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For the longest time, consumers have been dealing with hidden fees and shady practices from network carriers. Oftentimes, the price you see on flashy and attention-catching ads is not what you pay, but a percentage. Well, that may not be as big of an issue anymore. The FCC is now forcing network carriers to offer clear labels detailing information about their services.
A lot of the time, when you buy a plan, you are usually hit with surprise fees that the company conveniently didn’t tell you about. Usually, these fees will pop up on a statement after you’ve paid or be hidden behind several links on the company’s website.
This is all to fleece more money from the user. If users knew just how much money they were paying in extra fees, chances are that they would not buy the service in the first place. However, many users, especially those in the U.S., opt for multi-year contracts. So, by the time they realize the true cost of what they’re paying, they are already set on a 36-month commitment.
The FCC is forcing network carriers to show labels
US President Joe Biden just announced that the FCC is forcing carriers with more than 100,000 subscribers to stop being so sneaky with their fees. Obviously, these companies include firms like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Recently, T-Mobile started adding these labels.
These companies will need to disclose all of the fees that customers will pay upfront. Also, they will need to post the service’s typical upload and download speeds. Companies are very adamant about claiming that they have the fastest or most reliable internet in the world. They repeat the claims ad nauseam in their commercials and ads, but there’s no way of knowing for sure. Oftentimes, companies oversell their speeds.
This isn’t only about prices
The FCC is also forcing carriers to include how long commitments are in their labels. Typically, when you order a phone online, the website will tell you how long the contract is for before you choose. However, you never know if brick-and-mortar stores will leave that information out.
This isn’t only for the big brands
Currently, carriers with more than 100,000 subscribers are forced to show these labels. However, smaller carriers are not getting off scot-free. They will need to add these labels by October 10th this year.