Ever feel lost reading broadband labels? You’re not alone. While these guides are intended to provide consumers with clarity, they can appear overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Here, we’ll share more about how these labels came to be, simplify the facts found in each section, and highlight key details to note when making an informed decision.
In 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began requiring internet providers to create a broadband label for each service plan offered. Designed to resemble the familiar look of a nutrition label, these allow consumers to compare internet service options and are available at any online or in-store point of sale. Consumers can also use them to compare similar package options across providers to determine which is best for their household. Take a look at each summary below to learn what each section tells you, keeping in mind that broadband label wording may differ slightly from one provider to another.
Monthly Price: This price refers to the base amount you’ll pay for the package noted on the label. If applicable, this section will also provide clarity on the introductory rate and contract details.
Additional Charges & Terms: Here, you’ll see a transparent breakdown of the charges that a provider may be adding to your bill each month. These can include modem rental, router rental, beacon add-on, VoIP add-on, installation fee, early termination fee, and government taxes.
Speeds Provided with Plan: You’ll notice that download and upload speeds are listed separately. This allows you to see whether or not the two are symmetrical. Remember, they should be! Check out our blog on fiber lingo to learn more about optimal speeds and why you want low latency.
Data Included with Monthly Price: This section confirms whether or not a package has a data limit. At Ripple Fiber, each package comes with unlimited data.
Network Management & Privacy Policies: Shared via website links, these standard policies tell consumers how personal data is collected and handled by the provider.
Customer Support: The provider's main phone line and website link are shared here for easy access, followed by a link to the FCC’s website where consumers can find additional broadband information.
Now that you have a deeper understanding of broadband labels, you’ll notice a few differentiators with Ripple Fiber’s packages. Most importantly, the price you see is the price you pay. You won’t be charged additional fees for the equipment or installation. When comparing a fiber internet label to a cable internet label, fiber outperforms cable, particularly in download and upload speeds, latency, and data caps.
Bonus tip: Don’t confuse 5G with 5 Gig!
As you explore internet options, you might come across the terms “5 Gig” and “5G”. While they sound similar, they mean very different things. 5 Gig refers to the speed of a broadband internet connection, specifically 5 gigabits per second (Gbps). 5G refers to the fifth generation of mobile network technology, used primarily for cellular data on mobile devices. It's worth noting that some home internet services are powered by 5G technology, but broadband labels focus on the internet speeds, not the delivery method.
Visit our Broadband Facts page to put your new knowledge to the test and see which package best suits your needs. To confirm which options are currently available in your area, go to check availability and enter your address. If you’d like to chat with us further, give us a call at 800-359-5767.