Bell Atlantic set to pay big fine in Pennsylvania
Article Abstract:
Bell Atlantic Corp says its Bell of Pennsylvania telephone company will pay $42 million to settle charges involving 'deceptive techniques' used to sell customers more services than they wanted. The two-year lawsuit, by the Pennsylvania attorney general and consumer advocate offices, accused the phone company of selling services - such as call waiting, speed dialing and wire-maintenance plans - without explaining prices or informing customers when the services were optional. According to Attorney General Ernie Preate, Jr, packages of optional services were recommended without regard to a consumer's habits or ability to pay. Terms of the settlement require Bell of Pennsylvania to pay $36.4 million in refunds to about 1.5 million residential customers, $5 million to a telephone education fund and $450,000 to the state.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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Ameritech is planning to concentrate on developing international markets
Article Abstract:
Ameritech will focus on developing growth in international markets and in non-telephone services in an effort to increase profitability. Ameritech has recently undergone a restructuring program that included outlining a new strategic direction for the firm, as well as trimming the firm's workforce. Ameritech is behind other Bell companies in entering the international market because its core business has been consistently strong. Fewer growth opportunities at home in recent years have stirred the firm into bidding on cellular contracts in West Germany and Mexico. Now the firm says it will concentrate on opportunities in Latin America, Australia and Eastern Europe. At home the firm plans on installing major fiber optic rings around five of its major urban areas in an effort to keep corporate business.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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