Legalize the 4G Barometer

I’m always pleased to see Minnesota legislators on top of technology and broadband related bills and debates. So I was pleased to see a new bill proposed this week that would mean more transparency for consumers looking for 4G…

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., announced the act on Thursday, which they said would “require wireless providers to disclose complete and accurate information about their 4G wireless data service in their sales and advertising practices.” It mirrors legislation passed in the House of Representatives this past June.
The proposed act would require companies to disclose specific details in their marketing and advertising. The bill was created because there is no standard definition for 4G wireless broadband Internet.
The bill would require that the following details be included at the point of sale and also in all customers’ billing materials:
• Guaranteed minimum data speed
• Network reliability
• Coverage area maps
• Pricing
• Technology used to provide 4G service
• Network conditions that can impact the speed of applications and services used on the network

It seems to fit well with the National Broadband Plan which promoted the use of “truth in broadband” type labeling for broadband…

Putting more information in the hands of consumers is a proven method to promote meaningful competition and spur innovation, both of which will generate more and better consumer choices. If customers make well-informed choices, companies will likely invest in new products, services and business models to compete more aggressively and offer greater value.

Source of the article 
http://blandinonbroadband.org/2011/10/15/legalize-the-4g-barometer/