Imelda Kaminski, a violin instructor who’s been playing the instrument for 60 years, depended on her home phone service even more after her husband underwent spinal surgery—with all the calls to family, friends and doctors.
Her husband’s recovery was her only concern until her AT&T bill arrived. It had soared to more than $100 a month—and she didn’t know why!
Lucky for her, CUB and state Rep. Silvana Tabares had scheduled a money-saving utility bill clinic not far from her Bedford Park home.
“This was not the first clinic I’ve been to,” Imelda said. “My husband and I like to go to them to get more information.”
At the event, she spoke with Outreach Field Coordinator Matt Harvey who explained the calls she had made were outside her local calling area, and thus not included in her low-cost AT&T Consumer’s Choice calling plan.
“I thought most of the calls were local, but they weren’t,” Imelda said. “We were being charged way more money.”
Matt recommended that she stick with AT&T for local service—but for all other calls use a long-distance plan with Pioneer.
“She’ll pay two bills, but the savings will be worth it,” Matt said. “The calls she makes beyond 15 miles are covered.”
Matt was right.
Imelda was shocked to see her phone bill dropped from about $100 to $19—saving her roughly $81 a month.
Filled with gratitude she called to thank Matt and the rest of the staff for fighting hard for utility customers across Illinois.
“I can’t believe how much money has come off our phone bill because of what he [Matt] recommended,” Imelda said. “Again thank you CUB for all your help.”
If you have questions regarding your utility, phone or cable service, call CUB’s Consumer Hotline, at 1-800-669-5556, for guidance on your rights.
