In an update on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) broadband disclosure rules reported on JD Supra, it has been confirmed that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the rules as of October 10, 2023.
One significant change resulting from these rules is that most internet service providers (ISPs) will be mandated to publish “nutrition labels” for their broadband services. This transformation is set to become enforceable for ISPs with more than 100,000 subscriber lines as of April 10, 2024. For all other ISPs, the new requirement will become applicable on October 10, 2024.
These upcoming shifts can be traced back to an advisory issued by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP on November 11, 2022. This advisory has since undergone revisions based on the results of the OMB’s approval.
The intended function of the broadband “nutrition labels” is to provide comprehensive transparency regarding the pricing, performance, and network management practices of ISPs. By doing so, consumers are granted a detailed look into what their subscription provides them. This heightened level of transparency is a positive step towards empowering consumers in their decision-making process, offering them greater assurance they are receiving a service compatible with their specific needs.