New York, NY: US mobile network operator AT&T Inc has announced a proposed settlement of class action lawsuits which related to certain billing practices of AT&T Wireless Services Inc.
The company said that AT&T Wireless Services Inc no longer exists, having been merged out of existence when it combined with Cingular in 2004. The settlements do not concern the practices of Cingular Wireless or AT&T Mobility.
The class actions concern alleged billing practices of AT&T Wireless Services and other entities including Santa Barbara Cellular Systems Ltd (AWS) specifically charges for mMode Data Services, ENH Discount International Dial (EDID), out-of-cycle billing and the Universal Connectivity Charge. In all allegations, the subscribers may not have authorised the charge or may not have understood the disclosure relating to the charges.
AT&T denies the allegation but have offered to settle to avoid the cost of litigation. The proposals offer individuals who are part of the class action lawsuits small sums in settlement of each specific allegation, where appropriate: USD8 relating to mMode claims; USD10 for EDID claims; USD8 or a 250 minute AT&T Phone Card for out-of-cycle billing claims; and USD7 for UCC claims.
The total cost of the proposed settlement has not been disclosed. The court will hold a hearing on 15 November 2010 to consider the fairness of the proposed settlement, but subscribers who wish to take advantage of the proposed settlement must submit a claim by 13 February 2011.
