WASHINGTON-A Michigan state judge has approved a settlement of a class-action suit against Verizon Wireless entitling about 2 million mobile-phone users in the Detroit area to free airtime and other compensation.
The 1999 lawsuit alleged Verizon Wireless improperly charged subscribers for calls made from mobile phones and landline phones. The settlement agreed to yesterday by Judge Kaye Tertzag covers subscribers back to 1993.
Class members will be given a choice of free wireless minutes, a long-distance calling card or the option of switching to a Verizon Wireless plan that does not include the landline fee at issue.
The dollar value of the settlement is unclear. Plaintiffs’ attorneys will be paid between $2 million and $10 million for legal representation of the class.
Under the terms of the settlement, Verizon Wireless did not admit to any wrongdoing.
