In a New York Minute, Everything Changed for Charter Communications

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The New York State Public Service Commission has moved to kick the largest cable provider, Charter Communications, out of the state, citing Charter’s “repeated failures to serve New Yorkers and honor its commitments,” reported Fortune.  A search of the Inside Towers database showed Charter had 48 constructed towers registered, two of which were in the state of New York; one in Plattsburgh and one in Chatham.

The Commission voted Friday to rescind approval of Charter’s merger with Time Warner Cable. The Commission previously authorized the deal in 2016; The most recent action effectively ends its ability to do business in the state.

Charter also provides internet services in New York. Since 2016, Charter has failed to meet milestones related to an intended expansion of service to 145,000 homes within four years, with a focus on rural areas, according to the account. In June 2018, the Commision fined the company $2 million for failing to meet commitments and with this recent ruling, the tally is now up to $3 million. The state has given the company 60 days to come up with a plan to hand over its customers to other providers—that is, to sell its assets in New York, according to Fortune. Charter has said it will contest the order, calling the state’s actions “politically motivated.”

The Commission cites Charter’s “brazenly disrespectful behavior toward New York State and its customers” in its decision. Charter has been among the U.S. cable providers ranked lowest by its own customers—two million of which are New Yorkers—a situation widely blamed on lack of competition between providers.

July 31, 2018

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