In National Advertising Division Challenge, Spectrum Voluntarily Modifies “Fiber-Powered” Spectrum Internet Disclosures
New York, NY – March 26, 2026 – In a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by AT&T Services, Inc., Charter Communications, Inc. d/b/a Spectrum voluntarily modified disclosures in connection with its “fiber-powered” claims.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases reviewed by the National Advertising Division (NAD). AT&T and Spectrum compete in the broadband internet market.
At issue for NAD was whether “fiber-powered” claims in Spectrum’s video and website advertising, conveyed a message that Spectrum Internet is delivered to subscribers via a fiber-to-the-home infrastructure, requiring modification of the disclosures.
In video and webpage advertising identifying Spectrum Internet as “Fiber-Powered,” Spectrum used a written disclosure stating “Spectrum Internet is powered by fiber and delivered to the home via HFC.” HFC is an abbreviation for “hybrid fiber-coax,” which is distinct from Fiber to the Home.
Spectrum agreed to modify its advertising by permanently discontinuing its reference to “HFC” in its ad disclosures and clearly and conspicuously disclosing that Spectrum’s fiber-powered internet services are not delivered to customers’ homes over a fiber-to-the-home infrastructure. Based on this voluntary permanent modification, NAD did not address the merits of the challenge, and for compliance purposes it will be treated as if NAD recommended the modification to Spectrum’s advertising.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases reviewed by the National Advertising Division (NAD). AT&T and Spectrum compete in the broadband internet market.
At issue for NAD was whether “fiber-powered” claims in Spectrum’s video and website advertising, conveyed a message that Spectrum Internet is delivered to subscribers via a fiber-to-the-home infrastructure, requiring modification of the disclosures.
In video and webpage advertising identifying Spectrum Internet as “Fiber-Powered,” Spectrum used a written disclosure stating “Spectrum Internet is powered by fiber and delivered to the home via HFC.” HFC is an abbreviation for “hybrid fiber-coax,” which is distinct from Fiber to the Home.
Spectrum agreed to modify its advertising by permanently discontinuing its reference to “HFC” in its ad disclosures and clearly and conspicuously disclosing that Spectrum’s fiber-powered internet services are not delivered to customers’ homes over a fiber-to-the-home infrastructure. Based on this voluntary permanent modification, NAD did not address the merits of the challenge, and for compliance purposes it will be treated as if NAD recommended the modification to Spectrum’s advertising.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.