Clearwire (NSDQ: CLWR) is being sued by customers in several states, who are alleging that the company is misrepresenting the quality of its wireless broadband network and then charging early-termination fees even if a customer is unable to achieve a reliable service, reports Cellular-News. The plaintiffs from Washington, Hawaii, Minnesota and North Carolina are seeking class action status on behalf of all Clearwire subscribers. A Clearwire spokeswoman told mocoNews that based on company policy, Clearwire does not comment on pending legal matters.

The complaint alleges that although Clearwire advertises its internet service as being reliable and an “always-on” alternative to cable internet or DSL, Clearwire’s internet service is actually far inferior to cable internet and DSL. Clearwire is currently upgrading its network from a proprietary version of WiMax to true mobile WiMax. The lawsuit claims that consumers frequently experience service disruptions, including dial-up speeds and lack of service entirely. The lawsuit was filed in Washington State’s King County by the Washington, D.C. law firm of Tycko & Zavareei and Seattle’s Peterson Young Putra.