FCC Announces Extended Comment Cycle for Broadband Labeling Further Notice

Comments Due: February 16, 2023Reply Comments Due: March 16, 2023

On January 4, 2023, the FCC released an order to grant a request filed by seventeen groups and individuals for an extension of the time in which to file comments in response to the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice) about broadband labeling. Comments and reply comments were originally due on January 17, 2023 and February 14, 2023, respectively, and have been extended another thirty days.

On November 17, 2022, the FCC released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will require broadband Internet access service providers to display easy-to-understand labels to assist consumers when comparison shopping for broadband services. On December 19, 2022, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing the comment dates for the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

More specifically regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities, in the Further Notice, the FCC seeks comment on the following:

Interested parties may file comments by accessing the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference CG Docket No. 22-2. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to [email protected].

Links to the Order Extending the Comment Period:URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/cgb-extends-comment-deadline-consumer-broadband-labels-fnprmWord: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-9A1.docxPDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-9A1.pdfText: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-9A1.txt

Links to the Report and Order and Further Notice:URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-requires-broadband-providers-display-labels-help-consumers Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-86A1.txt Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-86A1.docx PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-86A1.pdf

For general information about broadband labels, visit: https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandlabels. For specific information about the Further Notice, contact Erica H. McMahon, Consumer Policy Division, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, (202) 418-0346, or [email protected]. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC's ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).