Connecticut Attorney General William Tong filed a lawsuit against Altice for charging unlawful 'Network Enhancement Fees' and failing to adequately disclose internet speed limits. The complaint seeks to stop the fees, recover millions for consumers, and address deceptive marketing practices including language barriers.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the Network Enhancement Fees, restitution for consumers who paid the fees, and monetary penalties to the state of Connecticut.
In-house legal teams should review customer service agreements, internet service terms, and marketing material contracts for clauses related to fee disclosure, service speed guarantees, and disclosure clarity. Specifically examine sections on monthly fees, additional charges, advertised speed representations, and language requirements for marketing materials. Changes may be needed to ensure all fees are disclosed upfront before purchase, speed limits are clearly stated in plain language, and marketing materials provide equivalent disclosures in the customer's primary language, especially for Spanish-speaking consumers.
Entity
Altice
Industry
TelecommunicationsOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2024-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-files-suit-against-altice-over-unlawful-network-enhancement-fee
altice complaint 51124 redacted.pdf?rev=d96afa1bb22e4324a247
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2024/altice---complaint---51124_redacted.pdf?rev=d96afa1bb22e4324a24706f9030d2570&hash=A1AD71C51871A233238A939A654771C7
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
"Altice has charged"
"Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act"
"The complaint alleges three categories of violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, including the improper fee, inadequate speed disclosures, and English-language disclosures on Spanish marketing materials."
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of states and local governments in filing suit against NHTSA over its rule weakening fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. The lawsuit alleges the rule violates the agency’s statutory mandate and the Administrative Procedure Act; no penalty or final remedy is reported.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate coalition suing the EPA over its repeal of greenhouse gas pollution limits for power plants and separately filed a notice of intent to sue over regulation of existing gas plants. The coalition asks the court to overturn the repeal and restore the protections; the release reports no monetary penalty or final order.
$400.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. resolving allegations that the generic drug manufacturers conspired to inflate prices, limit competition, and restrain trade. The settlement includes consumer restitution and injunctive reforms; court approval was being sought.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a DHS rule that allows certain affirmative asylum applications to be referred to removal proceedings without an asylum officer interview. The coalition argues the rule violates federal law and harms asylum seekers, including unaccompanied children; this was a policy opposition letter, not a privacy enforcement action.
Connecticut and Massachusetts co-led a coalition protest urging FERC to reject the proposed NextEra Energy-Dominion Energy merger. The coalition argued that the merger could increase market power and threaten energy affordability, reliability, and competition; the release does not report a final enforcement decision or penalty.
Connecticut officials warned residents about potential home improvement scams before an approaching nor’easter, including unlicensed contractors, high-pressure sales tactics, and demands for full payment upfront. The release provides consumer guidance on checking contractors and contract requirements; it does not announce an enforcement action or penalty against a named entity.