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link to www.awssettlement.com]
You may be part of a Class Action against AT&T and in line for a payment.
Overview
Proposed settlements have been reached in several class actions that challenge the following alleged former billing practices of AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., a company that was merged out of existence in 2004, and certain related entities, including Santa Barbara Cellular Systems, Ltd. ("AWS"):
1. charges for mMode Data Service ("mMode"), if the subscriber did not authorize the charges or understand the disclosures about the charges;
2. charges for ENH Discount International Dial ("EDID"), if the subscriber did not authorize the charges or understand the disclosures about the charges;
3. charges for cellular telephone calls during a billing period other than the billing period in which the calls were made (“Out-of-Cycle Billing”), if the subscriber did not understand the disclosures about the charges; and
4. imposition of the Universal Connectivity Charge (“UCC”), if the subscriber was not aware at the time of subscribing that the UCC would be charged (collectively, the “Settled Claims”).
The representative plaintiffs claim that these practices violate the Federal Communications Act and consumer protection laws of California, Washington, and other states and territories of the United States. AWS strongly denies the representative plaintiffs’ claims of any wrongdoing, but has agreed to settle to avoid the burden and cost of further litigation. The Settlements do not concern the practices of Cingular Wireless or AT&T Mobility. You may be a Class Member if you were an AWS subscriber after March 1, 1999.
For a more detailed explanation of the Settlements, view the Long Form Class Notice.
Legal Rights and Choices:
Submit a Claim
This is the only way to receive a payment. You may be eligible for money or compensation if approved. You will be bound by the terms of the Settlements and give up your right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlements.
Ask to be Excluded
You can opt out of the Settlements and will not be eligible for money or compensation from the Settlements. But you keep your right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlements. For further details on how to opt-out, please see Question 13 of the Long Form Class Notice or the Frequently Asked Questions on this website.
Submit an Objection
You write to the Court and explain why you do not like the Settlements. You may appear and speak at the Fairness Hearing on your own or through your own lawyer to object to or comment on the Settlements. You will be bound by the terms of the Settlements, and you give up your right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlements. For further details on filing an objection, please see Question 14 of the Long Form Class Notice or the Frequently Asked Questions on this website.
Do Nothing
You receive no money or compensation. You give up your right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlements.
Fairness Hearing
The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 15, 2010, at 12:00 noon in Courtroom 5 of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, located at 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The Court will consider if:
* The Settlements are fair, reasonable, and adequate;
* The Settlements should be approved; and
* There are any valid objections to the Settlements.
Your attendance at the Fairness Hearing is not required even if you submit a written objection or comment. However, you or your attorney may attend the hearing at your own expense.
Please note the following important dates: Date Event
September 15, 2010
Deadline to File Motion for Attorneys' Fees
(available on the Notices page after September 16, 2010)
September 29, 2010
Exclusion Deadline (postmarked)
September 29, 2010
Objection Deadline (received)
October 15, 2010
Deadline to File Motion for Final Approval of Settlements
(available on the Notices page after October 16, 2010)
February 13, 2011
Claim Form Deadline (postmarked or submitted online)
November 15, 2010
at 12:00 noon
Fairness Hearing & Hearing on Motion for Attorneys' Fees
United States
