CHARLESTON – U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver has stayed discovery in a proposed class action against AT&T while he decides whether to order arbitration.
AT&T moved in August to compel arbitration and stay discovery.
Copenhaver granted the stay in a Dec. 5 order.
He gave plaintiff lawyer Harry Bell of Charleston 10 days to respond to the motion to compel arbitration.
Bell alleged in 2006 that Cingular Wireless improperly charged a roadside assistance fee to customers who didn't request the service.
AT&T argues that Cingular's customer contracts required arbitration of disputes.
Jeffrey Wakefield of Charleston represents AT&T, which bought Cingular.
Copenhaver pondering arbitration in Cingular case
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