In a collective appeal for improved customer service standards, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has aligned with attorneys general across 13 states and D.C. to petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This push for regulation, as reported by KTLA, seeks to mandate better accessibility and support for consumers dealing with cable and internet service providers.

According to a release from the California Office of the Attorney General, the proposed regulations focus on several key customer service enhancements. High on the list is the requirement for automatic credit following service outages, along with a boost in training for customer service representatives. There's also a discussion about extending hours of service to accommodate varying customer schedules, as well as a call to forbid fees that allow customers to cut ahead in waiting lines.

The need for these changes comes at a time when digital connectivity is increasingly central to our daily lives. "Customer service allows consumers to dispute charges, voice concerns, and ensure businesses are held accountable for providing fair treatment and quality products," Bonta expressed, in a statement obtained by KTLA. Adapting existing requirements, such as live representative assistance, to encompass broadcast satellite, voice, and broadband service providers is also included in the list of demands.

The Attorney General reiterates that the heart of this movement is fairness and accessibility for all consumers. "I am proud today, and every day, to advocate for fairness and accessibility for California consumers," Bonta told the Office of the Attorney General. The initiative extends beyond California—attorneys general from Pennsylvania to Oregon, including states like Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, have joined forces in this advocacy.