Ariz. Attorney Gen. Janet Napolitano urged state regulators to de...

with customers in the right way.” Napolitano cited lawsuit her office filed against Qwest in Oct. that charged cramming and deliberate misrepresentation of its services and rates in ads and in direct customer contacts. Suit also alleged Qwest set up its customer service operations in manner that made it hard for customers to obtain relief. Qwest has denied charges and filed motion to dismiss case, spokesman saying “excellent customer service is our top priority.” Napolitano also cited slamming lawsuit her office filed against Qwest last year that was settled out of court with consent agreement. Unless Qwest cleans up its act and deals fairly with consumers, she said, its long distance entry wouldn’t be in public interest. Napolitano acknowledged this was first time she had involved AG’s office in public policy matter: “It is unusual, but it’s important [for consumers] that we do this.” Meanwhile, commission continued its review of Qwest’s Telecom Act checklist compliance, ruling company had complied with Point 3 (access to poles, ducts and conduits) and Point 7 (access to directory assistance and 911 databases).