Rules stipulate how the pricing of digital services should be presented so people know what they are buying.
United Kingdom: Price Marking Order 2004 requires that goods must have their price clearly indicated and be inclusive of VAT. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 covers the accurate description of digital content.
United States: Some States have rules around showing pricing at point of sale. Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act generally prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce”.
Australia: Section 48 of the Australian Consumer Law specifies the “single price for the goods or services” must be shown “in a prominent way and as a single figure”.
Brazil: Brazilian internet service providers must provide at least 20% of the speed they advertise.
Many countries have advertising standards agencies that enforce rules around accuracy in advertisements.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission wants service providers to provide better broadband speed information.
The Advertising Standards Authority in the United Kingdom is making plans for reforming the way broadband speeds are advertised.
In the UK, mobile phone companies are breaking down prices show the cost of the handset and the contract. Broadband adverts must be clearer about the length of a contract and the full cost of it.