A locally based company allegedly broke state law by reselling internet service in what the state attorney general described in a lawsuit as a “sham business.”
- The company, Davis Communications Internet Inc., subscribed to business internet plans, then advertised itself as an internet provider in its own right, specifically targeting consumers in rural York County, where internet coverage can be spotty, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry.
- Her office filed suit last week in York County court seeking to block Davis Communications from doing business, forfeit its profits and make restitution to consumers based on violations of state consumer law.
- Davis, owned by David Davis, lists offices in Conewago Township, York County, as well as in Palmyra and Phoenixville.
- Efforts to reach the company and Davis, whose last known address was in Cape Coral, Florida, were not successful.
When was this happening: According to the attorney general, Davis Communications began reselling internet service in 2020, advertising through a now-defunct website.
- The company primarily went after customers in rural areas, offering service at rates between $59.99 and $105.99 per month, the AG said
- When customers signed up, the company levied additional charges for home installation of modems, SIM cards and other equipment.
- Customers experienced internet outages between October 2021 and March 2022 but the company billed them anyway, allegedly ignoring requests for refunds or accusing customers of engaging in “data abuse.”
- In some cases, Davis ended service, occasionally by “falsely claiming” that it no longer provided service in the customer’s area, according to the AG’s office, which said it received numerous complaints.
- “This sham business allegedly targeted consumers off the traditional internet grid and in great need of reliable internet connections.” Henry said in a statement. “My office will always take a stand against businesses that target vulnerable Pennsylvanians.”
The background: State officials have been working for years to expand broadband internet access to rural Pennsylvania.
- According to a report last year, more than 276,000 Pennsylvania households lack access to high-speed internet service. Another 52,000 lack access to reliable service.
- To improve connectivity in the years ahead, state officials are hoping to tap more than $1 billion in federal funding.
- In York County, officials are investing millions of dollars in an effort dubbed YoCo Fiber to bring high-speed internet to rural pockets of the county.
