Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that $10.25 million has been secured in three multistate settlements with the largest wireless carriers in the United States. The settlements are aimed at resolving investigations by 50 attorneys general into deceptive and misleading advertising practices.

Ohio is set to receive more than $478,000 under the agreements with AT&T Mobility, Cricket Wireless, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless, and TracFone Wireless.

"In a time when we rely heavily on our phones to stay connected, it's unacceptable to make false promises about what consumers might expect from their wireless carriers," Yost said. "Ohioans deserve transparency and honesty from telecommunications companies, and this agreement ensures that they will receive just that."

The settlements stipulate that the wireless carriers must change their advertising and business practices going forward. This includes avoiding vague claims of "unlimited" data, unclear offers of "free" phones, and undisclosed conditions for monetary incentives for switching carriers.

Under the terms of the agreements, the carriers are required to:

- Ensure all future ads are truthful, accurate and not misleading.

- Clearly disclose restrictions on “unlimited” data plans.

- Transparently disclose incentives for switching carriers.

- Clearly disclose all material terms and conditions for consumers to receive “free” devices or services.

- Explicitly state when an offer involves a lease agreement.

- Justify claims of cost savings with clear comparisons.

- Appoint a dedicated employee to handle consumer complaints from Attorneys General offices.

- Train customer service staff to comply with these agreements.

To view Ohio’s agreement with AT&T Mobility and Cricket Wireless click here. To view Ohio’s agreement with T-Mobile click here. To view Ohio’s agreement with Cellco dba Verizon Wireless and TracFone click here.

For media inquiries please contact Hannah Hundley at 614-906-9113.