WASHINGTON-A state appeals court has agreed to review a record $12 million fine levied by California regulators against Cingular Wireless L.L.C. in 2004.
“Cingular is encouraged to hear that the California Court of Appeal has agreed to hear our case,” said a Cingular spokesman. “Cingular has stated all along that we will vigorously pursue all options available to challenge the legal and policy errors in the CPUC investigation covering the period of January 1, 2000 to May 1, 2002. The court of appeal case raises substantial legal errors for consideration. This is the next step to seek a full and fair hearing. We stand by our long-held commitment to provide our millions of California customers with top-notch, quality service.”
In September 2003, following a three-year investigation, a CPUC administrative law judge proposed a $12 million fine against Cingular for allegedly charging early-termination fees and prohibiting refunds during a period when the mobile-phone carrier aggressively marketed its service without disclosing network problems to customers. The CPUC affirmed the fine the following year.
