The Charter-Cox deal will be a win for Cox customers

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OPINION—The Charter-Cox Deal Will be a Win for Cox Customers.

Right now, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is reviewing a deal between Charter and Cox. If approved, this transaction would expand access to Charter’s services and products to Cox territory, primarily in the San Diego and Orange County areas. As a current Cox customer, I stand to benefit from this deal, and that’s why I felt compelled to share my perspective.

Charter and Cox don’t serve the same areas, so right now I can’t access Charter’s Spectrum services even if I wanted to. That will all change if the deal goes through and why I’m so enthusiastically in support of it.

As a result of this deal, Cox customers like me would finally have access to Charter’s bundled plans, combining internet, mobile, TV and even streaming services that can save customers up to $1,000 a year compared to what carriers like AT&T charge. Their pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees and no contracts locking you in. This flexibility puts consumers in the best position to make decisions that work for us and our families.

The recent settlements with Cal Advocates and California Emerging Technology Fund make this deal even stronger. It expands who qualifies for low-income plans and guarantees pricing as low as $20 per month for five years. Charter will promote these offerings and ensure that their customer service representatives are equipped to help customers enroll. Just like their no-contract policies and transparent billing, this reflects a company that wants customers to know exactly what’s available to them.

The fact that Charter and Cox don’t serve the same areas also means that this deal won’t eliminate a choice from the market or reduce options for consumers. Instead, it will create a stronger competitor with more resources to challenge national providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. That kind of competition benefits everyone because it puts pressure on all providers to lower prices and improve service.

I believe the average consumer, like me, stands to gain from this deal. The CPUC has an essential role in determining if a transaction benefits the public. From a Cox customer’s perspective, this transaction checks all the boxes. But these benefits only happen if the deal is approved. If the CPUC does not act by August, the settlement and everything it guarantees could be lost. I urge the Commission to approve it as soon as possible.

Paul Grant is a resident of Santa Margarita and Cox customer.