Nextel Mexico ordered to compensate 3mn customers

Nextel has been ordered by a Mexico City court to compensate more than 3mn customers for improper service charges that the company has been collecting since 2012, according to a press release from Mexico's consumer protection agency (Profeco).

The Mexican capital's second district court in civil matters determined that Nextel should repair the quantifiable damage caused to each consumer between 2012 and the conclusion of the trial.

The class action was launched by Profeco in 2013 and was originally filed over alleged improper charges and services that were not delivered as advertised.

Rafael Ochoa Morales, head of Profeco said, "This is the first favorable ruling on consumer loans [in Mexico], marking a historic event and an important precedent in the matter."

To receive compensation, those affected must prove that they purchased one of the specialized mobile services offered by Nextel's suppliers.

Earlier this year, Profeco reported that 802 complaints over telecom services were filed since 4Q15. The agency also filed a suit against cable operator Megacable Holdings, due to several recorded hours of service failures across the country.