CenturyLink sued by long distance provider

GRETNA – A telephone service provider is being sued for allegedly allowing several customers' long distance phone service to be changed without their consent.

Telecom Management Inc. and Pioneer Telephone filed suit against CenturyLink Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 27.

Telecom Management Inc. and Pioneer Telephone alleges that on Jan. 28, 2013 they were notified that many of their customers had their long distance phone service switched or in some cases removed altogether and that CenturyLink was working as the local switch provider. The plaintiff asserts that neither they nor their affected customers authorized the transfer of service. Telecom Management Inc. and Pioneer Telephone claims the changes were made without consent and are defined under law as an illegal practice termed “slamming” and that the incident occurred due to the negligence or fault of CenturyLink.

After the incident occurred Telecom Management Inc. and Pioneer Telephone assert they had to work to get the service of 2,400 customers switched back which cost them $18,000 and resulted in a loss of income stream of at least $5,000.

The defendant is accused of violation of Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

Damages in the amount of $23,000 are sought by the plaintiff.

Telecom Management Inc. and Pioneer Telephone are represented by Edward P. Gothard of Metairie-based Nowalsky & Gothard.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 734-988.