In the October 31, 2025 edition of the ICORE Blog we reported that at its October 28, 2025 Open Meeting, the Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) addressing Broadband Labels. The FNPRM seeks to simplify the process for providers and consumers while providing greater transparency to consumers when selecting a broadband service plan. The FNPRM proposes to eliminate the requirements that providers: (1) read the labels to consumers over the phone; (2) itemize state and local pass-through fees that vary by location; (3) provide information about the now-concluded Affordable Connectivity Program; (4) display labels in customer account portals; (5) make labels available in machine readable format; and (6) archive labels for at least two years after a service is no longer offered to new customers. In addition, the Commission sought comment on ways to further streamline the process and eliminate other broadband label requirements that are overly burdensome and provide little benefit to consumers. Comments have now been filed in this proceeding and not surprisingly the comments filed by industry advocates vary significantly from those advocating for consumers.
Comments from industry advocates are supportive of the Commission’s proposed changes discussed above. In addition, NTCA urges the Commission to suspend further consideration of additional broadband label requirements including expanded website accessibility standards, requirements to provide labels in languages the provider does not use for marketing purposes, labels for bundled services, interactive label features, and expanded performance reporting. Comments by USTelecom support the Commission’s proposed changes to requirements that are overly burdensome, do not provide any benefit to consumers, and go beyond Congress’s intent in requiring labels. In addition, USTelecom urges the Commission to further clarify that the existing requirement to make labels available in any other language in which the provider markets its services applies to the geographies where the provider markets those services. USTelecom also suggests that the Commission should make any changes to the required label content, except for removing the reference to the Affordable Connectivity Program, voluntary as providers have already expended resources to comply with the existing label requirements.
Several Parties filed comments urging the Commission to not eliminate any of the existing broadband label requirements. The New York Public Service Commission supports the continuance of the current label requirements and urges the FCC not to eliminate any of the current rules to ensure that marketplace transparency is not diminished. AARP also stated that eliminating the six rules proposed in the FNPRM would undermine pricing transparency and jeopardize consumers’ ability to select services prudently. In addition, Public Knowledge, et al, urged the Commission to preserve the existing broadband label requirements to maintain transparency and accountability.
Reply comments are due in this proceeding on February 16, 2026. In spite of the comments from the organizations advocating maintaining the current rules, it is very likely that the Commission will eliminate some or all of the requirements as proposed in the FNPRM. We will continue to monitor this issue and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
