Bluetooth technology allows electronic devices to connect to each other without wires or cables, allowing for the easier transfer of data between devices. Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications and Vodafone, began offering a Bluetooth-enabled phone in August. But two California residents complain that its Bluetooth functions were disabled.
This "degraded" phone, according to the lawsuit, requires a customer to buy other Verizon services to replace the Bluetooth capabilities that were supposed to be part of the phone's standard features.
Speaking to eWeek, company spokeswoman Brenda Raney explained that the functions had been disabled so as not to fall foul of contractual agreements the company had with content providers. She did not comment specifically on the suit.
The lawsuit seeks class action status and damages.