If you’ve been shopping for a new wireless plan lately, perhaps you’ve seen Broadband Labels pop up that look like the nutrition labels you’ve seen on food. Ultra Mobile is here to help answer all of your questions about these “nutrition labels” and what they mean for you and other customers. Let’s get into Broadband Labels.

What are Broadband Labels?

The FCC introduced Broadband Labels as a way to provide customers with easy and understandable information about internet and wireless services. They are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels for easy comparison between different services.

Why are broadband labels important: Enhance transparency, promote fair competition, and empower consumer choice with a girl smiling at her tablet

Why are Broadband Labels important?

Broadband Labels help companies and Customers do the following: 

  • Enhance transparency: All costs and fees are clearly displayed.
  • Promote fair competition: Customers can compare costs/benefits between services. 
  • Empower consumer choice: Accessible information allows for an informed decision. 

Holding companies to an informational standard will help prevent companies from presenting their products with hidden feeds and confusing language. Broadband Labels simplify and streamline information, so Customers know exactly what a company is offering.

What information is included on the label?

With just one look at a Broadband Labels, you’ll be to see the following information: 

  • Monthly price: This is the exact dollar amount you’ll be charged. Some companies like to advertise one price without disclosing that price is a discounted introductory rate. Now, it will be clearly stated whether or not the rate advertised is an introductory price. If it is an introductory rate, this section will also disclose the rate’s length. 
  • Additional charges:  This is an in-depth breakdown of extra fees. Instead of discovering hidden fees after purchase, installation fees, equipment fees, router fees, etc. will be made known right away to the Customer.
  • Discounts and bundles: This section describes all of the discounts and promotions offered, so Customers won’t miss out on a deal. 
  • Speeds:  This section contains the exact speed rates for internet providers such as Download, Upload, and Latency speeds. Each provider is different so disclosing this exact information will help Customers make better informed decisions. 
  • Data included: This section shows how much data you will get at certain price points and also shows any fees that will incur if you go over. 
  • Legal information and customer support: Any legal disclaimers will be in this section along with customer support contact information. This way, it’s even easier to have your questions answered. 
  • Contract length: This section details how long the plans will last or if a contract is required with their services. 
  • Early termination fee: Some providers will charge you if you end your contract early. Now that fee will be shown right away, so Customers will know the cost before making a decision. 

Instead of searching through a company’s website and promotional materials, all of this information will now be available to Customers in a simple, easy-to-read chart. 

How do I read broadband labels with a picture of half a broadband label on a purple circle background

How do I read Broadband Labels?

This example is from the “Monthly Price” and “Additional Charges & Terms” section of our $15/mo Talk & Text Plan. As you can see, the monthly price is clearly listed along with any introductory rates or contracts, which Ultra does not have. Under that is the “Additional Charges & Terms” section, which lists all of the additional charges to the $15 monthly cost. Along with $15, you will pay up to $2.45 in Government and Recovery fees totalling to $17.45 per month. 

We do not have a “One Time Fee at the Time of Purchase” or an “Early Termination Fee,” so you are not locked into a long contract. We also disclose that taxes will vary by location. With these labels, Customers will have a clear understanding of their bill. 

Does Ultra Mobile have Broadband Labels?

Yes, we do! We hope these labels provide further clarity and empower you to make the choice that works best for you. In compliance with the FCC, Ultra has implemented these labels on our website as of April 2023. If you want even more transparent information, tap on the button below for in-depth explanations of our plans, features, and more. 

Broadband Labels may change in the future to include other information such as service reliability, privacy policies, detailed bundle descriptions, or any other helpful information that would better inform Customers. Ultra Mobile is excited to be a part of the movement towards honesty and transparency that will better inform our Customers. 

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