FCC Acts on Another CAGW Recommendation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to move forward with its robust agenda to modernize regulations and clear the path for faster deployment and innovation by eliminating obsolete rules and regulations.  At its October 28, 2025, meeting the FCC considered revisions to the Broadband Labeling rule.  This rule was included in Citizens Against Government Waste’s (CAGW) recommendations for the FCC’s Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding.

As required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, on November 14, 2022, the FCC adopted a report and order that required broadband providers to provide labeling for their services.  However, the requirements went beyond the statutory parameters by mandating that broadband providers include detailed information about broadband prices; introductory rates; data allowances; broadband speeds; network management practices; privacy policies; and the now defunct Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among other requirements that were either unnecessary or unduly burdensome for providers.

The FCC’s notice of proposed rulemaking calls for the elimination of some of the labeling requirements on broadband providers, including reading the label to consumers over the phone; itemizing state and local passthrough fees; providing information about the ACP program; displaying labels in customer account portals; making labels available in machine readable format; and archiving labels for at least two years after a service is no longer offered to new customers.   The FCC is also seeking comment on streamlining or eliminating other broadband label requirements.

The FCC’s rulemaking will eliminate unnecessary paperwork and communications and help broadband providers to focus their efforts on broadband deployment and modernization.