US agency approves Charter Communications’ $34.5 billion deal to buy Cox

WASHINGTON, Feb 27 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission said ‌Friday it approved ‌Charter Communications’ $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox ​Communications.

The deal announced in March 2025 combines two of the largest U.S. cable ‌and broadband ⁠operators in their battle with streaming giants ⁠and mobile carriers.

The FCC said Spectrum-owner Charter will ​invest billions ​of ​dollars to upgrade ‌its network and deliver high-speed service and the company committed to onshoring jobs. Charter also agreed to ‌extend its $20/hour minimum ​starting wage to ​Cox ​workers.

Reuters reported last ‌year the deal would ​create ​the largest U.S. cable TV and broadband provider ​with ‌around 38 million subscribers, surpassing ​market leader Comcast.

(Reporting by ​David Shepardson)