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Atty. Gen. Teaches Verizon What 'Unlimited' Means

Verizon Wireless has agreed to reimburse over 13,000 subscribers that had their wireless internet service disconnected after "excessively" using their "unlimited" access plans. The New York Attorney General's office called Verizon's marketing tactics "deceptive."

The reimbursement (around $75 each) is to cover the cost of wireless access cards or cell phones bought by consumers to access Verizon's so-called "unlimited" NationalAccess and BroadbandAccess for $59.99 per month.

The New York Attorney General's office said Verizon's "unlimited" plans had hidden restrictions against streaming or downloading video or playing video games, but those restrictions were not clearly presented to subscribers.

Once subscribers reached what Verizon (seemingly arbitrarily) deemed "excessive," they were unable to connect wirelessly to the Internet via phones or modems.

“This settlement sends a message to companies large and small answering the growing consumer demand for wireless services. When consumers are promised an ‘unlimited’ service, they do not expect the promise to be broken by hidden limitations,” said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

“Consumers must be treated fairly and honestly. Delivering a product is simply not enough – the promises must be delivered as well.”

Verizon Wireless also agreed to pay $150,000 to New York state and to revise the company's marketing of its wireless Internet access plans. 

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About the author:
Jason Lee Miller is a WebProNews editor and writer covering business and technology.

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