Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, is pressing for automatic refunds for Optimum customers affected by blackouts of MSG Networks. These blackouts stem from a contract dispute between Altice USA, the owner of Optimum, and MSG Networks. The blackout has prevented consumers in the tri-state area from accessing sports channels they paid extra for.

In their letter to Altice, the attorneys general demanded that customers who lost access to MSG channels receive automatic refunds. Attorney General Platkin stated, "We urge Optimum and MSG to resolve their dispute and end the blackout so that New Jersey consumers can once again access the services they paid for to watch their favorite local teams play."

Attorney General James highlighted the frustration faced by sports fans in New York: "New York sports fans are being put in the penalty box, forced to shell out their hard-earned money for television channels they cannot even watch." She emphasized her commitment to finding a solution for affected New Yorkers.

Attorney General Tong expressed similar concerns: "Optimum and MSG need to stop the posturing and get back to the table. Figure it out and let us watch our sports in peace." He also insisted on immediate refunds for consumers unable to view these sports events.

Since January 2025, Altice has blocked access to MSG channels for its Optimum cable plan customers. These channels offer exclusive coverage of teams such as the New Jersey Devils, New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres.

The attorneys general continue to push Altice for automatic refunds as compensation for impacted customers.