"The proposal comes in response to complaints by ISPs over a Biden-era transparency rule that took effect in April 2024, arguing that their self-inflicted billing complexity made it impractical and burdensome to list every fee they impose on consumers. Compliance with the rule requires that ISPs either create a broadband "nutrition label" that makes it easier for consumers to accurately compare plan prices and avoid hidden fees, or include those hidden charges in the overall price."
"The FCC isn't seeking to ditch itemized labels entirely, it's specifically targeting requirements for making labels inclusive of location-based fees, machine-readable, multi-lingual, and available to customers over the phone and on online account portals. However, the proposal is also examining ways to further streamline or eliminate "any other label requirements that are unduly burdensome and provide minimal benefit to consumers," which could further impact how labels are presented when shopping for new broadband plans."
The Federal Communications Commission submitted a proposal to revise requirements that force internet service providers to itemize every fee on monthly bills, arguing extensive itemization may confuse customers. The proposal responds to ISP complaints about an April 2024 transparency rule that requires either a broadband "nutrition label" for price comparison or inclusion of hidden charges in overall prices. The FCC is targeting specific label mandates such as location-based fees, machine-readable formats, multi-lingual presentation, and phone or online availability, and is considering eliminating other label requirements deemed unduly burdensome. A vote is scheduled for October 28 as part of a regulatory-cutting initiative.
Read at The Verge
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]