There are several elements that play a hugely important role in our lives. While we cannot fairly compare each element’s individual significance with the other, we can safely assume that knowledge beats them all. This is because without knowledge, we can never produce anything meaningful even if we have the biggest resource tank in the world. Now, the way we pick the said knowledge has differed across generations, but no method could ever reach what technology has achieved so far. You see, technology created a smarter world on its own just by simplifying the process of gaining information. Such a dynamic allowed us to learn about things that initially looked too big and too far. However, it doesn’t mean that we faced no challenges along the way. In fact, as technology grew into a full-fledged phenomenon, it also ended up becoming big enough to accommodate certain unethical activities. The creation’s extensive nature provided just the right cover to every rule breaker, and that would pose a serious challenge for our regulatory industry. Fortunately, though, the industry is now getting more and more equipped to deal with these events. This was proven big time by a recent announcement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Federal Communications Commission has officially voted in favor of a new plan, which will make it mandatory for the internet providers like Verizon and Comcast to share additional information with their customers. According to certain reports, the new labels of information must include plan’s price, speed, data allowances, introductory rates, later price hikes, and other management practices such as throttling or at the point of sale. Using the said decision as a medium, FCC hopes to achieve greater competition and transparency within the market. Slated to go into effect by 15th November 2022, the plan follows up on a well-known nutrition labels concept. Interestingly, it’s not the first time we have heard the term around telecommunications. Former President, Barack Obama was the one who actually coined the idea, but it was stripped off its powers during Trump’s administration. Nevertheless, with complaints about sudden price hikes and surprise fees going up every day, bringing the nutrition labels backs seems like one right call.
“The ‘nutrition labels’ we seek comment on today will help households compare prices and service offerings, making it easier for them to find the right package and the best deal,” said Democratic Commissioner, Geoffrey Starks. “Arming consumers with better information will also promote greater innovation, more competition, and lower prices for broadband—wins for the entire broadband ecosystem.”