About the Altice Class Action Settlement

Consumers filed a class action lawsuit saying that Altice USA, Inc. (“Altice”) violated state consumer protection laws when it advertised and promised a particular flat monthly rate for its broadband internet and television services under its Optimum and Suddenlink Communications brands but then charged customers certain additional fees. Specifically, the consumers who filed the lawsuit (the “Plaintiffs”) argue that internet customers were charged a Network Enhancement Fee or Network Access Surcharge (“Network Fee”), and TV customers were charged a Broadcast Station Programming Surcharge and/or a Sports Programming Surcharge (“TV Fees”). Plaintiffs say that these fees were inadequately disclosed and improperly raised customers’ rates, even during promised fixed-rate promotional periods or contracts. The defendants in the case (Altice, Cebridge Telecom CA, LLC d/b/a Suddenlink Communications and Optimum, and CSC Holdings, LLC d/b/a Optimum) deny any liability or wrongdoing. The court has not decided the case or whether the plaintiffs or the defendants are right.

What does the Altice Class Action Settlement Provide?

If approved by the court, the Settlement releases the claims of all Class Members related to the lawsuit and Class Members acknowledge that Altice can continue to charge and adjust the amounts of the Network Fee and TV Fees going forward. In exchange, the defendants will establish a Settlement Fund valued in the amount of up to $15,000,000 (depending upon the number of valid claims filed). Class Members who file valid claims will receive one of the following amounts:

• If you paid a Network Fee and a TV Fee during the Class Period and are a current customer of Defendants you shall receive $27.50;
• If you paid a Network Fee and a TV Fee during the Class Period and are a former customer of Defendants you shall receive $20.00;
• If you paid a TV Fee only during the Class Period and are a current customer of Defendants you shall receive $15.00;
• If you paid a Network Fee only during the Class Period and are a current customer of Defendants you shall receive $12.50;
• If you paid either a Network Fee or TV Fee during the Class Period and are a former customer of Defendants you shall receive $10.00.

These amounts will be decreased on a pro-rata basis if the Settlement Fund is not sufficient to pay all claims after deducting any court-approved amounts for the cost of settlement administration (up to $1,300,000), attorneys’ fees and costs, and incentive awards to the class representatives. The deadline to submit a claim is September 5, 2023.

For more information about the Altice Class Action Settlement please go to: https://www.OptimumSuddenlinkFeeSettlement.com, which explains how to file a claim, exclude yourself from the settlement or object.  You may also contact us.