When New York’s Public Service Commission ordered Spectrum to pack up and end operations in the state — and even come up with a transition plan within 60 days for switching customers over to a replacement internet / TV provider — I don’t think anyone believed things would actually play out that way. Sure enough, the CEO of Charter (Spectrum’s parent company) says his company is willing to engage in a “lengthy” legal battle in New York if the situation can’t otherwise be resolved outside of a courtroom.
“We believe we’re in compliance with the plain reading of the buildout requirements that the state imposed on us in merger conditions, and we have a very strong legal case and ability to defend ourselves,” said chief executive Tom Rutledge during Charter’s earnings call on Tuesday. “It could play out over a lengthy period of time if required.”
“Just to put it in perspective, we’re operating in 41 states. We have thousands of franchise agreements. Generally, we have good relationships with the communities we serve and we live up to our commitments, and we have in New York State,” he added. “We’re hopeful that we can work all this out, but if necessary, we’ll litigate. And we believe we’re in the right.” Ars Technica reported on the comments today.
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