As CUB approaches its 30th anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of some of the worst consumer horror stories we’ve ever heard. What better way to celebrate Halloween? 1) The phone plan that ate my bank account! It sounds like the title of a 1950s creature feature, but, unfortunately, it’s reality for…...
CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Team: Meet the CUB crew fighting for you!
Each year, CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Department handles nearly 10,000 calls, emails and letters from Illinoisans with questions or complaints about utility service. The team has saved individuals thousands of dollars by identifying errors on electric, gas and phone bills. Consumer Advocacy Director Sandra Marcelin-Reme said a lot of problems stem from…...
Shouldn’t you be able to ‘unlock’ a cellphone that YOU own?
Love your smartphone but not your wireless carrier? You might be out of luck. Last October, the Library of Congress adjusted its interpretation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The result is it’s now illegal for customers to “unlock” smartphones without first getting their carrier’s permission—even if they own…...
T-Mobile offers new phone payment plan
John Legere is at it again. The quirky T-Mobile CEO, who likes to call his own industry “stupid, broken, and arrogant,” has introduced yet another promotion that we hope takes the wireless industry at least a baby step closer to its customers. On the heels of his new “Jump” plan, allowing customers to upgrade…...
What’s hidden in the fine print of your wireless contract?
How many of us are guilty of signing contracts or agreeing to terms and conditions without really looking into the fine print? Just last year, Carnegie Mellon researchers published a report showing that it would take the average Internet user 76 work days to weed through all the privacy policies…...
U.S. Cellular’s sale to Sprint: Three things you should know
As of May 17, U.S. Cellular finalized the sale of its Midwestern markets to Sprint, forcing many Illinois consumers to switch their cellphone service to another carrier. Both companies sent out information to current U.S. Cellular customers in the area, but it may be confusing or overwhelming. So we want…...
