Bell Mobility loses bid to end $6M N.W.T. lawsuit over 911 fees

Cellphone provider Bell Mobility has failed in its bid to get a Yellowknife man's $6-million class-action lawsuit tossed out of court, clearing the way for a court battle over the company's 911 fees.

Contractor James Anderson filed the lawsuit against Bell Mobility in 2007, saying that he took exception to being charged 75 cents a month for 911 service, when there is no 911 service in the Northwest Territories.

Anderson filed his suit on behalf of all Bell Mobility customers, including those who live in rural areas, who are being charged for non-existent 911 service.

In the Northwest Territories Supreme Court, lawyers for Bell Mobility argued that Anderson's case did not meet minimum legal requirements for a lawsuit.

In a decision dated Oct. 30, however, Justice John Vertes said the lawsuit met all requirements.

He awarded Anderson costs for defending the legitimacy of his lawsuit, and the case will go to court again on May 11.