The Federal Communications Commission is launching a new program to expand access to affordable internet service. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program aims to connect eligible households to healthcare, school and job opportunities otherwise unavailable without internet access. (Read CUB’s fact sheet here.) Up to 42 million people in the United…...
Why CUB continues the fight for landlines
Can you count on your cellphone carrier to save your life? When you dial 911 from a cellphone, most consumers may expect dispatchers to immediately know their location. However, current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules only require your carrier to provide location data that is accurate within 50-300 meters, according…...
Tell big TV companies: Be truthful with your customers!
Big companies like AT&T and Comcast like to jack up our TV/internet bills by slapping us with sneaky fees. These add-ons have official-sounding names like “regional sports fee” or “broadcast TV surcharge,” but don’t be fooled: These are NOT government charges! These company-imposed fees allow big corporations to hide the true…...
Does Illinois support cable reforms?
Answer our quick poll and next week we’ll share the results with Illinois’ Congressional delegation. Do you want Congress to pass a “Pay TV Customer’s Bill of Rights,” including the following reforms: Requiring Pay TV companies to offer a basic, low-cost package. Reducing or eliminating excessive charges, such as cable…...
Tell us your landline story
How do people feel about losing their landline phone service? “They’re terrified,” Julie Vahling, AARP Illinois associate state director, said in a recent TV interview. We want to hear how YOU feel. AT&T has won state legislation to eventually end landline phone service in Illinois—but it still needs to get…...