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

Approval was confirmed yesterday (August 13) by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in what was the last major hurdle required ahead of the merger being pushed through.

The CPUC said it has 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.

Once the merger goes through, the combined entity will become the largest cable operator in the US. 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,” said Commissioner Matthew Baker, who is assigned to the proceeding.

“The CPUC’s approval reflects a careful review of the proposed transaction and ensures public interest benefits are backed by enforceable conditions.”

Approval from the CPUC 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 US, 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 merger, 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, and device access for underserved communities, plus a $275m 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," said Commissioner Christine Harada. "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."

Founded by the newspaper magnate and politician James M. Cox in the late 1800s and originally in the newspaper business, US conglomerate Cox Enterprises entered the radio industry before moving into TV and broadcasting in the 1940s. It then entered the cable television industry in the early 1960s and eventually moved into telecoms.

As part of the deal, Charter will acquire Cox’s residential cable, commercial fiber, and managed IT and cloud businesses.

The merger 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 percent 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, Georgia, campus.

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