Altice to spend millions on internet upgrades in settlement with West Virginia

Settlement Details - Altice US has agreed to a settlement with West Virginia, involving $40 million in additional infrastructure upgrades through 2027 [4] - The company will provide $4 million in credits to customer accounts and pay the state $500,000 as part of the settlement [4] - Current customers who qualify will receive $25 credits, while former customers can submit claims for potential cash refunds [3] Historical Context - Altice, operating under the Optimum brand in West Virginia, was fined $2.2 million in 2022 for ignoring customer complaints, reducing full-time employees, and cutting maintenance work and budget [2] - The company has invested $75 million in infrastructure upgrades in the state since 2021 [3] Future Commitments - If the current upgrades are not completed by 2027, Altice could face additional fines of up to $40 million [3] - The settlement is seen as a significant win for West Virginia consumers, according to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey [4]