Do Grandfathered Internet Plans Need FCC Broadband Labels?

Hey everyone, Rick Seemann here from Sonar Software. Short answer: the FCC only requires broadband labels for plans you currently offer to new customers, so grandfathered plans no longer available for sign-up do not need a new label. Here is the full breakdown for ISPs.

If you're an internet service provider in the US, you're already aware of the new FCC broadband labels and are preparing for the upcoming October 10th deadline. These labels will give customers a clear picture of their internet plans, including speeds, pricing, data limits, and more. However, you might have some questions, especially about old plans that are no longer offered to new customers, also known as "grandfathered" plans.

Do these plans require the new labels as well? Let's break it down.

What FCC Broadband Labels Require From ISPs

In a nutshell, the FCC wants to empower consumers by making sure they understand exactly what they're paying for when it comes to internet service. That's where these new labels come in. They need to be displayed prominently at the point of sale, whether you're signing up online or walking into a store, as well as in the customer's account portal (if you provide one).

Do Grandfathered Internet Plans Need a Label?

The FCC is only requiring these new labels for plans that are currently available for customers to sign up for. So, for any customers that are on a plan that is no longer available, the FCC doesn't require you to create a label for it.

But wait… there's a catch!

If you offer a plan to your customers, but decide after the October 10th deadline to grandfather it, you must keep an archived copy of the broadband facts label for that plan for at least two years following the grandfather date.

The Bottom Line

The FCC broadband facts labels are a new compliance requirement for internet service providers. It's important to stay informed about any changes or new requirements, so be sure to visit the FCC's official Broadband Consumer Labels website regularly.

Why This Matters for ISP Compliance

This consideration from the FCC simplifies compliance requirements for ISPs while still ensuring that consumers have access to all the necessary information upfront. For those on grandfathered plans, it's business as usual.

Need Help with Your Broadband Labels? We've Got You Covered

At Sonar, we're committed to helping Internet Service Providers tackle the new requirement, and we've built a free broadband label maker that takes the hassle out of creating labels.

Why Use Sonar's Free Broadband Label Maker?

Easy to use: Create accurate broadband labels in minutes, even if you're not a tech whiz.

Bulk label creation: Our bulk upload feature lets you create multiple labels at once, saving you valuable time.

FCC compliant: Rest assured that your labels will be formatted to meet all the FCC's regulations, avoiding potential penalties.

Consumer transparency: Help your customers understand the nitty-gritty details of your service offerings.

Clear information: Showcase upload and download speeds, pricing, contract terms, and more in a way that's easy for your customers to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do grandfathered internet plans need FCC broadband labels?
No. The FCC only requires labels for plans currently available for new customers to sign up for, so plans you no longer offer do not need a new label.

What happens if I grandfather a plan after the October 10th deadline?
You must keep an archived copy of that plan's broadband facts label for at least two years following the grandfather date.

Where do FCC broadband labels need to be displayed?
At the point of sale, whether online or in store, and in the customer's account portal if you provide one.

As always, I'm here to help. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below.