Lumen investing $2M in Arizona infrastructure as ordered in judgment

PHOENIX — Lumen, formerly Century Link, announced planned fiber-optic improvements for rural areas of Arizona as part of a previous consent judgment, according to a press release Friday from Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

The company’s $2 million investment will affect residents in Sonoita, Sedona, Stanfield, Queen Valley, Page and Wilhoit.

Around 17,000 people, hundreds of small businesses, schools, first responders and local government offices are expected to benefit from enhanced internet connectivity and extended cell phone coverage, according to the release.

“COVID-19 has highlighted the drastic need for fast internet, with so many people working from home and children attending school online,” Brnovich said in the release. “Arizonans need a high-speed connection in rural areas, just as much as our big cities.

“Through this investment, Lumen will help expand educational access in our schools, allow for faster access to health and safety resources, and create new job opportunities for Arizonans.”

The nearly $11 million judgment with Century Link in February involved the company allegedly failing to disclose fees and charging customers more than the prices promised in advertisements and sale pitches.

Century Link between 2013 and 2016 promised Arizona consumers around $1.9 million in “closer discounts” that were never received, according to the release.

Along with the investment for fiber-optic improvements, Century Link was forced to refund the $1.9 million directly to the accounts of customers who did not receive the promised discounts and contact customers who no longer had active accounts to ensure compensation.

Century Link also had to stop charging internet cost recovery fees to all new customers and allow existing customers that were paying the fee to switch plans or cancel service without paying an early termination fee, according to the release.

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