These Internet “nutrition” labels are not perfect, and they don’t solve many of the maddening problems with Internet services. But we have very little power when it comes to internet service in the United States. Information labels are a huge win and can give you a dose of energy.
I’ll explain how to find Internet tags, their uses, and their drawbacks.
How to Use Internet “Nutrition” Labels
As of Wednesday, most internet service providers in the country (including Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, Cox, AT&T and Verizon) are now required to include informational labels about the service you purchase. This is usually on their website.
Companies often sell internet services only in select areas, or even only in certain neighborhoods or individual apartment buildings.
It’s worth checking out your internet provider’s potential options by entering your address into this handy but imperfect FCC interactive map.
Most people should only consider “cable,” “fiber to the home,” or “NGSO satellite” companies listed in the technology category. (The last one is Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service transmitted via satellite.) Keep in mind that this information may not be entirely accurate.
Also check out the 5G options in the Mobile Broadband tab. This is a fast-growing option that relies on mobile networks to provide home internet service. For some, this is a great and (for now) relatively affordable option. It’s not for everyone.
Once you’ve sorted through the companies that sell services where you live (there may only be one or two), you can look for their information labels online.
Find the company’s website and enter your address. Once you see the options for available internet service plans, you can click on Broadband Facts. This is an information label regulated by the FCC.
(If you don’t have internet service where you live, your provider may not show you the information label. In at least one case, I had to click through to see the information label, as I did when purchasing internet service.)
In theory, you should see an “introductory rate” for new services and expected price increases over time. You may see additional charges on your bill, which can sometimes surprise you.
You should also see “Typical Speed.” In real life, your home WiFi may not be as consistent as advertised to you.
Disadvantages of information labels
I say “in theory” because not everything is spelled out in the internet labels I’ve seen.
Sascha Meinrath, a professor of telecommunications at Pennsylvania State University who helped analyze the information labels this week, said that so far, almost half of the Internet’s information labels do not meet the FCC’s disclosure requirements.
If you see a label that you believe lacks disclosure, please file a complaint with the FCC here. The rules are vague and some incomplete information may be filled in over time.
Information labels also only apply to Internet services. If you buy a package like TV, phone and internet, you won’t get the same details. You may end up paying less than the amount disclosed on the information label.
Chhaya Kapadia, chief of staff at the New America Open Technology Institute, said it would be better if these information labels appeared on your monthly bill so you don’t have to look for them online.
Dane Jasper, CEO of renowned internet provider Sonic, wants you to easily compare information labels from different providers side by side. (This may be coming soon.)
But it’s worth noting that in my conversations, the few who agreed—representatives of large Internet providers, smaller providers like Sonic, and consumer advocates—all said Internet labels are useful and helpful to you. It’s a victory.
It’s finally easier to find answers to basic questions: Which companies provide internet service where I live? What will it cost me? Is the service good? Any questions?
“There are a lot of ways we can do better, but this is a big deal for consumer transparency,” Kapadia said. “We should celebrate it.”