In late October, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a “Notice of Inquiry that seeks information on current customer service practices to build a public record on the current state of customer support and ways that the FCC can “protect families and businesses that rely on these critical services.” The FCC sought comments from the public about broadband, cable, and telephone providers. The associations for the big internet service providers (ISPs) responded to the docket and basically said that their member companies offer great customer service. NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, which represents the big cable companies, filed comments that said that cable companies provide great service in today’s competitive market as a way to attract and retain customers. I’ve written over the years about the American Customer Service Index (ACSI), which measures customer satisfaction across all major industries each year. The ACSI historically ranked the ISP and cable industry at the bottom compared to other major industries. That put ISPs and cable companies below insurance companies, banks, and airlines in terms of customer satisfaction.

Cook County (IL) Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the inaugural recipients of the Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to promote digital inclusion through storytelling and community engagement. A total of 15 organizations across Cook County have been awarded grants of $7,500 or $15,000, depending on the size and scope of their projects. These organizations will use the funding to amplify community voices, address digital divides and create impactful narratives that advocate for equitable digital access. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and totaling $187,500, the Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program was developed in partnership with City Bureau, a nonprofit journalism lab renowned for its innovative approach to local media and community-centered storytelling. This initiative is an extension of Cook County’s Digital Equity Action Plan, which prioritizes the key pillars of access, confidence, safety and infrastructure as the foundation for a connected and inclusive County. 

The Supreme Court agreed to hear TikTok’s challenge to a law that could ban its U.S. operations, putting the case on an exceptionally fast track, culminating in oral arguments at a special session on Jan. 10. In setting aside two hours for the argument, the justices signaled that they viewed the case as presenting questions of exceptional importance. The move came only two days after TikTok and its Chinese parent company filed an emergency application. In another break with its usual practices, the court did not ask the government to respond to the application, instead treating it as a petition seeking review and granting it. The court did not block the law while the case moves forward, which suggested that it may issue a ruling before the Jan. 19 deadline set by the law. That would mean that the case may be resolved before President-elect Donald J. Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20.