Cingular, Verizon hit with class action suits

Customers of Cingular Wireless have filed a lawsuit against the carrier, alleging it crippled services and overcharged former AT&T Wireless subscribers following the merger between the two companies in 2004. According to the suit, which was filed in federal court in Washington D.C., AT&T customers were forced onto Cingular's network after the company began dismantling AT&T's infrastructure. As a result, its customers were forced to buy new phones, transition to higher-cost plans, and pay an $18 transfer fee. For customers that stuck with the old AT&T network and didn't switch, the suit alleges they suffered from poor coverage, while customers who switched to other carriers completely were forced to pay a $175 early termination fee. Cingular is refuting the suit, a spokesman said.

Meanwhile, a class action suit against Verizon Communications claims the carrier has charged a $2 roadside assistance fee since January 2004 without securing customer consent.