TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

FCC Expands Probe of Cable Operators: The agency said it is launching an inquiry of 35 more cable TV operators to determine if they violated recently imposed rate rules. The probe is in response to more than 5,000 complaints the FCC has received from consumers and local cable franchising authorities since rate regulations took effect Sept. 1. The rules were aimed at lowering consumer costs but in some cases have had the opposite effect, as cable companies have taken advantage of loopholes in the law.