Billing Policy
Billing Policy
Effective Date: 3/23/26
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This Billing Policy (“Policy”) governs the billing, payment, and account management procedures
for internet/telecommunication services provided by Yurok Telecommunications Corporation
(“Company”) to customers (“Customer” or “Subscriber”). Yurok Telecommunications
Corporation maintains billing and customer service policies designed to promote transparency,
affordability, nondiscrimination, and consumer protection consistent with federal funding
requirements, while respecting tribal sovereignty and applicable federal law.
This Policy is intended to be consistent with generally applicable consumer protection principles
and billing transparency standards, to the extent such standards are consistent with applicable law.
This Policy supplements the Company’s Terms of Service and does not modify or waive any rights
or obligations set forth therein.
2. BILLING CYCLE AND INVOICE
2.1 Billing Period. Customers are billed in advance for the upcoming month of service. For example, an invoice dated January 1st will include charges for services provided from January 1st through January 31st.
2.2 Invoice Delivery. Invoices will be delivered electronically via email to the email address provided during account setup. Customers may request paper billing at no additional charge by contacting Customer Service.
2.3 Billing Date and Due Date. Invoices are generated on or around the first day of each billing
cycle. Payment is due within thirty (30) days of the invoice date unless otherwise specified on the
invoice.
3. PAYMENT TERMS AND METHODS
3.1 Accepted Payment Methods. YTEL accepts the following forms of payment:
• Credit Cards: Visa, Discover, American Express, and Mastercard
For payments made by credit card, the Company does not impose credit card surcharges.
3.2 Payment Submission Options.
Online Payment: Customers may establish an online account through the customer billing system to pay bills via debit or credit card. Customers access this system using the link on YTEL’s webpage.
3.3 Payment Processing. Payments are processed on the date received. Customers are responsible for ensuring timely payment delivery.
3.4 Payment Application. Payments will be applied first to any outstanding past-due balance,
then to current charges.
3.5 Rates. The YTEL Board will approve and publish annual rates and applicable charges for
customers.
4. INSTALLATION AND SETUP FEES
4.1 Current Waiver of Setup Fees. The Company is currently waiving installation and setup fees
for new accounts while grant funding remains available to support broadband access expansion.
4.2 Future Setup Fees. Upon expiration or exhaustion of grant funding, the Company may
implement installation and setup fees. Any installation or setup fees, once implemented, will be disclosed clearly and conspicuously prior to enrollment and included in advertised prices, except for taxes or fees imposed directly by governmental authorities.
5. LATE PAYMENTS AND LATE FEES
5.1 Late Fee Assessment. A late fee of two and one-half percent (2.5%) will be assessed on any
account with an unpaid balance that remains outstanding for more than thirty (30) days after the
invoice due date. Late fees represent a reasonable estimate of the Company’s administrative costs
resulting from late payment and are not intended as a penalty. Late fees will not exceed amounts permitted under applicable law.
5.2 Late Fee Notification. Customers will receive written notice before any late fee is assessed, including the amount owed, the late fee to be charged, and the date by which payment must be received to avoid the late fee.
6. RETURNED PAYMENTS
6.1 Returned Payment Fee. A returned payment fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) will be assessed for
any payment returned due to insufficient funds, closed accounts, or other payment processing failures. Returned payment fees will be assessed only after written notice of the returned payment and in accordance with applicable law. No returned payment fee will be charged where the customer provides documentation qualifying for an exemption available under applicable law. Returned payment fees represent a reasonable estimate of the Company’s actual administrative and processing costs and are not intended as a penalty. No more than one returned payment fee will be assessed per returned payment.
6.2 Payment Resubmission. In the event of a returned payment, the Customer must remit payment
for the original amount due plus the returned payment fee within fifteen (15) days of notification.
7. SERVICE SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION
7.1 Service Suspension for Non-Payment. Internet services may be suspended if an account balance remains unpaid for one-hundred twenty days (120) days or more after the original invoice due date. The Company recognizes the importance of internet access and will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice, payment arrangements, and alternatives before suspending
service for non-payment, consistent with operational needs. Customers with documented emergencies where internet access is essential may contact Customer Service to request temporary postponement of service suspension.
