Qwest sent a bill to collections

And that leads me to a question.  I’ve been arguing with Qwest that I NEVER agreed to a 2 year contract, and should not be subject to an early termination fee($200).  As such, I have been refusing to pay them money on this matter.  They finally sent the bill to a collection agency, that called me a few days ago.  I told them I haven’t seen anything in writing from them, and would not acknowledge anything over the phone.  Got the letter from them today.

I found this DV letter on the forum here, which specifically states that they provide something with my signature on it.  Will the signature part hold up?  When I signed up for this Qwest account, it was over the phone with a third party, that did NOT tell me it was for a 2 year contract.  I never signed anything agreeing to such.  How much leverage do I have to work with, if I never signed anything?

Letter I found:

you

them

6/23/2007

Re: Account xxxx

To whom it may concern:

In an attempt to validate this debt, I must demand proof of this debt, specifically the alleged contract or other instrument bearing my signature, as well as proof of your authority in this matter. Absent such proof, you must correct any erroneous reports on my Trans Union, Experian, and Equifax credit reports of this past debt as mine.

I must ask you to provide the following information:

1. Please evidence your authorization under 15 USC 1692(e) and 15 USC 1692(f) in this alleged matter.
2. What is your authorization of law for your collection of information?
3. What is your authorization of law for your collection of this alleged debt?
4. Please evidence your authorization to do business or operate in this city and state.
5. Please evidence proof of the alleged debt, including specifically the alleged contract or other instrument bearing my signature.
6. Please provide a complete account history, including, all statements, records of all activity, payments, collection attempts, and any charges added for collection activity. In short, any and all documentation pertaining to this account.

You have thirty (30) days from receipt of this notice to respond. Your failure to respond, on point, in writing, hand signed, and in a timely manner, will work as a waiver to any and all of your claims in this matter and that this matter is permanently closed. Provide the proof, or correct the record and remove this invalid debt from all sources to which you may have reported it to.

For the purposes of 15 USC 1692 et seq., this Notice has the same effect as a dispute to the validity of the alleged debt and a dispute to the validity of your claims. This Notice is an attempt to correct your records, and any information received from you will be collected as evidence should further action be necessary. This is a request for information only, and is not a statement, election, or waiver of status.

Thank you,