How to read your FCC broadband nutrition label
Since April 2024 every US ISP must display a standardized 'broadband label' for each plan they sell — the same way packaged food shows a nutrition label. Here's how to read every line of it.
The label sections, top to bottom
Provider name and plan name. The legal entity selling the service and the marketing name of the plan (e.g. 'Spectrum Internet Ultra').
Monthly price. The base monthly cost — but watch for the next two lines: introductory pricing duration and the regular price after the promo ends.
Additional charges and terms. One-time install fees, equipment rental fees (often $10-15/month for a router), early termination fees, and data overage charges if any.
Speeds. Typical download and upload speeds in Mbps, plus typical latency. These are required to be 'realistically achievable' — not theoretical maximums.
Network management. Whether the provider applies any traffic shaping, throttling, or zero-rating.
Privacy. A link to the carrier's privacy policy.
What to actually compare across providers
When evaluating two plans, compare the all-in price after the promo period (base + equipment + fees), the upload speed (which often varies wildly between cable and fiber at similar download tiers), and any data caps. Two plans with identical headline prices can have $20-30/month difference in the second year.