7.2 Pre-Suspension Notice. Prior to any service suspension, the Company will provide written
notice at least ten (10) days in advance, which will include:
• The total amount due
• The date by which payment must be received to avoid suspension
• Information about payment arrangements or financial assistance programs, if available
• Contact information for customer service inquiries
• Information about the customer’s right to dispute charges.
7.3 Service Restoration. Service will be restored within two (2) business days following receipt of full payment of all outstanding charges, including any late fees and reconnection fees (if applicable).
7.4 Account Termination. If payment is not received within thirty (30) days following service
suspension, the Company may terminate the customer account. Termination notice will be
provided in accordance with applicable law. Termination will not occur while a timely billing
dispute is pending, provided the customer pays undisputed amounts.
7.5 Equipment Return Upon Termination. See Section 8 below.
8. EQUIPMENT RETURN AND DEPOSIT POLICY
8.1 Company-Owned Equipment. All equipment provided by the Company, including but not
limited to modems, routers, and related hardware, remains the property of the Company and must
be returned upon service termination or disconnection.
8.2 Return Deadline. Equipment must be returned within thirty (30) days of service termination
or disconnection.
8.3 Return Location. Contact customer support for instructions on where to return equipment:
• Phone: 707-2675272
• Email: communityoutreach@yuroktelecom.com
8.4 Unreturned Equipment Charges. Failure to return equipment within the specified timeframe
will result in charges equal to the retail replacement cost of the unreturned equipment. The
Customer will receive an invoice for unreturned equipment, which is subject to the same payment
terms and collection procedures as service charges. Replacement charges will not exceed the
Company’s actual, reasonable replacement cost.
8.5 Equipment Condition. Equipment should be returned in good working condition, normal
wear and tear excepted. Customers may be charged for equipment that is returned damaged beyond normal use.
9. ACCOUNT DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS
9.1 Multiple Account Policy. The Company does not offer discounts for customers maintaining
multiple accounts.
9.2 Promotional Offers. From time to time, the Company may offer promotional pricing or special offers. Terms and conditions will be clearly disclosed at the time of enrollment. Promotional offers will clearly disclose the duration of the promotion, eligibility criteria, and the price that will apply after the promotional period ends. All mandatory recurring charges will be
disclosed clearly and conspicuously prior to enrollment and included in advertised prices, except for taxes or fees imposed directly by governmental authorities.
9.3 Affordability Programs. The Company is committed to providing affordable internet access
consistent with federal grant obligations. The Company will provide information to customers
about available tribal and federal broadband affordability programs, including eligibility
requirements and application procedures. Customers experiencing financial hardship or seeking
information about affordability programs should contact Customer Service to discuss available
options. The Company will work with customers to identify programs for which they may qualify
and provide enrollment assistance when possible.
10. BILLING DISPUTES AND INQUIRIES
10.1 Right to Dispute. Customers have the right to dispute any charge on their bill. Disputes must
be submitted in writing within ninety (90) days of the invoice date. The dispute timeframe does
not limit any rights available under applicable law. The Company will make good-faith efforts to
resolve billing disputes promptly and fairly in accordance with its customer service standards.
10.2 Dispute Process. To dispute a charge:
• Contact Customer Service at 707-246-2309 or billing@yuroktelecom.com
• Provide your account number and detailed explanation of the disputed charge
• Include any supporting documentation
10.3 Investigation Timeline and Escalation. The Company will investigate all billing disputes
and provide a written response within thirty (30) days of receiving the dispute. If a customer is
dissatisfied with the outcome of a billing dispute, the customer may request escalation to a
supervisor. The Company will provide contact information for such escalation upon request.
10.4 Service During Dispute. Service will not be suspended while a billing dispute is being
investigated, provided that:
• The Customer continues to pay all undisputed charges
• The dispute was submitted in a timely manner
• The Customer cooperates with the investigation process
The Company will investigate billing disputes in good faith and will not retaliate against customers
for exercising dispute rights or seeking clarification of charges.
10.5 Dispute Resolution. Billing disputes shall first be addressed through the Company’s internal
dispute resolution process. Nothing in this section creates a right to bring claims in any court or forum absent an express waiver of sovereign immunity by the Company and Yurok Tribe.
