Charter Communications announced Thursday that it has officially acquired Cox for $34.5 billion, following approval last week from the California Public Utilities Commission.
With the decision, Charter — which operates as Spectrum — has now integrated millions of Southern California residents into its internet and television services, including those in Santa Barbara.
Thirty-seven million customers are now under Charter Communications, making it the largest broadband internet and cable television provider in the United States.
Within a year, Charter will change its name to Cox Communications, but will continue to operate as Spectrum across markets.
Come mid-September, the Spectrum brand, pricing and packaging will launch in all Cox markets, according to a press release.
Beginning this weekend, Santa Barbara customers on certain plans can access SportsNet LA, which is owned by the Los Angeles Dodgers and has been unavailable to residents for years, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Prices will not be changed for Cox customers unless they choose to swap their plans, according to the press release.
They now have access to a Spectrum bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, AMC+ and Paramount+. Spectrum is also offering Cox customers a free mobile line for one year.
“Together, we will bring the best products, at the best price, coupled with the highest level of customer service to more customers across our expanded 45-state Spectrum footprint,” Charter President/CEO Chris Winfrey said in a press release.
Within the next year, Cox customers will switch to service from Spectrum’s customer service, which includes 24/7 support and same-day repairs.
In the next few months, the company will expand its 35-plus station footprint into Cox markets with local news coverage.
“The market has changed considerably over the past decade, and regional providers like Spectrum are competing with national and even global connectivity and entertainment companies,” Winfrey said.
“Today, with expanded scale, we are better positioned to compete and continue investment in our products and service, tools and platforms, and to further the capability and reach of our Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network.”
