OTI to Testify on Broadband Nutrition Label, Issues Recommendations to FCC

Tomorrow, OTI will testify at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about the urgent need for consumer transparency in the broadband market. Yesterday, OTI sent recommendations to the FCC on the “broadband nutrition label,” a standardized form that clearly discloses the price and terms of internet service plans. OTI first proposed such a label in 2009 and helped the FCC develop a voluntary label in 2016. As part of last year’s infrastructure law, Congress directed the FCC to create a mandatory label by Nov. 15, 2022. President Biden also endorsed the label in an executive order.

In yesterday’s recommendations, OTI urged the FCC to create labels that are transparent, simple, and promote competition. OTI also outlined how the contents and format of the 2016 label could be updated for current consumer needs.

The following quote can be attributed to Joshua Stager, deputy director for broadband and competition policy at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“OTI has long called for truth-in-billing for the broadband industry, which is notorious for keeping customers in the dark. The typical internet service plan is filled with jargon and hidden fees. It’s inscrutable to the average consumer.

“It’s time for the FCC to end this Wild West atmosphere and create transparency for people. The broadband nutrition label cuts through the confusion by clearly disclosing the cost and terms of service in a simple, consumer-friendly format. It’s a common-sense idea that we look forward to working with the Commission to implement. People deserve to know what they are paying for.”