Attorney General Gary King's office is urging the Public Regulation Commission to hold hearings  on what it says are unfair billing and business practices by Qwest and Windstream phone companies. The office said smaller Internet service providers are "being bullied."

According to King's office, Assistant Attorney General Brian Harris presented this report to commissioners that outlines the alleged problems with the companies.

The report details how "small New Mexico companies that provide essential Internet services to small towns and cities are being forced out of business or are struggling to stay alive by monopolistic practices of the two largest incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in the state," according to the AG's Office.

 “There exists a market asymmetry right now where small Internet service providers depend on big companies that control what the small companies can offer to their customers,” Harris said in a release. “We are asking the PRC to eliminate this advantage, promote competition and protect consumers by stepping in.”

Here is info straight from the AG's Office on what it says is happening:
 
"Some of the more egregious examples include: A monthly bill that exceeds 5000 pages, billing errors that consistently favor the ILEC, arbitrarily imposed termination liability fees, an enduring “run-around” when the small business tries to solve the problem with the ILEC, improper threats to shut down service, and improper “slamming” of broadband customers.  Many of these businesses, at great expense, have had to devote at least one full time employee simply to trying to decipher the bills.  Some companies have ceased operation, at great dislocation to their customers; others have had their customers experience enormous frustration when they are caught between a phone company and their local ISP."

Anyone out there having or know about these problems?