More Trouble for Sprint

It seems Sprint has determined that being in trouble is the way to success. Or at least that is the way it seems. Their latest is the following –

Verizon Communications Inc. sued Sprint Nextel Corp. in Delaware federal court, accusing the No. 3 mobile-phone operator of failing to pay nearly $10 million in interconnection charges. A lot of money, but the Verizon-Sprint Nextel spat actually pales in comparison to bigger interconnection controversy playing out at the Federal Communications Commission and in the states — one with an unexpected twist.

“Verizon has repeatedly attempted to resolve this dispute short of litigation,” the lawsuit stated. “Yet these attempts, made over many months and through both written and personal communications, have been fruitless. Accordingly, Verizon has been forced to seek relief from this court.”

Verizon said the money owed by Sprint Nextel is for services in mostly eastern states that are subject to tariffs filed with the FCC.

“Because Verizon’s claims in this matter are running up against a two-year statute of limitations, this complaint comes as no surprise — this is simply a standard legal maneuver by Verizon to preserve their legal claim against us,” said John Taylor, a Sprint Nextel spokesman. “We remain hopeful that we can resolve this matter without any further legal action by either party.”

Verizon is saying that Sprint has not settled its inter-company charges in a timely manner. Considering the squeeze that Sprint is in right now I am not surprised that they are dragging their feet.

Linky.