[U S WEST and Qwest Say AT&T, MCI Lawsuit Not Only Seeks to Block Competition, But Will also Hurt Thousands of Customers]
More Than 40,000 Customers Have Signed Up for U S WEST Buyer's Advantage Program Which Offers Local Service from U S WEST and Option of Long Distance from Qwest
DENVER, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- U S WEST Communications and Qwest Communications today accused AT&T, MCI and several other telecommunications companies of attempting to stifle greater consumer choice in filing a lawsuit against U S WEST's Buyer's Advantage program.
"The big long-distance companies are clearly more interested in protecting their turf than looking out for the interests of customers," said Solomon D. Trujillo, president and CEO of U S WEST Communications. "As of today, more than 40,000 customers have signed up for this program, because they want greater convenience and choice. By filing this suit, AT&T, MCI, and others are thumbing their nose at those consumers."
"Our new program meets both the spirit and letter of the Telecommunications Act. Contrary to what AT&T and MCI would have people believe, the Act wasn't intended to deny customers new choices and services, especially from an aggressive new provider like Qwest," said Trujillo.
"Qwest and U S WEST have come together to provide value and choice for customers," said Joseph P. Nacchio, president and CEO of Qwest Communications. "It's sad, but not surprising, that the major carriers are acting in lockstep to block the intent of the Telecom Act to stimulate competition. AT&T and MCI's average revenue per minute is 40% higher than the Qwest long distance offer. The facts speak volumes."
Addressing legal issues raised by the lawsuit, Lloyd Cutler, senior partner at the prestigious Washington D.C. law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, and former White House counsel for Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, states, "Buyer's Advantage complies with all applicable laws, is pro-competitive and is good for consumers."
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