Cohen Milstein Hausfeld & Toll Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Verizon Online and Verizon DSL Access Service.

Business Editors, Legal Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2001

Cohen Milstein Hausfeld & Toll, P.L.L.C., today filed a class action lawsuit against Verizon Communications, Inc. and Verizon Internet Services, Inc. in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on behalf of all purchasers of the Verizon Online and Verizon DSL Access Service.

The complaint alleges that Verizon Internet Services, Inc. promised to provide ultra high-speed Internet access through digital subscriber lines ("DSL"). Verizon guaranteed the availability of this service, with the exception of regularly scheduled maintenance. Verizon customers, however, have not had uninterrupted access to the Internet. To the contrary, Verizon customers have experienced significant access disruptions and significant delays in obtaining technical service. The complaint alleges that Verizon and was aware that it would be unable to provide DSL service as promised and knew that its customers would experience significant disruptions and significant delays in obtaining technical support.

Verizon aggressively markets its high-speed DSL access service, signing up more than 3,000 new customers per day. However, many of these customers have experienced serious disruptions in their Internet service or significant delays in obtaining technical service. Indeed, Cohen Milstein partner Gary E. Mason stated, "These problems are so severe that entire websites are dedicated to airing grievances about Verizon DSL." Further, Mason noted, "Verizon is acutely aware of these service interruptions and service delays, yet has failed to disclose these problems to current and potential customers." As a result, Mason added, "This class action is aimed at not only compensating Verizon customers for poor service, but also at preventing Verizon from continuing to sell DSL internet access until these problems are resolved."

Cohen Milstein Hausfeld & Toll has significant experience in prosecuting plaintiffs' lawsuits involving threats to public safety, product defects and consumer fraud including class actions involving defective hardboard siding, polybutylene pipe and deceptive credit card schemes. The firm was appointed co-lead counsel in the national diet drug litigation and has served as lead counsel or co-lead counsel on numerous class antitrust and securities class actions. Cohen Milstein has offices in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, Washington and is active in major litigation pending in federal and state courts throughout the country.