CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A significant agreement has been reached between the parent company of one of West Virginia’s major internet service providers and the state, aimed at addressing a multitude of consumer complaints.

On Friday, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced that Altice USA would invest an additional $40 million in the state through 2027 to enhance service offerings. Additionally, the company will provide $4 million in account credits to current customers and pay a sum of $500,000 to the state.

Importantly, Altice entered into this settlement without acknowledging any wrongdoing regarding its adherence to the state’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act.

Attorney General Morrisey expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, stating, “This is years in the making and a big win for the consumers in West Virginia.”

In the state, Altice operates under the Optimum brand, following its previous identity as Suddenlink Communications. Earlier in 2022, Suddenlink was penalized with a $2.2 million fine by the West Virginia Public Service Commission, which found that the company had been neglecting customer complaints, reducing the workforce and maintenance efforts, and altering its customer communication strategies.

According to a release from Morrisey’s office, Altice has already committed $75 million since 2021 to upgrade its infrastructure within West Virginia. As part of the new agreement, if these additional enhancements are not completed by the 2027 deadline, Altice could incur penalties amounting to an extra $40 million.

Customers currently using Altice’s services may benefit from a $25 account credit if they meet specific qualifications. Moreover, former customers can file a claim to determine their eligibility for a cash refund, as noted in the official statement.