Class Action and Antitrust Lawsuits Filed Against Major Telcos Transforming Telecommunications for 373 Million Subscribers
Editorial by Bud Wayne:
I have read the attached Class Action and Antitrust lawsuits and done my own reach. Below is my editorial regarding the two complaints.
Introduction
Join VoIP-
This is a call to action on behalf of every American who has been denied a fundamental choice — a choice that should be theirs by right, not dictated by corporate monopolies. For years, AT&T, T-
It's time to hold these telecom giants accountable. Their forced bundling practices have stifled market competition, resulting in fewer choices and higher costs for consumers nationwide. The impact is especially severe for vulnerable groups, including seniors, low-
Joining the efforts of VoIP-
In addition to the antitrust violations, the defendants have breached four provisions of the U.S. Constitution. As legal advocates, we share a duty to uphold these constitutional principles and protect the rights of our citizens. Taking action against these violations sends a clear message that no company is above the law and that justice will prevail.
Your Voice Matters: A long-
Take Action Now: We urge you to join us in this fight. Write to your State Attorney General, the Chair of the FTC, and the Department of Justice, expressing your support for this two historic almost identical Antitrust Actions. Additionally, show your support by writing directly to Richard Inza at richardinza@gmail.com. Together, we can demand justice, ensure market fairness, and protect millions of Americans from ongoing harm.
Editorial: It's Time to End Telecom Tying Practices — A Fight for Consumer Choice and Fair Competition
Apple and Samsung Owe Their Success to Steve Jobs — Here's Why:
Steve Jobs didn't just revolutionize the tech industry with the iPhone; he transformed the entire telecom landscape, giving companies like AT&T, Verizon, and T-
Who Benefits? The Telecom Giants and Smartphone Manufacturers.
The winners are not consumers but the telecom giants and smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. These companies have mastered the art of inflating prices, charging three times the manufacturing cost of their smartphones. Meanwhile, AT&T, Verizon, and T-
The Reality of Offloading: Profits for Telecoms, Costs for Consumers, and Legal Violations
Offloading refers to the practice of shifting call and data traffic from the carrier's cellular network onto Wi-
The practice of tying cellular calling and texting to Wi-
The Financial Toll on Consumers: Billions in Overcharges Every Year
The burden of these tying practices falls heavily on the 373 million American smartphone subscribers, who are forced to pay for services they don't need. Industry estimates suggest that consumers are collectively overcharged by $60 billion annually due to these unlawful tying practices. This hidden cost inflates the price of communication services for millions of families and individuals who primarily use Wi-
VoIP-
VoIP-
The Influence of Telecom Giants on Market Choices: Stifling Competition and Innovation
Telecom companies have gained substantial control over the market, shaping how services are offered and severely limiting consumer options. Smaller competitors trying to provide standalone Wi-
The Hidden Costs: How Tied Services Drive Up Inflation
The forced tying of services by telecom companies doesn't just hurt individual wallets; it contributes to inflation by driving up the overall cost of living. Let's examine how switching to a standalone Wi-
Economically Vulnerable Family of Four:
For a family of four earning $50,000 per year and currently paying $200 per month for a plan tied with cellular calling, switching to an unlimited Wi-
Item Amount ($)
Current Plan Cost per Month 200
Current Plan Cost per Year 2,400
Wi-
Wi-
Total Monthly Savings 180
Total Annual Savings 2,160
Additional Rebate per Person ($12 x 4 people) 576
Total Net Savings per Year 2,736
Family Net Income per Year 50,000
Savings Percentage 5.47%
Conclusion:
Switching to a Wi-
Economically Vulnerable Individual Subscriber:
For an individual earning $50,000 per year and paying $60 per month for a plan tied with cellular calling, switching to a $6.50 per month Wi-
Item Amount ($)
Current Plan Cost per Month 60
Current Plan Cost per Year 720
Wi-
Wi-
Total Monthly Savings 53.50
Total Annual Savings 642
Additional Monthly Rebate ($12) 144
Total Net Savings per Year 786
Net Income per Year 50,000
Savings Percentage 1.57%
Conclusion:
This individual would save $786 per year, providing an increase of 1.57% to their income. For many, this extra money could help cover essential expenses like medication or groceries. As one subscriber put it, "The savings would make a big difference for me. It feels unfair to pay for services I don't use — having a choice would finally let me control my own costs."
A Call for Legislative Action: The Time for Change Is Now
This isn't just about reducing your bill; it's about ensuring a fair marketplace that prioritizes consumer choice and transparency. The telecom giants have shaped the market in their favor for far too long, using tying practices that inflate costs and violate antitrust laws, including the Sherman and Clayton Acts and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. It's time for lawmakers and regulators to intervene, put an end to these restrictive practices, and promote fair competition.
The message is clear: We deserve better. Consumers should have the freedom to choose the services they need without being forced into paying for tied cellular calling plans. It's time to demand fair competition, protect consumer rights, and end the era of inflated telecom pricing.
Q&A with VoIP-
Q: You're a small "David" taking on these corporate "Goliaths." Isn't this an impossible fight?
A: It might seem like an impossible battle, and yes, the odds are against us. But I've faced long odds before. When we started this journey nearly 20 years ago, many said Wi-
Q: This litigation could drag on for years. Can VoIP-
A: We're fully aware of the challenges ahead. The defendants will likely file dozens of motions, trying to drain our resources and delay the case indefinitely. But we've seen this before. In previous battles, they launched 36 Inter Partes Review (IPR) challenges against us, and we overcame every single one. Succeeding in even one IPR is a significant achievement; overcoming 36 is almost unheard of. This experience has fortified us, and we're prepared for a long fight. We know what it takes to stand our ground.
Q: Which motions do you anticipate will be the most significant challenges?
A: The two most critical motions will be the motion challenging our standing and the motion based on litigious tactics. Let them come. We have a proven track record in defending against these types of motions, and we're ready to present our case. Our experience with the IPR challenges has given us the confidence to face whatever tactics they throw our way.
Q: Aren't you afraid of taking on Silicon Valley and the top three telecom companies?
A: Fear is natural, especially when you're up against some of the most powerful corporations in the world. There were moments of doubt when it felt like we were standing alone against an army. But my commitment to monetizing our shareholders' investments and fighting for the rights of 373 million smartphone subscribers outweighs that fear. The support of my fellow directors and our shared belief in this cause keep me going. This isn't just about VoIP-
The future starts now. Let's build a communications market that puts consumers first, fosters innovation, and ends restrictive practices once and for all.
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