California regulators clear Charter's purchase of Cox Communications

The California Public Utilities Commission has granted its final sign-off on Charter Communications' acquisition of Cox Communications, paving the way for the transaction to be completed next week. CPUC commissioners approved two settlement agreements that attach conditions intended to protect consumers and broaden broadband access across the state. Among the commitments, Charter will provide more affordable service tiers for low-income residents, invest $30 million in digital-literacy and outreach programs, and spend a minimum of $275 million on network upgrades, including a 1-gigabit buildout, over three years.

Additional provisions require free broadband for eligible community centers, automatic bill credits for prolonged outages, and honoring existing “price for life” contracts. The merger will make Charter’s Spectrum the leading cable and internet provider in Southern California, adding markets such as Los Angeles, San Diego and surrounding areas, and will bring SportsNet LA to former Cox customers.