Understanding the FCC’s New Broadband Labels

Recipe for Transparency

You wouldn’t pick a cereal without knowing what’s inside, would you? Even if the box promises a cool toy, it’s the taste and nutritional value that truly count. At LightStream, we believe your broadband service should be just as transparent. And now, thanks to the Federal Communications Commission, it will be. The FCC is rolling out new broadband labels designed to help you make smarter choices about your internet service.

Think of the FCC as your digital dietitian, guiding you through the aisles of broadband options to ensure you get a service that’s anything but stale.

Here’s a look at the key components of these new broadband labels, making it easier to choose an internet plan that’s a perfect fit for your online lifestyle.

Total speed—your internet’s serving size

Imagine your internet speed as the serving size of your favorite cereal. The bigger the serving, the more you can enjoy! When you see speed listed on your broadband label, think of it as the amount of internet goodness you can pour into your day. Faster speeds mean uninterrupted streaming, gaming and browsing—no buffering allowed. So, if you like to indulge in a digital feast, opt for a plan with a generous serving size.

Latency—the crispness of your connection

Next up, latency—think of it as the crispness of your cereal. That satisfying crunch? That’s what low latency feels like in your internet connection. Low latency means quick response times, delivering a smooth, responsive online experience. High latency, on the other hand, is like soggy cereal—slow and disappointing. For a crisp, reliable connection, choose a plan with low latency.

Data cap—the caloric content of your digital life

Let’s talk data caps, the caloric content of your internet plan. Just as you wouldn’t overdo it with calories, you don’t want to hit your data limit. Data caps restrict how much internet you can use each month. Exceed the data cap, and you might face extra charges or reduced speeds. If you’re a heavy internet user—someone with a big digital appetite—make sure you choose a plan with a high or unlimited data cap to keep your online experience running smoothly. Use all the data you want with LightStream. All broadband plans come with unlimited data usage.

Price transparency— the ingredients list

Finally, let’s discuss price transparency—the ingredients list of your internet plan. Just as you want to know what’s in your cereal, you need to know exactly what you’re paying for with your internet service. These new broadband labels lay it all out, including the monthly price, any additional fees and the duration of promotional rates. No hidden fees, no surprise price hikes—just clear, upfront pricing. It’s like knowing how much sugar, fiber, and vitamins are in your cereal, helping you make a choice that’s right for you and your budget.

Your recipe for the perfect internet plan

Choosing the right internet plan is like putting together a balanced breakfast. You want the ideal serving size (speed), a satisfying crunch (low latency), a manageable caloric intake (data cap) and a clear ingredients list (price transparency). With the FCC’s new broadband labels, comparing plans is easier than ever, so you can find the one that meets your needs perfectly. And with LightStream’s commitment to transparent pricing, you can trust that you’re getting a fair deal with no hidden surprises.

Feast on a connection that’s as reliable as it is deliciously transparent—only with LightStream.