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AT&T

From the Desk of David Kolata: CUB Executive Director’s New Year Report

This report is a thanks and tribute to CUB’s supporters. You are working for a better Illinois, and I’m grateful to you. I know it’s easy to get discouraged these days, but remember that you are part of an Illinois success story. Together, here’s what we accomplished in 2017: Legal/Policy:…...

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AT&T slapped her neighbors with $6,461 bill, CUB member knew who to call

Retirees Paula and Anastasio had no idea that their kind-hearted attempt to help a great-grandson with his schoolwork would somehow lead to a $6,461 AT&T bill. But that’s what happened until their helpful neighbor, a CUB member, came to the rescue (with a little assist from the consumer watchdog). The couple,…...

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Is home phone service really getting better?

In its push to eventually end landlines in Illinois, AT&T has promised that home phone service isn’t going away, it’s getting better. There are plenty of Illinois consumers who, along with CUB, dispute that. CUB did an analysis of AT&T’s phone options: Landlines:  Pros: Landlines are reliable and, at around $20 or…...

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6 reasons AT&T’s legislation should make you MAD

1) Utilities get an exemption: The legislation contains a four- to five-year exemption for key customers, such as utilities. It proves copper landlines still play a key role—and it also begs the question: If it’s so important to protect landline service for those customers, then why not for the millions…...

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AT&T: Consumer’s Choice plans end Nov. 17

What happened? In a letter sent to consumers, AT&T announced that as of Nov. 17, 2017, the company’s Consumer’s Choice plans, Illinois’ best local phone deals, will end. Why is this happening? In July, the Illinois General Assembly passed a rewrite of the state Telecommunications Act that eliminated the requirement…...

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Your landline stories

Over the past couple of months, CUB has been collecting your stories about why you need to keep traditional landline service an option in Illinois. Here are some of the hundreds of messages we’ve received: My landline gives me an extra feeling of security. Cellphones are great when out but…...

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Disappointing: General Assembly overrides veto of AT&T’s legislation

The General Assembly has overridden the veto of AT&T’s legislation. CUB’s statement: CHICAGO, July 1, 2017—CUB is disappointed that the General Assembly has overridden the governor’s veto of AT&T-backed legislation that would eventually allow the company to end traditional landline phone service in its Illinois territory. Not only does this…...

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No override: Protect veto of SB 1839, AT&T’s bad bill

URGENT: Gov. Rauner has vetoed AT&T’s Senate Bill 1839—bad legislation that would lead to the end of landline phone service. But the General Assembly could override the veto TODAY (Saturday, July 1)! Please, take immediate action to STOP the override. This is our best chance to win this battle!...

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Statement by CUB Executive Director David Kolata on veto of SB 1839

We thank Gov. Bruce Rauner for his veto of Senate Bill 1839. This legislation would have hurt people who depend on a landline as their most reliable link to vital services. Also, SB 1839 did nothing to require AT&T to modernize its network, and it would have pushed the state…...

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CUB urges governor to veto AT&T dereg bill

AT&T has passed its deregulation bill in the Illinois General Assembly, threatening the end of landline service for customers who need it for a reliable connection to 911 and other vital services. Now, CUB is turning its attention to Gov. Bruce Rauner and asking him to veto the legislation. CUB…...

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