USHBC backs CPUC approval of Charter-Cox merger

The California Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved Charter Communications’ $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications on Aug. 13, 2026, clearing the deal after federal and state reviews. The decision includes affordability, infrastructure and digital equity conditions that USHBC says will benefit California businesses, workers and consumers.

Why it matters: - The CPUC approval clears a major regulatory hurdle for Charter Communications’ $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications. - The deal is expected to unlock investments tied to broadband affordability, network upgrades and digital equity in California. - Small businesses and underserved communities could see more access to faster networks and lower-cost broadband options.

What happened: - On Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, the California Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the Charter-Cox transaction. - The approval followed a series of federal and state-level reviews. - The United States Hispanic Business Council praised the decision and said the merger can now move toward finalization.

The details: - The CPUC approval includes two settlement agreements with the California Public Advocate’s Office and the California Emerging Technology Fund. - The conditions center on affordability, infrastructure investment and digital equity. - The package includes new affordable broadband offerings for low-income households. - The deal also requires $275 million for network infrastructure modernization. - Another $5 million is designated for Community Development Financial Institutions that serve underserved businesses. - The commitments also include workforce development and supplier diversity measures. - Enforcement measures are part of the settlement terms. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, said the approval puts “Californian businesses, workers, and consumers” on track for “accelerated investment, stronger networks, and affordable broadband.” - Palomarez said USHBC spent several months advocating for approval of the merger, both publicly and before the commission.

Between the lines: - The unanimous vote suggests broad regulatory confidence in the settlement framework. - The conditions show regulators are linking consolidation approval to concrete consumer and community benefits. - USHBC’s support reflects a business-group argument that telecom scale can translate into broader economic gains if paired with enforceable commitments.

What's next: - Charter Communications and Cox Communications can move toward completing the merger. - The settlement commitments and enforcement terms will shape how the companies deliver broadband, investment and equity-related promises in California. - USHBC said readers can follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X for more information. More information