Client Altice Prevails On Appeal In Cable Act Preemption Case
News
October 25, 2021
Jenner & Block represents Altice USA Inc. in a case challenging state efforts to require cable operators to sell a partial month of service to customers who cancel their subscriptions. Such efforts violate the federal Cable Act’s preemption of state and local regulation of cable rates.
On October 15, a New Jersey state appeals court invalidated the state cable regulator’s order that Altice must prorate customers’ final bills. The decision backed a federal judge's determination that the mandate encroaches upon federal law. Jenner & Block also represented Altice in that action.
The two-judge Appellate Division panel’s decision allows Altice to enforce its “whole month” billing policy, where customers who cancel service before the month’s end do not get a refund. That practice drew a cease-and-desist order from the state’s Board of Public Utilities.
The team representing Altice includes Partners Matthew S. Hellman and Howard J. Symons and Associates Alex Langlinais and Allison M. Tjemsland. Senior Paralegal Cheryl Olson and Practice Assistant Beth Gulden provided valuable support.
News of the panel’s decision was reported by Law360.
This is one of four federal lawsuits that Jenner & Block has been handling on behalf of major cable companies and the trade association that will shape the future of cable regulation. In May, we secured a victory in the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.
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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News
October 25, 2021
Jenner & Block represents Altice USA Inc. in a case challenging state efforts to require cable operators to sell a partial month of service to customers who cancel their subscriptions. Such efforts violate the federal Cable Act’s preemption of state and local regulation of cable rates.
On October 15, a New Jersey state appeals court invalidated the state cable regulator’s order that Altice must prorate customers’ final bills. The decision backed a federal judge's determination that the mandate encroaches upon federal law. Jenner & Block also represented Altice in that action.
The two-judge Appellate Division panel’s decision allows Altice to enforce its “whole month” billing policy, where customers who cancel service before the month’s end do not get a refund. That practice drew a cease-and-desist order from the state’s Board of Public Utilities.
The team representing Altice includes Partners Matthew S. Hellman and Howard J. Symons and Associates Alex Langlinais and Allison M. Tjemsland. Senior Paralegal Cheryl Olson and Practice Assistant Beth Gulden provided valuable support.
News of the panel’s decision was reported by Law360.
This is one of four federal lawsuits that Jenner & Block has been handling on behalf of major cable companies and the trade association that will shape the future of cable regulation. In May, we secured a victory in the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.
Related Attorneys
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
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