Suddenlink hit with class-action suit over Internet charges

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County woman is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit a national cable television company because she was charged the wrong monthly payment.

Laura Alvis filed the suit against Cebridge Telecom WV, doing business as Suddenlink. Alvis filed on behalf of herself and others who were also charged more than they were supposed to be.

The suit claims Suddenlink has taken part in unlawful, deceptive acts, "which involve the incorrect imposition of monthly charges for 384K high-speed Internet service to West Virginia consumers."

The suit says customers who subscribed to the 384K high-speed Internet service were incorrectly charged $39.99 a month instead of $29.99.

Alvis contacted Suddenlink several times in January 2007 prior to filing the case, requesting her bill be changed to the correct price. However, the suit says she was denied the bill change. The mistake in billing is one many customers might not be aware of, the suit says.

"The Class is so numerous that joinder of individual members is impracticable," the suit says. "…a majority of the Class members may be unaware of the illegality of Suddenlink's scheme."

Alvis seeks notice for all customers who might be affected by the incorrect charges, as well as compensatory damages for the overage each customer has paid, which is not to exceed $75,000.

Alvis is being represented by Harry F. Bell, and the case has been assigned to Judge Tod Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-264