- Cox officially became Spectrum on Thursday after Spectrum's parent company and Cox completed their $34.5 billion merger transaction, changing the name behind one of the Las Vegas Valley's largest internet and cable providers.
- Cox customers will transition to the Spectrum brand, with a free year of mobile service offered immediately to those who do not already subscribe to Cox Mobile.
- Mid-September: Spectrum plans to roll out its full lineup of products, including Internet, Mobile, TV, and Voice, to all former Cox customers under standard Spectrum pricing and packaging.
- Charter received FCC approval for the merger in February, and the California Public Utilities Commission gave final regulatory approval last week.
- Within the next year, Charter plans to change its corporate name to Cox Communications, but Spectrum will remain the consumer-facing brand across all of its markets.
Cox Communications officially became Spectrum on Thursday after completing a $34.5 billion merger, significantly expanding Spectrum's presence in Nevada and creating the nation’s largest cable and broadband provider with at least 35 million customers nationwide.
Cox customers will see the Spectrum name on their bills, but will initially retain their existing pricing and packaging structures. Chris Winfrey, president and CEO of Spectrum’s parent company, Charter Communications, stated, “Existing Cox customers will not see immediate price changes because of the merger.” However, he cautioned that rates may not remain unchanged indefinitely due to potential increases from video programmers.
By mid-September, Spectrum plans to roll out its full lineup of products, including Internet, Mobile, TV, and Voice, to all former Cox customers. “The addition of Cox to the Spectrum footprint is one that can be celebrated by customers, employees and investors alike,” Winfrey said, emphasizing the benefits of the merger.45
Cox internet customers who do not already subscribe to Cox Mobile will be eligible for a free year of mobile service. Additionally, customers will gain Spectrum’s customer service guarantees, including 24/7 U.S.-based support and same-day technician visits for service calls made before 5 p.m.
Spectrum’s average pricing for internet, mobile, and video services is reportedly lower than Cox’s, with Winfrey noting, “Mobile is lower, and video is also lower.” Charter anticipates about $500 million in annual cost savings within three years from the merger, primarily from procurement and overhead savings.
Within the next year, Charter plans to change its corporate name to Cox Communications, while Spectrum will remain the consumer-facing brand across all markets.7
“Charter expects about $500 million in annual cost savings within three years, and Cox's 10 Southern Nevada retail stores are now Spectrum stores. Existing Cox customers won't see immediate price changes, but Winfrey says Spectrum's average internet pricing is much lower than Cox's.”
FOX5 Vegas
Las Vegas Review-Journal
