Local WSIU
(2006-08-31)
CHICAGO
(Chicago Public Radio) -
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office says a new plan to restructure phone rates will cost Illinois customers.It's up to the watchdog group the Citizens Utility Board or CUB to tell consumers about a variety of cost saving plans.
But Madigan spokeswoman Cara Smith says that's misguided because it allows phone giant AT&T to raise rates and then spend millions pushing its own products, essentially overriding that educational advertising. Smith says there's no way CUB can compete with AT&T.
"It will only potentially save consumers if CUB can 'out-market' AT&T and switch consumers to packages and for seniors and lower income consumers. Basic phone service will now be more expensive," she says.
AT&T says the plan allows them to be more competitive in the Chicago area. The company says the low cost alternatives will help customers who don't use their phone that much.
The new packages are expected to roll out next month. © Copyright 2012, Chicago Public Radio
