CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The parent company of one of West Virginia’s largest Internet providers has reached a settlement with the state to resolve thousands of consumer complaints.

Under the agreement announced Friday by Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Altice USA will make $40 million in additional upgrades in West Virginia through 2027, provide $4 million in customer account credits and pay the state $500,000.

Altice entered into the settlement without admitting that its practices violate the state Consumer Credit and Protection Act.

“This is years in the making and a huge win for West Virginia consumers,” Morrisey said.

Altice operates in West Virginia under the Optimum brand. Suddenlink Communications, the former name of Optim, was $2.2 million fine in 2022 by the State Public Services Commission. The PSC found that Suddenlink ignored customer complaints, reduced the number of full-time employees and its maintenance and budget work, and changed its method of communicating with customers.

A statement issued by Morrisey’s office said Altice has invested $75 million in infrastructure improvements in the state since 2021. If current upgrades are not completed by 2027, Altice would face additional fines of up to $40 million.

Existing customers who qualify will receive $25 credits in their accounts. Former customers can file a claim to see if they are eligible for a cash refund, the statement said.