Coakley: Verizon pays $1.3M to resolve allegation the company overcharged Massachusetts

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley says Verizon has paid more than $1.3 million to resolve an allegation that the company overcharged the state for telecommunications services under a statewide procurement contract.

Coakley says the settlement resolves a lawsuit pending in Hampshire Superior Court and also requires Verizon to make additional payment offers to towns, cities and others affected by the alleged overbilling.

Verizon did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement.

Verizon has a contract with the state to provide telephone services to government entities at specific rates. Coakley says the company allegedly invoiced certain state contract customers for a variety of items and services at rates higher than those permitted by the contract.