How to read a broadband label
Every home internet plan has a broadband label, a standard fact sheet modelled on food nutrition labels. It shows the true monthly cost in one place.
- The label lists price, how long the price lasts, fees, typical speeds and data limits.
- Since September 2026, providers may show a link or icon to the label instead of the full label.
- Compare labels side by side, not advertisements.
Where to find it
The FCC has required these labels since 2024. Under rules that took effect on September 14, 2026, a provider can show a clear link or icon next to the plan rather than the whole label. Look for wording such as "broadband facts" beside the price. If you are ordering by phone, ask the agent to send you the label for the plan.
Line by line
- Monthly price: the base price of the plan. It also says whether this is an introductory rate.
- Length of the introductory rate: how many months the lower price lasts, and what you pay afterwards.
- Contract length: whether a term agreement applies.
- Additional monthly charges: equipment rental and other provider fees.
- One-time fees: installation, activation, and the early termination fee.
- Typical download and upload speed: what customers normally get, which can differ from the advertised maximum.
- Typical latency: the delay on the connection, in milliseconds.
- Data included: the monthly allowance, if any, and the charge for extra data.
What to compare
Put two labels next to each other and work out the total for the first two years: monthly price, plus equipment, times the months at each rate, plus one-time fees. The plan with the lower advertised price is not always the cheaper one.
Three lines people skip
- Price after the introductory rate. This is the number you will pay for most of the time you have the plan.
- Typical upload speed. It matters for calls and backups.
- Data included. A cap changes the value of a cheap plan.
Common questions
Are broadband labels required?
Yes. Internet providers must make a label available for each plan they sell to homes.
Does the label include taxes?
It lists provider charges. Government taxes vary by location and are shown as extra.
What if the bill does not match the label?
Contact the provider with the label in hand. If it is not resolved, you can file a complaint with the FCC.