California approved the proposed $34.5 billion deal between Charter Communications and Cox Communications.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the deal last week (August 13) in what was the last major hurdle required ahead of the the deal being pushed through.

The CPUC said it approved the deal "subject to two settlement agreements and a comprehensive set of enforceable conditions designed to protect consumers, expand broadband access, and advance digital equity across California."

The merger was announced in May of last year, when the two cable rivals confirmed a definitive agreement had been reached to combine their two businesses.

The combined entity will become the largest cable operator in the U.S. It will combine Charter's 31 million customers with Cox’s six million to create the nation’s largest internet and video provider by subscriber base.

“This decision secures significant commitments that will benefit Californians through expanded affordable broadband options, major infrastructure investments, improved customer protections, and meaningful support for digital inclusion,” CPUC Commissioner Matthew Baker stated. “The CPUC’s approval reflects a careful review of the proposed transaction and ensures public interest benefits are backed by enforceable conditions.”

CPUC approval follows that of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which OK'd the merger in March. That was based on a number of conditions, including the onshoring of jobs in the U.S., plus increased investment in rural infrastructure, and "anti-discrimination protections," a stance heavily in line with the Trump administration.

What are the CPUC's conditions?

As noted, a host of conditions have been set out by the CPUC for the planned deal, such as the creation of new affordable broadband offerings for low-income Californians, including multiple California LifeLine service tiers and standalone broadband plans available for five years.

Other conditions include a $30 million investment in digital inclusion initiatives, including broadband adoption, digital literacy training, community outreach, device access for underserved communities, and a $275 million investment to upgrade the company’s California network.

The full list of the conditions can be read here.

“This transaction will have a significant impact on communities across the Southern California region, and our responsibility is to make sure it delivers real benefits for the people who live here," CPUC Commissioner Christine Harada added. "That means better service, affordable options, continued investment in our communities, and accountability for the commitments being made today. Southern California customers deserve to see those promises translate into results."

Cox Enterprises was founded by newspaper magnate and politician James Cox in the late 1800s. It was originally in the newspaper business before entering the radio industry and later moving into TV and broadcasting in the 1940s. It then entered the cable television industry in the early 1960s and eventually moved into telecom.

As part of the deal, Charter will acquire Cox’s residential cable, commercial fiber, and managed IT and cloud businesses. The deal will see the combined company use the Cox Communications name, while the consumer brand will remain Spectrum.

Charter will now indirectly control Cox’s residential broadband, video, mobile, and voice businesses, plus its advertising and enterprise businesses and its Segra, UPN, and RapidScale businesses.

Cox acquired its first cable television franchise in 1962. Cox Enterprises will own approximately 23% of the combined entity's full diluted shares based on Charter's share count as of March 31, 2025.

The merged entity will retain its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, plus Cox’s Atlanta campus.

With the CPUC's approval now in, Charter and Cox anticipate the deal could close before the end of the month.