Sprint Nextel Settles Minn. Lawsuit Over Contracts

MARTIGA LOHN

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota customers of Sprint Nextel Corp. who think their cell phone contracts were extended without their say-so can file for refunds of early termination fees under a legal settlement announced Monday.

State Attorney General Lori Swanson said her office will accept claims through March 15. Swanson spokesman Ben Wogsland said about 400,000 Minnesota customers who signed contracts with Sprint Nextel since Sept. 26, 2001 are potentially eligible.

The agreement ends a two-year-old consumer protection lawsuit that started with Swanson seeking restitution and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per incident. She settled for an agreement with the cell phone giant to review claims of improper cancellation penalties and reverse or refunds some of the fees.

Sprint spokesman Matt Sullivan declined to estimate how many customers might get refunds.

"If there's no indication that the customer consented and the contract was extended, then a refund will be provided," Sullivan said. "If there's evidence in the history that the customer did provide consent, then the early termination fee will stand."