Do you have broadband labels ready to go?

The Federal Communications Commission mandates all broadband-service providers serving more than 100,000 consumers must provide a broadband facts label to help consumers compare prices and options between internet providers by April 10. Smaller utilities have until October to meet the requirement.

Pioneer and Vantage Point Solutions gathered resources onto a new page, broadbandlabels.coop, to help Utility Pioneers quickly put the new rules into place.

What are broadband labels?

The labels are similar to the nutrition facts labels shoppers use to compare food ingredients. Broadband labels help consumers make smart choices by making it easy to compare prices, introductory rates, data allowances and speeds.

“This is a big win for consumers, who need clear and transparent information when making decisions about what internet service makes the most sense for their households. Consumers will finally get information they can use to comparison shop, avoid junk fees, and make informed choices about which high-speed internet service is the best fit for their needs and budget,” says FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

Wondering how you’re going to meet the deadline?

Broadband labels are a big deal — but they don’t have to be scary.

Utilities who have built a website with Pioneer’s Powerful web team since 2021 have a Broadband Label feature which can be easily activated. But a website is just one of many places you’ll need to have the label. The FCC provides sample PDF labels and a template at www.fcc.gov/broadbandlabels.

Vantage Point Solutions Senior Finacial Analyst Dereck DeVries joined Pioneer’s Vice President of Marketing Andy Johns on “The StoryConnect Podcast” to talk about broadband labels.

“You have to make these labels accessible for everybody,” Dereck says. “The main [location] is your website. They have to be easily accessible. It can’t be hidden through a bunch of links.”

The label should be available at every utility location where a consumer could sign up for service. If you sign people up for service at community events, labels must be accessible there, too. And a label must be provided for every unique package you offer new consumers. Labels are not required for packages that are no longer available.

“If someone calls for service, you’re required to read that label over the phone to them,” Dereck adds. “One loophole we found is that you can direct them to the label on your website, but you need to train your sales team or have a recording of labels because not everybody has access to the internet.”

Watch the full episode here or listen on The StoryConnect Podcast feed.

Vantage Point’s experts addressed the most common questions to help guide Utility Pioneers. Find out:

• Where should labels be displayed?
• What about phone calls? Can we have prerecorded messages?
• If you mention two plans in a marketing piece, do you include both labels?
• How often should labels be updated?
• Are there requirements for label versions in Spanish or other languages?
• Can I make my own labels using the FCC’s format?
• Where do we find our Unique Plan Identifier number?
• How often do providers need to update their policies for privacy and network management?

Answers to all of these questions, along with helpful resources, are at broadbandlabel.coop. Don’t see your question? Use this form to reach both the Pioneer and Vantage Point teams.

How are you telling your broadband label story?

Send examples to hello@pioneer.coop so you can inspire your peers!