Qwest cut off SkyWi抯 services to users in Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Artesia, N.M., Wednesday, in what the incumbent called an accidental violation of two orders by the state Public Regulatory Commission. On Dec. 31, the commission told Qwest to restore SkyWi service that the carrier had cut off the day before and to suspend any disconnections until a federal court rules on a request by SkyWi for an injunction. A decision on the request, which came in an antitrust suit by SkyWi against Qwest, is set for Feb. 11, the smaller company said. Qwest also signed a commission stipulation agreeing it would give 10 days' notice of intent to cut off SkyWi customers. Qwest's interactions with SkyWi and other small ISPs create a "disturbing pattern," said Brian Harris, an assistant state attorney general. A May report that he sent the commission criticized Qwest and other incumbents for their treatment of ISPs in New Mexico and other states. Author Fred Goldstein recounted slamming of broadband customers, improper threats to shut down service, monthly bills exceeding 5,000 pages, billing errors "consistently" favoring Qwest, arbitrary termination liability fees and "an enduring `run-around' when the small business tries to solve the problem with the ILEC."
展开▼
