Updater launches FCC-mandated broadband “nutrition labels”
Earning consumer trust is paramount in everything we do. As the leading marketplace for moving products and services, we need to ensure we comply with all applicable rules and best practices to earn the trust of our users.
For the last eight years, the FCC has been working toward giving consumers a clearer and more consistent view of broadband prices and services. Last month, an important ruling took effect, and consumers nationwide will benefit from what the FCC calls “Broadband Consumer Labels.”
Think of a Broadband Consumer Label like a “nutrition label” but for basic information about broadband offerings.
The labels aim to help consumers quickly compare internet plans to avoid hidden fees. It’s easy to get lost in terms, details, and abbreviations like Mmbps and gigs, so the policy should lead to improved clarity and transparency.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “These ‘nutrition label’ disclosures are designed to make it simpler for consumers to know what they are getting, hold providers to their promises, and benefit from greater competition—which means better services and prices for everyone.”
A marketplace is only as strong as it is accurate, and that’s why we’re committed to ensuring we deliver the highest standards of compliance in every piece of our technology. This has been one of our guiding principles since the early days.
We’re proud to share that we launched FCC-compliant Broadband Consumer Labels within our internet comparison and shopping workflows on April 10, 2024.
Why does compliance with the FCC matter?
Updater helps consumers move from one home to another more easily. Many of our innovations – like our real-time integrations with telecom and moving services providers – allow you to do this more efficiently than ever. However, these integrations are only as helpful as they are accurate, as mentioned above. To help you make the best decisions for your new home, we must display the most up-to-date plans and packages with the highest level of industry compliance.
While implementing compliance changes like this is costly, the new labels demonstrate our commitment to transparency and consumer rights and help us uphold industry standards and best practices.
What to expect within Updater
Look at the new information the next time you shop for internet and TV with Updater. You won’t need sleuthing skills – all vital information about your plan will be front and center.
And, it will be presented in the standard format that all providers are required to use. You can actually compare labels side-by-side, like cereal.
We’ll display the following for every internet plan available at your new home:
- Your monthly broadband price
- Your introductory rate details or offers, if applicable
- Clearly outlined data allowances and additional charges for data use above the monthly allotment
- Typical upload and download speeds
- Modem details and costs, if applicable
- Installation details and costs, if applicable
- Discounts and bundles available
- Links to applicable privacy policies
We also integrated each provider’s changes into our workflow. We partner with over 25 internet service providers nationwide and have accounted for each provider’s unique approach to the new regulations.
If you speak to a concierge team member over the phone, we will give you the information verbally. In most cases, you can also opt for an email so the details are right at your fingertips.
Our new broadband labels are only one way our growing marketplace brings you the most accurate plans, pricing, and booking information. We’re committed to revisiting these labels regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and to demonstrate the importance we place on giving you clear, accurate information to make important decisions about your move.