The Federal Communications Commission has voted to simplify broadband consumer labels while closing its inquiry into further accessibility standards for the labels, such as ASL-accessible formats, braille and tactile indicators.
- The Commission voted 3-0 on July 22 to approve a Report and Order revising the broadband label rules.
- Providers can now describe label information by phone in a conversational style and use a hyperlink or icon instead of displaying the full label at the point of sale.
- The FCC closed its open inquiry on adding new accessibility formats to the labels, saying existing accessibility requirements already apply.
Why it matters: Broadband labels are meant to help consumers compare internet plans, and accessible formats matter for people who are blind, low vision, deaf or hard of hearing. Advocates may push back if the simplified rules make labels harder to access rather than easier.
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