Charter and Cox Communications complete transaction bringing Spectrum brand to Cox markets in September

Press release from Charter Communications and Cox Communications

STAMFORD, Conn. – Charter Communications, Inc. today announced that it has completed its previously announced transaction with Cox Communications and the acquisition of Liberty Broadband Corporation. These transformative transactions create the leading broadband and video company in the nation and the fastest-growing mobile provider in its footprint, with seamless connectivity and video entertainment, and high-quality customer service delivering powerful benefits for customers, local communities, employees, and shareholders.

“The addition of Cox to the Spectrum footprint is one that can be celebrated by customers, employees, and investors alike,” said Chris Winfrey, Charter President and CEO. “Together, we will bring the best products, at the best price, coupled with the highest level of customer service to more customers across our expanded 45-state Spectrum footprint. And Cox employees will soon have access to all the programs and benefits that have made Charter an employer of choice where its 100% U.S.-based employees can build long-term careers.

“The market has changed considerably over the past decade, and regional providers like Spectrum are competing with national and even global connectivity and entertainment companies. Today, with expanded scale, we are better positioned to compete and continue investment in our products and service, tools, and platforms, and to further the capability and reach of our Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network. ”

Eric Zinterhofer, who prior to closing the transactions had served as Chairman of Charter’s board, added, “Congratulations to Chris, the Charter team, and the Cox family for completing an industry-transforming transaction. I look forward to serving as lead independent director as Alex Taylor becomes Charter’s next Chairman.”

Customer, Community, and Employee Benefits

Beginning today, Spectrum will offer Cox customers a free mobile line for one year

To welcome its new customers, Spectrum is offering a free year of mobile service to Cox internet customers who don’t already subscribe to Cox Mobile, the first of many benefits Spectrum will offer. In mid-September, Spectrum plans to launch its entire suite of products to all consumers, including existing customers, in former Cox markets, offering Spectrum’s simple and transparent pricing and packaging, greater value, and more opportunities to save.

Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Mobile work together over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and are supported by approximately 45 million WiFi access points across the country, delivering a faster, more seamless experience than standalone 5G. Spectrum’s Seamless Connectivity bundle delivers the most reliable service and helps customers save with Spectrum’s $1,000 savings guarantee.

For Video, Spectrum’s Seamless Entertainment brings live TV and popular streaming apps together, all in one place. Spectrum TV Select plans include ad-supported streaming apps like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, Discovery+, HBO MAX, Paramount+, Peacock, AMC+, ViX, Tennis Channel, and FOX One, providing up to $127 of monthly retail value at no extra cost. The Spectrum TV App, the highest-rated pay TV streaming app and the most viewed streaming service in the U.S. on an hours per household basis, lets customers stream, pause, and rewind live TV, plus watch On Demand and DVR, on phones, tablets, and the most popular streaming devices. And with the Xumo Stream Box with voice remote, Spectrum makes it easy to search and switch between live TV and the most popular streaming apps.

Within the next year, Cox customers also will benefit from Spectrum’s industry-first Customer Service Commitments, which include:

• 100% U.S.-based customer service team available 24/7.
• Fixing service disruptions quickly, including same-day technician dispatch when requested before 5:00 pm; if not, the next day.
• Providing customers with credits for outages that last longer than two hours.

To achieve those commitments, over the next 18 months, Spectrum will apply its sales and service workforce model to Cox markets and will fully return Cox’s customer service function to the U.S.

All employees will earn a starting wage of at least $20 per hour and enjoy Spectrum’s industry-leading benefits, which include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Market-leading retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% of their eligible pay.
• Free or discounted Spectrum Mobile, TV, and Internet service.
• Multiple opportunities for upward advancement to build careers, including through self-progression programs with standardized pay raises and formal development programs, including the Broadband Field Technician Apprenticeship program.
• Tuition-free undergraduate degree and certificate programs via flexible online learning.
• The Employee Stock Purchase Plan provides all frontline employees with the ability to purchase stock and receive a matching grant of Charter Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) up to 1-for-1 based on years of service.
• Participation in the Invest in America Trump Accounts program, matching the federal government’s $1,000 contribution for employees’ children.

Businesses of all sizes throughout the Spectrum footprint will benefit from the combination of pectrum Business with Cox Business’ well-known industry leadership, including Segra, Cox’s super-regional, fiber-based provider serving commercial enterprise and carrier customers, and RapidScale, its managed, cloud-based services provider.

In advertising, Spectrum will expand opportunities for advertisers large and small, national, regional, and local, bringing new competition in an area now dominated by Big Tech.

Spectrum is a local company that helps create opportunities and invests in the communities where its employees live and work with programs focused on increasing digital inclusion and education, promoting critical human services (including food security, housing, and employment), and supporting small businesses. Spectrum established the Spectrum Foundation with a $50 million initial investment to respond to local needs, expand economic opportunity, and empower communities to thrive.

Spectrum’s local presence in the communities is furthered by Spectrum Networks, its award- winning news division with more than 35 stations across the company’s footprint, providing objective reporting from local journalists, ensuring coverage reflects and is informed by the issues that matter most to our communities. In the coming months, Spectrum Networks will expand its presence into the Cox footprint, bringing local, unbiased news coverage to more communities in new DMAs.