The right speed for you hinges on your household’s internet usage. For instance, if online gaming, 4K streaming, and multiple smart devices are part of your daily life, you’ll want a plan offering at least 200 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds, especially if video conferencing is in the
mix.
Broadband labels are more than just informational; they’re a tool for savvy shoppers. Take the time to examine your current plan’s promised speeds. If your actual speeds don’t match up, it’s time to hold your ISP accountable. Why settle for less when you’re paying for more?
