Avid Telecom
Avid Telecom is an American telecommunications company providing VoIP services, including facilitating robocalling by telemarketers. The company was established in 2000 and is based in Arizona.[1]
Legal challenges
In 2023, it was reported that 48 U.S. states and the District of Columbia were suing Avid Telecom in relation to robocalling, with Alaska and South Dakota being the only states not participating.[2][3][4] It is alleged that Avid Telecom is selling data, phone numbers, dialing software, and advice to its customers, helping them route illegal mass robocalls across the United States.[5][6] From 2018 to 2023, it is alleged that Avid Telecom sent or attempted to send 24.5 billion calls.[1] Based on data from the National Do Not Call Registry, the complainants allege that the company transmitted more than 7.5 billion calls that were spoofed or had invalid caller ID numbers.[7] The company has stated that it will defend itself "vigorously" against the states' allegations.[8]
Additionally, Attorneys General are suing Avid owner Michael Lansky and his company Michael D. Lansky, LLC. Lansky was warned 329 times about spam calls by telecom industry led Traceback Group, who advises providers about illegal robocalls sent via their networks, yet Lansky continued allowing robocalls in alleged violation of TCPA [9]
In May 2024, Avid's motion to dismiss was denied.[10]
References
- ^ a b Brodkin, Jon (2023-05-24). "48 states sue phone company that allegedly catered to needs of robocallers". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ "Do not call: States sue telecom company over billions of robocalls". AP NEWS. 2023-05-23. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Gregg, Aaron (2023-05-24). "Telecom company sued by nearly every state over billions of robocalls". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Gagosz, Alexa. "48 states, D.C. file lawsuit against Avid Telecom over billions of illegal robocalls - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
- ^ Olaniran, Christian (2023-05-23). "Maryland sues Avid Telecom over alleged robocall scheme". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Ash, Sarah (2023-05-23). "Delaware AG announces lawsuit against VoIP service provider over billions of illegal robocalls". 47abc. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Braun, Michael (2023-05-24). "Florida in suit vs. Avid Telecom over billions of illegal robocalls". WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Feiner, Lauren (2023-05-23). "Nearly 50 state AGs sue company that allegedly facilitated billions of spam calls". CNBC. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ "Attorney General Neronha sues telemarketer Avid Telecom over illegal robocalls". Rhode Island Attorney General. 2023-05-23. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- ^ Case 4:23-cv-00233-CKJ, 2024-05-08.