Recently at the world’s largest consumer electronics show, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler appeared to defend the reclassification of broadband Internet under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. That bombshell appears to be a big win for net neutrality, the idea that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must treat all Internet content…...
Deceptive Billing: 3 Tips to Protect Yourself
Imagine you’ve just signed up for Broadband Internet Service for $34.99 per month. You’re pretty content with the deal, and soon spend your days in a quiet reverie of Pinterest, Netflix documentaries, and cat videos… …until you get your first month’s bill: $94.95! That’s what happened to Jeremy Zielinski of New York…...
The quest for “a la carte” cable
If you’re like most cable customers, you are probably paying for more channels than you’ll ever watch. That’s because Pay TV providers like Comcast and Time Warner only offer channels as part of expensive “bundles,” rather than letting you purchase channels individually. Non-sports fans are paying for ESPN. Retirees are paying…...
CUB consumer advocates 2, big cable 0
Comcast has been receiving a lot of flack for its less-than-stellar customer service calls. It’s unfortunately no surprise to the members of CUB’s consumer advocacy team, who know a thing or two about dealing with unruly cable/Internet customer service. Take the case of Tony R.: Tony’s father, Robert, had switched…...
Last chance!
Fed up with your cable choices? Make your voice heard while there’s still time! The Federal Communications Commission’s open comment period for the proposed Comcast/Time Warner merger ends August 25th. Sign CUB’s petition demanding the FCC either reject the deal or ensure these basic consumer protections: Mandatory compensation to customers who suffer…...
Which company grinds your gears?
Over 30 years of service, we have seen all sorts of utility mischief: sky-high bills, unresponsive customer service, confusing rates. And in a year of astronomical prices and frequent rate-hike requests, we know there’s still plenty to complain about. So here’s your chance to air it out: In honor of CUB’s 30th anniversary, we’re…...
What’s your worst utility bill?
2014 has already been a rough year for consumers. Natural gas price spikes. Brutal electric rate-hike requests. Ominous cable mergers. It’s enough to tear your hair out! CUB is ready to crown Illinois’ most hated bill, and needs your input. What’s your biggest utility bill headache: Electric? Gas? Phone? Cable? Vote by noon…...
