AT&T sued over mobile Web access
A Stamford man is the lead plaintiff in a law suit that accuses AT&T Inc. of illegally charging sales tax for Internet access on mobile devices in Connecticut.
David Rock is represented by Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, which is seeking class-action status for the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport.
“This is one of more than a dozen similar lawsuits filed this week in other states nationwide,” said Michael Koskoff, a partner with the firm, in a written statement. “Connecticut law does impose sales tax on telecommunications services but the law specifically excludes Internet access from sales tax, in accordance with federal law. Despite this prohibition, AT&T for years has improperly and illegally charged Connecticut consumers sales tax on Internet access.”
AT&T stated it is in compliance with all tax laws.
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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded Connecticut $1.8 million, which the state will use to develop an interactive state map showing broadband availability, and for further developing a state broadband plan.
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“It is a quality-of-life issue that requires we continue to move forward with a cutting-edge technology and establish Connecticut as a leader in broadband usage,” said Gov. M. Jodi Rell, in a prepared statement. “Broadband plays an increasingly important role in our ability to attract and retain business and industry.”