10.6 Billing Errors. If the Company determines that a billing error has occurred, it will promptly
correct the error and issue any applicable credit or refund within thirty (30) days of resolution.
Credits will be applied to the customer’s account unless the customer requests a refund.
Overpayments will not be retained unreasonably and will be refunded upon request.
11. COLLECTION PRACTICES
11.1 Standards. The Company conducts collection activities professionally and respectfully,
during reasonable hours, without harassment, threats, or abusive language. The Company will
honor written requests to limit collection contact at work, restrict communication methods, or
specify reasonable contact hours. The Company will not contact unauthorized third parties about
debts, misrepresent the debt, threaten unlawful action, or engage in harassment.
11.2 Collection Agency. If a collection agency is engaged, the customer will receive notice including the agency’s contact information, amount owed, and dispute rights.
11.3 Debt Validation. Customers may request debt verification within thirty (30) days. The Company will provide documentation and cease collection until validation is provided.
11.4 Credit Reporting. Before reporting delinquent accounts to credit bureaus, the Company will
provide advance notice and thirty (30) days to dispute. Disputed amounts will be reported as
disputed.
11.5 Complaints. Collection complaints may be submitted to Customer Service at 707-246-2309
or billing@yuroktelecom.com for investigation and response within thirty (30) days.
11.6 Sovereign Immunity. Nothing herein waives the sovereign immunity of the Company or the
Yurok Tribe.
12. ACCOUNT CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
12.1 Service Changes. Customers may upgrade, downgrade, or modify their service plan at any
time. Changes will be effective on the first day of the next billing cycle unless otherwise requested
and agreed upon.
12.2 Cancellation Request. Customers may cancel service at any time by providing written or
verbal notice. The Company recommends providing at least fifteen (15) days advance notice to
ensure proper processing. Cancellation requests will be processed without unreasonable delay and without requiring customers to take steps beyond those required to enroll.
12.3 Final Bill. Upon cancellation, a final bill will be issued for all services provided through the
cancellation date, including any applicable late fees or unreturned equipment charges. The Company does not charge early termination fees. Pro-rated credits will be applied for prepaid services not yet rendered.
13. CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND PRIVACY
13.1 Account Information. Customers are responsible for maintaining accurate contact
information, including mailing address, email address, and telephone number. Changes should be reported promptly to ensure receipt of bills and important account notices.
13.2 Privacy Protection. Customer information is protected in accordance with YTEL’s Privacy
Policy and applicable privacy laws. YTEL’s Privacy Policy is available on the YTEL website at
https://yuroktelecom.com/privacy-policy-2/ and will be provided in upon request.
The Company maintains safeguards designed to protect customer information from unauthorized
disclosure. In the event of a security breach that results in unauthorized disclosure of customer
information, the Company will provide notification to affected customers without unreasonable
delay and in accordance with applicable law.
13.3 Services Agreement. Customers consent to YTEL’s Services Agreement for use and care of
TEL’s services and equipment. YTEL’s Service Agreement is available at
https://yuroktelecom.com/terms-of-service/ and will be provided upon request.
13.4 Communication Preferences. Customers may opt out of marketing communications but will
continue to receive transactional communications, including bills, payment reminders, and service
notifications.
14. TAXES AND REGULATORY FEES
14.1 Applicable Taxes. All charges are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes,
including but not limited to sales tax, utility user tax, and other regulatory fees required by law.
All mandatory recurring fees and charges will be disclosed clearly and conspicuously prior to
enrollment and included in advertised prices, except for taxes or fees imposed directly by
governmental authorities. All taxes and regulatory fees will be itemized separately on Customer
invoices.
15. AUTO-PAY AND RECURRING PAYMENTS
15.1 Auto-Pay Enrollment. Customers may enroll in automatic payment programs through their
online account. Auto-pay customers authorize the Company to charge their designated payment
method on or around the invoice due date each month. Enrollment in auto-pay requires the
customer’s express affirmative consent. Customers will receive a confirmation notice describing
the recurring charges and how to cancel. The Company will not initiate recurring charges without
the customer’s express affirmative consent. Customers will receive advance notice of any material
change to the amount or frequency of recurring charges prior to implementation.
