Internet providers roll out broadband "nutrition" labels for consumers

Beginning Wednesday, internet service providers (ISPs) will be trying to make it easier for consumers to understand what's in their monthly internet bills. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now requiring providers to provide notices that resemble nutrition labels that break down what they're getting and how much the individual parts of their internet service cost. 

The content of the labels won't be calories or grams of sugar and fat, though. Instead, broadband consumers will be able to see information including monthly price, discounts and bundles, internet speed range for plans, the amount of data included each month, network management and privacy policies, customer support contacts, as well as any additional charges and terms, including early termination and late fees.

The new labels will give consumers a way to more quickly compare plans, based on price and internet speeds.. For example someone seeking a high-speed connection for online gaming would find the typical download, upload and latency speeds useful. Others who may be more focused on price would look at the top of the label for the cost of monthly price and additional charges for a particular service plan.