FCC Proposal Would Force ISPs To Inform You About Hidden Fees, Data Caps, And More

The FCC has voted to begin drafting a new rule that would require broadband and cable companies to be more transparent about hidden fees, data caps, and other restrictions that often remain undisclosed or difficult to understand.

The proposal comes after major companies like Comcast and AT&T have fallen under fire for what many consider shady business practices, with the latter suffering FCC fines for falsely advertising “unlimited” data and then covertly imposing limits anyways.

The initial proposal, which was first introduced way back in 2016, states that ISPs could provide extensive transparency via “nutrition labels” like those found on food packages. “In a grocery store nutrition labels make it easy to compare calories & carbohydrates,” FCC boss Jessica Rosenworcel said. “We need the same simple labels for broadband—so we can compare price, speed & data. No more fees in fine print.”