OLYMPIA, Wash.-Lumen will send payments to Washington telephone customers to resolve two investigations into its cutting off of service during the pandemic.
The Office of Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced on Dec. 28, that Lumen will pay a total of $825,000 to 1,099 customers who had their telephone service disconnected in violation of the emergency health and safety moratorium during the COVID pandemic.
The moratorium preserved communication during the pandemic for telephone customers, including rural Washingtonians without cellphones or consistent service, according to the AG’s Office.
“Lumen’s conduct resulted in Washingtonians losing a critical lifeline during the pandemic,” Attorney General Ferguson said.
According to a press release on the payments, Lumen will provide customers with $707.55 for each unlawful disconnection from telephone service they experienced between March 23, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021.
Lumen customers that will be receiving payments will be notified by the AG’s Office explaining the situation and why they are eligible for repayment.
A check will be sent in the mail to former Lumen customers, and current customers will receive a credit on their bill. Checks are expected to be mailed by Feb. 10.
Lumen must also verify with the AG’s Office that it has refunded all reconnection and late fees the company charged to more than 35,000 customers during the pandemic, according to the AG’s press release.
“This outcome compensates Washingtonians who were harmed, provides accountability for unlawful conduct, and reduces the likelihood of similar conduct in the future,” said AG Ferguson.
