CPUC Approves $34.5 Billion Charter-Cox Merger in California

California regulators voted on Aug. 13, 2026, to approve Charter Communications’ $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, clearing the final regulatory barrier for a massive cable merger that will impact more than 6 million customers in the state. According to broadbandbreakfast.com, the unanimous decision by the five-member California Public Utilities Commission adopted settlement agreements between the companies and state consumer advocates, creating the nation’s largest internet service provider with more than 35 million broadband subscribers.

CPUC Vote Details and Alternative Decision

The approved order bypassed an alternate decision put forward by administrative law judge Jamie Ormond, which would have imposed rural deployment and low-income service conditions beyond existing settlements. Instead, broadbandbreakfast.com reported that the CPUC commissioners adopted an alternate version proposed by Commissioner Matthew Baker, matching what Charter and Cox had requested. CPUC President John Reynolds noted at the agency’s Thursday meeting, We’ll have our work cut out for us in ensuring these benefits are achieved, adding that agency staff will monitor compliance to ensure improved service.

Network Upgrades and Low-Income Commitments

Under the approved settlement agreements, the combined company will operate under the Cox name despite Charter acting as the buyer. Broadbandbreakfast.com stated that the entity will spend $275 million on network upgrades across California and provide a $20 monthly plan for eligible households. New subscribers enrolling in low-income plans will not face a requirement to have gone without broadband during the previous month. Additionally, the combined company must participate in the state’s low-income broadband subsidy program for five years and allocate $30 million to the nonprofit California Emerging Technology Fund for broadband adoption efforts.

Merger Scale and Federal Approval Timeline

The transaction establishes an ISP network spanning more than 70 million passings nationwide. According to broadbandbreakfast.com, the Federal Communications Commission approved the deal months ago, leaving California as the final obstacle before closing. Regulators acted just in time to preserve the merger, noting that Department of Justice approval granted the previous year would have expired without the Thursday vote, triggering a requirement for a new review.