EarthLink Sues Charter Subsidiary Over Allegedly Misleading Customers To Switch Providers

By Kimberly Chin

EarthLink LLC has sued a Charter Communications Inc. subsidiary, alleging the communications company misled EarthLink subscribers with false information in order to get them to switch internet providers.

EarthLink filed a complaint with the Supreme Court State of New York on Wednesday.

The Atlanta-based internet provider said that Charter Communications Operating LLC had misled EarthLink customers about their internet options in order to win business and reduce competition.

EarthLink said Charter, which operates under the brand name Spectrum, had falsely told EarthLink customers that the company was "out of business," was "taken over," or that EarthLink's internet service wasn't available in markets where it was.

"These false statements have reduced connectivity options for customers when they need it most, damaged EarthLink's reputation and brand, and directly resulted in lost customers," EarthLink said in a statement.

A Charter spokesperson declined to comment.

Under an agreement struck with Charter's predecessor in 2000, EarthLink has paid Charter fees for selling its high-speed data service over Charter's cable network.

EarthLink said it is seeking damages, which could include a portion of the fees it has paid to Charter. The company said it has paid Charter hundreds of millions of dollars to use its cable network and to have the cable operator handle billing and service issues.

Write to Kimberly Chin at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 09, 2020 19:07 ET (23:07 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.