15.2 Auto-Pay Changes. Customers may modify auto-pay enrollment at any time through their
online account or may contact Customer Service for assistance at least five (5) business days before
the next scheduled payment.
15.3 Cancellation. Customers may cancel auto-pay at any time online or through Customer
Service, without penalty or loss of service, subject to payment of any outstanding charges.
16. PAYMENT PLANS AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
16.1 Payment Arrangements. Company will work with customers facing temporary financial
hardship to establish reasonable payment plans and avoid service interruption when possible.
Customers experiencing financial difficulties may request such assistance by contacting Customer
Service to discuss available options.
17. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CONTACT INFORMATION
17.1 Customer Support. For general customer support issues:
• Phone: 707-2675272
• Email: communityoutreach@yuroktelecom.com
For billing and payment issues contact:
• Phone: 707-246-2309
• Email: billing@yuroktelecom.com
17.2 Access. The Company will provide reasonable accommodations for customers with
disabilities or who need language assistance in billing communications and payment processes,
upon request and subject to available resources.
18. POLICY CHANGES AND NOTIFICATIONS
18.1 Policy Modifications. The Company reserves the right to modify this Policy at any time in
compliance with applicable law. Customers will receive at least thirty (30) days advance written
notice of any material changes.
18.2 Notice Methods. Notice of policy changes will be provided via:
• Email to the email address on file
• Written notice included with monthly billing statements
• Posting on the Company website
18.3 Continued Service. Continued use of services after the effective date of policy changes
constitutes acceptance of the modified terms to the extent permitted by law.
19. ADDITIONAL TERMS
19.1 Tribal Sovereignty and No Waiver. Yurok Telecommunications Corporation is a tribally
owned enterprise of the Yurok Tribe. Nothing in this Billing Policy, the Terms of Service, or any
related customer communications shall be construed as a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the
Company, the Yurok Tribe, or its enterprises, or as consent to the jurisdiction of any state or federal
court, agency, or regulatory body, except to the extent expressly required by applicable federal law
or expressly authorized by the Company and the Yurok Tribe.
19.2 Governing Law. This Policy shall be governed by applicable federal and tribal law. To the
extent state law is referenced, such references are for guidance only and do not constitute consent
to state jurisdiction or enforcement authority beyond the extent expressly required by applicable
federal law or expressly authorized by the Yurok Tribe.
19.3 Consumer Protection. This Policy is intended to be consistent with generally applicable
consumer protection principles and billing transparency standards, to the extent such standards are
consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this Policy limits any consumer rights provided under
applicable law.
19.4 Record Retention and Grant Compliance. The Company maintains billing records,
payment records, customer account information, service records, complaint records, and
compliance documentation in accordance with applicable federal grant requirements and will make
such records available for review by authorized federal agencies as required by law or grant
requirements. In the event of any conflict between this Policy and applicable federal grant
requirements, the federal requirements shall control.
19.5 Non-Discrimination. The Company provides internet services on a nondiscriminatory basis
and does not deny service, apply different prices, or impose different terms based on race, color,
national origin, sex, disability, income level, or other protected characteristics, consistent with
applicable federal funding requirements.
19.6 Public Interest and Consumer Protection Commitment. The Company is committed to
providing services in a manner consistent with federal public interest objectives, including
transparency, affordability, nondiscrimination, and consumer protection, as required by applicable
federal funding programs. The Company will not engage in unfair, deceptive, or misleading billing
or payment practices. All charges will be accurately described, clearly disclosed, and assessed only
as authorized by the customer or permitted under this Policy.
19.7 Entire Agreement. This Billing Policy, together with the Terms of Service and any servicespecific
agreements, constitutes the entire agreement between Customer and Company regarding
billing and payment matters.
19.8 Severability. If any provision of this Policy is found to be unenforceable, the remaining
provisions will remain in full force and effect.
19.9 Waiver. The Company’s failure to enforce any provision of this Policy does not constitute a
waiver of that provision or any other provision.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about this Billing Policy, please contact us:
Yurok Telecommunications Corporation
707-246-2309
billing@yuroktelecom.com
Acknowledgment: By using our internet services, you acknowledge that you have read,
understood, and agree to be bound by this Billing Policy.
