News: ISPs object to requirement to disclose their fees

[digitalbitstream]

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/202 ... -new-rule/

The US broadband industry is united in
opposition to a requirement that Internet service providers list all of their monthly fees .
Five lobby groups representing cable companies, fiber and DSL providers, and mobile operators have repeatedly urged the Federal Communications Commission to eliminate the requirement before new broadband labeling rules take effect.

The trade associations petitioned the FCC in January to change the rules and renewed their call last week in a filing and in a meeting with FCC officials. The requirement that ISPs list all their monthly fees "would add unnecessary complexity and burdens to the label for consumers and providers and could result in some providers having to create many labels for any given plan," the groups said in the filing on Friday.

[sonic.boom]

Thanks for sharing this article! Sonic strives to be transparent about what customers can expect on their monthly bill. We do not utilize any data caps and thus do not charge for "additional data". Our sign-up page does state clearly underneath the price that the cost "does not include voice service taxes and fees". The only other additional cost would come from a leased router but unlike other ISPs, Sonic does offer customers the option to opt out of that and use their own router if they prefer. Our sales team is also available if you have any questions about your monthly bill at (855) 757-6111.

[dane]

It’s been interesting to see the advocacy against the standardized “Broadband Nutrition Label” by incumbents and Cable in particular. We’ve built ours but not yet published, but I love how simple and transparent they are, and I’m hopeful that IF they can be kept well regulated, they’ll help consumers more easily compare operators when making purchasing decisions.