California is asking for your input on the $34.5B Charter-Cox merger. Here's how to weigh-in

The California Public Utilities Commission is hosting a series of public forums — including one in Los Angeles — where the public can learn more and comment on Charter’s $34.5 billion bid to take over Cox Communications.

The merger would combine two of California’s largest telecom companies.

Digital equity advocates have said that communication company mergers are declining competition, meaning there’s an increased concentration of power over broadband pricing and services.

What it matters 

The proposed merger comes on the heels of another — Verizon acquired Frontier Communications earlier this month for $20 billion. The business moves also follow the federal government's pullback of $2.75 billion in funding by slashing the Digital Equity Act.

The Verizon-Frontier merger came with state requirements to promote digital equity, but advocates are concerned that fewer companies will hold greater power over affordable prices.

According to Charter, the merger to combine companies will help the provider compete more aggressively with other broadband companies.

How to participate

An in-person forum will be held on Feb. 12 at the East L.A. County Library on 4837 E. 3rd St. The first forum begins at 2 p.m. and a second begins at 6 p.m.

If you can’t make it in person, two virtual meetings will take place on Feb. 4 and Feb. 25. More details can be found here.  

Details on the merger

If the deal is approved, the combined Charter-Cox company will be named Cox Communications, but customers will see Spectrum as the brand when they purchase internet, cable and mobile services.

Spectrum is owned by Charter Communications and is the home to the Dodgers’ regional sports network.

According to the filing, the Charter-Cox merger will mean that existing Cox customers will get access to Charter’s service plans.

Charter also reported that all Cox job roles that are overseas will be transferred to the U.S. In a statement following the merger announcement, Chris Winfrey, president and CEO of Charter, said the move will allow both companies to provide products that save families money, and create more American jobs.

With the merger, the combined company will also be able to compete more aggressively with other broadband companies, according to Charter.

Charter and Cox declined to comment.