Price and performance top the list of most people’s criteria when choosing an internet service. But that hasn’t always been easy and straightforward … until now.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now requires that all internet service providers (ISPs) provide broadband labels to current and potential customers. These standardized labels make it easy to compare prices and plans, and to make the right choice for your needs and budget.
Read on to learn how to use broadband labels to effectively price-shop and find the best value.
WHAT ARE BROADBAND LABELS?
Broadband labels provide you with key details about fiber broadband service, such as plan speeds, prices and data limitations. Think of broadband labels like the Nutrition Facts found on foods and beverages you buy, which give you information about calories, vitamins and other contents.
The labels highlight such essential details as:
- Download and upload speeds for clear performance expectations
- Clear monthly cost breakdowns, with any extra fees (e.g., equipment rental, installation)
- Data cap information, as well as any charges for exceeding those data caps
- Network management practices, such as throttling, blocking or prioritizing certain types of internet traffic
ALL THE SAME, SIDE BY SIDE
Broadband labels create a level playing field since every ISP uses the same standardized format.
Line up the labels side by side to compare speed, price and data limits to determine which provider offers you the best overall value.
Now, here’s how to use broadband labels to find the best deal.
LOOK BEYOND THE HEADLINE PRICE
Low advertised prices may seem great, but broadband labels clearly label such extra costs as:
- Additional fees for equipment, technical service, installation or activation
- Promotional pricing that may increase after a certain period
- Conditional pricing, such as requiring the use of auto-pay for a certain monthly rate
Broadband labels outline all applicable additional fees and will show both promotional and regular pricing — so you can know what to expect once the promotion ends. This helps you avoid unwelcome surprises.
DETERMINE YOUR NEED FOR SPEED
Broadband labels prominently display download and upload speeds. You’ll want a plan that can handle your daily activities. What fits your household’s internet usage? Here’s a general guideline:
- Light users (web browsing, email, standard-definition streaming) may be OK with lower speeds (e.g., 25 Mbps)
- Moderate users (HD streaming, multiple devices connected, occasionally working from home) are advised to look for plans of 50 to 100 Mbps or higher.
- Heavy users (large households, multiple HD streams, online gaming, regular work from home needs) should look for plans offering 100 Mbps or higher.
UNDERSTAND DATA CAPS AND OVERAGE FEES
Broadband labels also display data caps, which is a limit to the data you can use each month, and any overage fees you may pay for exceeding that limit. Here’s what to look for:
- Unlimited plans: With no data limit or extra charges, this is a great option for busy and / or heavily connected households.
- Capped plans: Broadband labels will show both the limit (e.g., 1 TB) and any fees you’ll pay for exceeding that limit.
Take your typical data usage into account: Do you regularly stream video? Play online games? Video-chat with family and friends? Download large files? Unlimited plans may offer your best long-term value.
CHECK NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Some providers throttle, or slow, available speeds at peak usage times, or prioritize certain types of web traffic over others. Broadband labels must disclose whether an ISP engages in these practices.
Whether for work, gaming or streaming, you may want a provider that doesn’t throttle or prioritize traffic if you rely on consistent internet speeds. On the other hand, this may not significantly affect light data users, who could save with a lower-cost plan.
SHOPPING FOR BROADBAND HAS NEVER BEEN SIMPLER
Thanks to broadband labels, it has never been easier to comparison-shop for internet service — helping you avoid hidden fees and to choose the best option for your household.
Tipmont is proud to lead the way in this industry-wide movement toward greater transparency. Tipmont’s easily accessed and understood broadband labels are one example of the transparency you can expect from us moving forward as a customer. Whether you’re a long-time customer or considering making the switch, Tipmont broadband labels simplify your decision-making process.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Visit tipmont.com/broadbandlabels to view Tipmont’s current broadband labels; you can also see them at our Linden office location and on your SmartHub portal.
You will see that, unlike some competitors, Tipmont avoids promotional pricing, long-term contracts or hidden fees.
In other words: Our broadband labels list all the ingredients that make up the better internet you deserve.
