CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The mother or father firm of certainly one of West Virginia’s largest web suppliers has reached a settlement with the state to resolve 1000’s of shopper complaints.
Underneath the settlement introduced Friday by Lawyer Basic Patrick Morrisey, Altice USA will make $40 million in further upgrades in West Virginia via 2027, present $4 million in credit to prospects’ accounts and pay the state $500,000.
Altice entered into the settlement with out admitting that its practices violated the state Shopper Credit score and Safety Act.
“That is years within the making and an enormous win for the shoppers in West Virginia,” Morrisey stated.
Altice operates in West Virginia below the Optimum model. Suddenlink Communications, Optimum’s former identify, was fined $2.2 million in 2022 by the state Public Service Fee. The PSC discovered that Suddenlink ignored buyer complaints, decreased the variety of full-time staff and its upkeep work and price range, and adjusted its technique of speaking with prospects.
A press release issued by Morrisey’s workplace stated Altice has invested $75 million in infrastructure upgrades within the state since 2021. If the present upgrades aren’t accomplished by 2027, Altice would face further fines of as much as $40 million.
Present prospects who qualify will obtain $25 credit on their accounts. Former prospects can submit a declare to see if they’re eligible for a money refund, the assertion stated.
