RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein announced millions of dollars will be spent on high-speed internet expansion in areas of the state that need it most.
The attorney general’s office announced a settlement with Frontier Communications on Tuesday that requires the internet service provider to invest $20 million over the next four years to improve internet infrastructure and speeds for North Carolina customers.
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“North Carolinians need affordable, reliable internet to work, learn, access health care and run businesses,” Attorney General Josh Stein said in a release. “We have heard the concerns of Frontier customers for years and I hope these investments will lead to even better service.”
Frontier is the only choice for Internet service in many areas of rural western North Carolina.
In 2021, Stein sued Frontier The state Department of Justice received at least 200 complaints from residents saying their internet was running much slower than Frontier promised them. Stein’s office said a federal court dismissed the state’s claim against Frontier while allowing the FTC’s case against Frontier to proceed. NCDOJ continues to negotiate with Frontier to reach a settlement.
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As part of the settlement, Frontier will also pay $300,000 in damages to customers affected by slowed internet speeds in North Carolina. NCDOJ is currently developing a compensation plan and will contact those eligible to receive payments directly. Frontier will also improve its marketing and messaging to accurately reflect the speeds it offers and provide customers with free and easy cancellation options when advertised speeds are unavailable.
This story will be updated.