Liars on the Line

Even though the merger won't be consummated until the middle of 2000, Nacchio has already openly speculated about possible future mergers between the new company (to be known as Qwest) and other telecommunications firms like GTE Corporation, Bell South, or even Deutsche Telecom AG of Germany. Any such couplings would undoubtedly make the executives of the new firm even wealthier and dramatically increase the value of their stock.

So whether or not US West's unhappy customers have a chance to tell their stories in Larimer County court sometime next year, the company's top executives will have already pocketed their millions.

False front: For years US West claimed that there was nothing it could do about service problems.

Jonathan Castner

False front: For years US West claimed that there was nothing it could do about service problems.

Details

Previous Westword article

"Bells Are Ringing,"
August 12, 1999
US West put service on the line so it could make the deal.

"Disconnected,"
April 8, 1999
As US West pulls strings at the legislature, it could cut the lines to competition.

"Calling to Collect,"
October 23, 1997
The City of Denver declares war on the state legislature over a telephone bill.

"Circling the Wagons,"
November 7, 1996
Consumer groups are banding together to fight off US West's rate hikes.

"Hide and Seek,"
October 3, 1996.
US West's game: keep its service record hidden from public view while charging the public more money.

"Dial 'M' for Monopoly,"
July 7, 1996
In the brave new world of telecommunications, US West has an ace up its sleeve: the residential phone customer.

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• Sol Trujillo
• Telecommunications Sector
• Technology Sector
• Consumer Protection
• Consumer Complaints

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