Charter Communications acquires Cox Communications
- Acquirer
- Charter Communications
- Target
- Cox Communications
- Deal Value
- $34.5B
- Status
- Announced
- Announced
- March 20, 2026
What happened
On March 20, the New York Public Service Commission conditionally approved the transfer of control tied to Charter's $34.5 billion combination with Cox, attaching roughly $123 million in conditions, including $100 million for symmetric gigabit upgrades, free public Wi-Fi replacements, and broadband for unserved shelters. With federal approval secured in February, California is the only remaining regulatory hurdle for the deal, which would create the largest ISP in the United States.
Why it matters
The broadband framing buries the wireless story. Charter and Cox both run fast-growing MVNOs on Verizon's network, and the combined entity will control the largest MVNO subscriber base in the country. That gives one company enormous leverage over wholesale terms, and every smaller MVNO will feel the effects of whatever precedent that negotiation sets.
Source: Broadband Breakfast
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