Verizon New Jersey, Inc.

A class action lawsuit was filed against the telecommunications company for allegedly continuing to bill customers for circuits that no longer existed. The case claimed Verizon continued to charge clients in the state of New Jersey for non-switched analog circuits even though the circuits had been destroyed or otherwise ceased to function. A New Jersey court approved a groundbreaking statewide settlement. Under the terms of the settlement, "all New Jersey customers billed for non-switched analog circuits will be notified by Verizon. Customers can request that their circuits be disconnected and, if they believe that Verizon took the circuit out of service, have the right to request that Verizon technicians conduct an on-site inspection of the wiring. Following this inspection, if it is determined that the circuit is unusable, the customer will receive a refund of two years' worth of charges. Customers whose circuits are usable or that were destroyed may request that charges cease immediately." (Aug-01-06) [MARKET WIRE]