In an effort to make internet service more transparent, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced Broadband Facts: a standardized way for internet providers to share key details about their services.
Much like the nutrition labels on food products, these broadband nutrition labels are designed to be simple, clear, and informative.
As part of recent FCC internet regulation, these labels are now required by law for most major broadband providers. They give you a side-by-side view of plan details, so you can choose your internet plan easier.
Shopping for internet has always been confusing. With vague promotional offers and inconsistent information, many customers don’t realize what they’re truly signing up for. The FCC broadband labels aim to fix that by putting the facts front and center.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to read a broadband label and how different providers compare: from Xfinity broadband labels and AT&T broadband facts to the Broadband Label Spectrum and the Frontier Broadband Label, including how Race Communications stacks up against them.
What Are Broadband Facts?
Think of broadband labels like the internet world’s version of a food nutrition label. Instead of calories and sugar, you get details like speed, price, and data limits. These labels help you understand exactly what you’re paying for when you sign up for internet service.
Required by the FCC broadband labels rule, these standardized labels became mandatory for most ISPs in 2025. That means companies like Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, Frontier, and Race Communications now have to present their internet plans using the same clear format.
So, what is a broadband label? It’s a one-page fact sheet that shows you:
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Typical download and upload speeds
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Monthly price (including equipment fees, discounts, and taxes)
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Data caps or throttling policies
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Contract terms and any early termination fees
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Latency and performance during peak hours
This move toward transparency makes it easier to compare internet providers apples-to-apples, and that’s exactly what the broadband facts label is meant to do.
Understanding Your Broadband Label
Each Broadband Facts label follows a consistent format so you can easily compare plans. Here’s what each section means and what to look for:
| Label Category | Explanation | What to Look For | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Shows the base monthly cost. May be an introductory rate that changes after a few months. | Final monthly price after promo ends and how long the intro rate lasts | Spectrum: $70 intro, jumps to $100 |
| Length of Contract | Indicates if you’re locked into a contract, and for how long (12, 24, or 0 months). | No contract plans | Xfinity: No contract required, but no price lock unless you commit to 5 years |
| Provider Monthly Fees | Recurring charges for things like equipment rental, modem lease, or Wi-Fi service. | No fees for routers or equipment | Xfinity: $15/mo for modem, $25/mo for xFi Complete |
| One-Time Fees | One-time costs such as installation, activation, or setup fees. | $0 installation fees |
Xfinity: $39.99–$100 install fee Spectrum: $65 professional install |
| Early Termination Fee | A fee you may pay if you cancel your service before the contract ends. | Plans with no early termination fee (ETF). | Frontier: Up to $100 |
| Government Taxes | Details on whether taxes are included in the price or vary based on your location. | Make sure taxes are included to avoid surprises. | Most providers list “Varies by location” |
| Discounts & Bundles | Shows available discounts if you bundle with other services (TV, phone, mobile). | Discounts via autopay, bundles, or loyalty programs. | Bundling with TV, mobile, or voice may reduce your monthly rate |
| Speeds (Download/Upload/Latency) | Lists typical download/upload speeds and latency (response time). | Speeds over 300 Mbps, <30ms latency, symmetrical speeds for uploads. |
Xfinity: 1100 down / 306 up Spectrum: Only 40 Mbps up |
| Data Included / Caps | States how much data you can use per month—unlimited or capped. | Unlimited data | Xfinity: 1.2 TB cap unless you pay $30/mo for unlimited |
| Extra Data Charges | The per-GB cost if you exceed your monthly data cap. | Unlimited data | Xfinity: 1.2 TB cap unless you pay $30/mo for unlimited |
| Network Management Policy | Explains if the provider slows your connection during busy hours. | No throttling or slowdowns during peak usage. | All link to policy. No standout. |
| Privacy Policy | Describes how your data is collected, stored, or shared. | Clear policies that respect user privacy and data protection. | All link to policy. No standout. |
| Customer Support | Provides support contact details: phone and website. | Fast, accessible support through phone or website. |
All providers list contact info. |
When you compare today’s broadband labels across major providers, it’s clear that not all connections are created equal:
- The Xfinity broadband facts might show 1,100 Mbps download speeds, but only 306 Mbps upload.
- The Spectrum broadband label caps uploads at a mere 40 Mbps, even on top-tier plans.
- AT&T broadband facts offer fiber in many areas, but they also have plans with traditional infrastructure, which leads to inconsistent performance and pricing.
- Xfinity imposes data caps, so you might be hit with extra fees and throttling if you go over the 1.2 TB tab.
See the broadband label comparison below:
Broadband nutrition labels also show that fiber internet providers stand out. They offer symmetrical speeds, meaning upload and download are equal.
While download speed is great for streaming Netflix or YouTube, upload speed is what powers smooth Zoom calls, fast file backups, livestreaming, and gaming. Many cable providers (like Spectrum and Xfinity) still offer slow upload speeds compared to fiber. That’s why symmetrical speeds are a must in 2025.
Aside from speed, fiber providers also come out ahead on latency, reliability, and transparency.
For example, Race Communications broadband facts label shows:
✅ No contracts
✅ Unlimited data
✅ Symmetrical gigabit speeds
✅ Free professional installation
✅ Low latency
✅ Router included
So while every provider now plays by the same labeling rules, fiber ISPs like Race have the facts to back up the marketing. And the new labels make those facts easier than ever to compare.
Choosing the Right Internet Plan Just Got Easier
For years, shopping for internet meant deciphering vague ads, hidden fees, and inconsistent plan details. But now, thanks to the FCC’s Broadband Facts labels, the fine print is front and center, and the facts speak for themselves.
Whether you’re reviewing the Xfinity broadband facts, the Spectrum broadband label, or the AT&T broadband facts, one thing is clear: fiber internet providers consistently offer better performance, clearer pricing, and fewer limitations. From symmetrical speeds to unlimited data and contract-free options, fiber simply delivers more value.
At Race Communications, we’re proud to stand out for all the right reasons.
If you’re in California and looking for a reliable, fast, and honest provider, Race Communications is ready when you are.