On May 29, 2012, the lead plaintiffs in the putative class action suit against Verizon Wireless for charging allegedly unlawful $5 late fees and $15 “reconnection fees” filed an unopposed motion seeking approval of a settlement agreement that would resolve the case. Under the settlement agreement, Verizon would pay $10 million, up to 30% of which would go to plaintiffs’ counsel. The suit was stayed in 2009 when the court offered the FCC a chance to resolve the preemption issue that Verizon raised as a defense to the state law claims. After the FCC did nothing in response to the referral, the parties reached settlement, explaining that, “Given the certainty of indefinite delay while awaiting action by the Federal Communications Commission, and the uncertainties associated with continuing litigation, this settlement is a significant victory for the class and merits preliminary approval by the court.” The settlement class would cover Verizon Wireless customers who paid the challenged late fees between June 12, 2003, and April 26, 2012, and the reconnect fees between December 1, 2004, and April 26, 2012. Ruwe v. Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, No. 07-cv-03679 (N.D. Cal.).