Two of America’s largest cable companies, Charter Communications and Cox Communications, announced on Friday their plan to merge in a $34.5 billion deal that could reshape the television and broadband landscape across the country.
If approved, the merger would form one of the largest providers of internet and cable services in the United States, with millions of customers coast to coast.
The deal still faces regulatory approval and is expected to draw close scrutiny from federal antitrust officials under President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite earlier assumptions that Trump-era regulators might be more lenient toward corporate mergers than the previous administration, recent actions suggest a more cautious approach could prevail.
Executives from both companies are expected to argue that the merger is necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market dominated by national giants like Comcast and Verizon. They also claim that because Charter and Cox operate mostly in different regions, the deal would not reduce consumer choice in any specific market.
Cox, a privately held company, is being valued at around $34.5 billion in the transaction. Charter, which already owns the Spectrum brand, would become a far more formidable player in the broadband and TV industry. Combined, the two companies would serve tens of millions of homes and businesses, offering bundled services ranging from high-speed internet to traditional cable packages.
The proposed merger comes at a time when the cable industry is facing growing pressure from streaming services and shifting customer habits. Many consumers are dropping cable in favor of online-only options, pushing traditional providers to find new ways to adapt. Charter and Cox say that by joining forces, they can invest more in infrastructure, improve service, and deliver faster internet to more people.
While Wall Street is watching closely, critics of the deal are already raising concerns about market consolidation. Consumer advocates fear that a merger of this size could reduce competition, raise prices, or stifle innovation in certain regions. The companies have responded by stressing that their networks rarely overlap, and that the merger could bring real benefits to customers.
The deal is still in its early stages, and regulatory review could take several months or longer. In the meantime, Charter and Cox will continue to operate independently, while preparing for what could become one of the biggest shakeups in the American telecom sector in years.