Information Week is reporting that the California Supreme Court has agreed to let a class action suit against T-Mobile proceed.
At issue is the often-reviled early termination fee and phone lockdown that occurs when a subscriber cancels early. As we wrote last week when praising Verizon Wireless, locked phones (owned by the consumer) and early termination fees are the second biggest issue consumers contact us about after excessive roaming charges. Interestingly enough, T-Mobile often ranks as one of the better wireless companies in terms of number of complaints and resolutions. Verizon's actions last week render most of this issue moot, and T-Mobile now has a long way to go.
California, New York, Minnesota and Washington (state) often lead the way on consumer issue legislation and judicial decisions. Now that T-Mobile has appealed to the highest court in the state, this case is moving forward. How the decision is rendered will impact tens of millions of consumers.
Meanwhile, today is also Blog Action Day. If you have one of those old cell phones around the house, don't throw it away. Talk with your local women's center or police department. Many will help you recycle that phone for someone who needs but can't afford their own phone. The phone will typically be limited to dialing emergency numbers only.
You'll not only help our planet, but you could save a life. Be sure to read the other Blog Action Day folks who are sharing their thoughts, helps, tips, hints and exhortations about the environment.
Labels: environment, Information Week, T-Mobile, Verizon
