Bell Mobility, et al.

A class action lawsuit filed against Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, Aliant Inc., Rogers Wireless Inc., Microcell Telecommunications Inc. and SaskTel has been dismissed by a Regina, Saskatchewan judge, although the judge concluded there are grounds to file a future class action suit. The Merchant Law Group of Regina filed the suit against five of Canada's largest cell phone companies alleging that the companies misrepresented and falsely advertised a system-access fee that they charge their customers every month. The fee appears on customer bills as a charge of $6.95, and it totals an estimated $800 million or more every year. Most companies claim the user fee covers maintenance, government licensing fees and regulatory costs. (Jul-21-06) [CBC NEWS]