The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously approved Charter Communications' acquisition of Cox Communications. But what does Cox becoming Spectrum mean for the customers? How will it affect the internet services and bills? We’ll discuss all that in this blog!
What Actually Changes When Cox Becomes Spectrum?
Charter Communications made a $21.9 billion bid to acquire Cox Communications, and with the California Public Utilities Commission approving the deal in February, the acquisition will be finalized soon. As a result, Cox services will eventually operate under the Spectrum brand, with the transition expected to take place within a year.
The move came from Charter, committed to providing low-cost internet plans with price-lock options, in line with the conditions imposed on internet providers in California. In addition, Charter must also invest $30 million in state funds, committing to broadband adoption, digital literacy, and device access for underserved communities.
Furthermore, a $275 million investment will be made to upgrade the existing network to achieve complete 1-Gigabit symmetrical performance, a target to be met in 3 years. This will accompany 5 years of free WiFi and broadband for eligible community institutions (schools, libraries, etc.)
Both companies will continue their services, while the name Spectrum will be used for home internet, TV, and phone services across the communities served by Cox.
The Pricing Difference: Cox vs. Spectrum Side by Side
Let’s take a look at the pricing differences for different services between Spectrum and Cox:
Internet Plans
| Spectrum | Cox | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Advantage $30/mo. For 1 year* |
Internet Premier $40/mo. For 1 year* |
Internet Gig $60/mo. For 1 year* |
500 Mbps From $50/mo. For 12 mos. |
1 Gig From $70/mo. For 12 mos. |
2 Gig From $90/mo. For 12 mos. |
| Speeds up to 100 Mbps | Speeds up to 500 Mbps | Speeds up to 1 Gig | Up to 500 Mbps download speeds | Up to 1 Gbps download speeds | Up to 2 Gbps download speeds |
| Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan |
*See Offer Details for terms and conditions.
The merger will ‘NOT’ affect your current bill, whether you’re using Spectrum Internet or Cox Internet services. No changes to your account information, equipment, or automatic payments will occur.
Bundles
| Spectrum | Cox | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet Premier + Voice $55/mo For 1 year* |
Spectrum TV Select Signature + Voice $115/mo. For 1 year* |
Spectrum Internet Gig + TV Select Signature $140/mo. For 2 years* |
500 Mbps + Contour TV Preferred From $195/mo. For 12 mos. |
500 Mbps + TV Preferred + Voice From $215/mo. For 12 mos. |
1 Gig + TV Preferred+ Voice From $235/mo. For 12 mos. |
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| Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan | Get Plan |
*See Offer Details for terms and conditions.
1. Streaming apps included with qualifying residential Spectrum TV plans. May require separate subscriptions; trademarks are the property of their owners. See spectrum.com/disclosures.
While detailed price changes haven’t been released, initial statements reveal the merged companies will adopt ‘Spectrum’s pricing and packaging system’, allowing customers to enjoy more discounts on Spectrum bundles.
What Cox Customers in California Get That Others Don't?
Apart from affordable broadband services ensured by the merged companies, their customers in California will experience improved service quality with benefits, including:
- Automatic bill credits for service outages lasting 2 hours or more.
- ‘Price for Life’ service agreements honored for eligible residents.
- No equipment exchange fees for service upgrades or downgrades or returned equipment.
- Reporting and accountability requirements for compliance monitoring for CPUC-ordered conditions.
In addition, the merged companies will invest in public, educational, and government access channels. CPUC will enforce compliance programs to ensure companies provide improved transparency, provide device guide listings, and expand distributions.
Should You Switch Before the Transition Happens?
The key thing to know about the transition is that both companies will continue to serve their customers with reliable internet services. Since both providers are hybrid-fiber cable internet providers, there may not be a significant difference in terms of performance.
One reason to switch from Cox to Spectrum could be its affordable internet plans. However, with the two companies merging, there may be little to no need to switch from one to the other solely for performance or availability.
Best Alternatives to Spectrum in Cox Markets
Since Spectrum is a hybrid fiber-coax cable provider, a true fiber internet provider may be the best alternative. Let’s take a look at the choices:
| AT&T | From 300 Mbps – 5-Gig^ | Fiber | Monthly Price
$35/mo.* to $95/mo.* |
View Plans |
|---|
See Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts
^Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
| Kinetic | Download Speeds From 300 Mbps - up to 2 Gbps |
Fiber | Monthly Price $39.99/mo. - $89.99/mo.* | View Plans |
|---|
| Optimum | Download Speeds From 300 Mbps – Up to 8 Gbps |
Fiber | Monthly Price
$30/mo. to $90/mo.* |
View Plans |
|---|
Check Your Address for Available Plans
Frequently Asked Questions
The merger will not affect your bill, according to Cox’s official website. You can continue using your Spectrum services with the same billing, equipment, and account.
There hasn’t been an official statement on this. However, according to the initial releases, customers will continue using the services of the brand they currently use, regardless of the provider.
Since both companies are merging, there’s no need to switch. However, you can wait until the official price changes, if any, are released before deciding to switch.
No, as per Cox’s website, your existing service contract will not change immediately. After the merged companies roll out new plans, you can decide to make the changes or continue your existing plans.
No, Spectrum is affordably priced compared to Cox in terms of internet services and bundles.
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James Chadwick has proved himself to be a great help to the residents of Hawaii in their search for the best internet services. His expertise in writing along with his knowledge of the provider has resulted to become a marvelous combination of detailed insights. He has an eagerness to troubleshoot tech-related problems, as well as enjoys writing detailed how-to guides for Hawaiian Tel subscribers. He also has experience working closely with providers like DIRECTV, AT&T, and Spectrum. James works closely with a team of excellent content writers to help generate the most valuable content for our readers.
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