Cox Communications customers in Northwest Florida will begin seeing changes to their internet, television and mobile service after Charter Communications announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Cox, creating the nation’s largest broadband and video company.

• Spectrum branding, pricing and packaging will launch for all Cox customers beginning in mid-September, the company said.

Charter, which operates under the Spectrum brand, also completed its acquisition of Liberty Broadband Corporation as part of the deal. The combined company will serve more than 70 million homes and businesses across 45 states.

Cox Enterprises and its subsidiaries now own approximately 26% of the combined company.

Starting today, Cox internet customers who do not already subscribe to Cox Mobile can receive a free year of Spectrum mobile service, the company said. Charter described the offer as the first of many benefits it plans to extend to Cox customers.

“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.”

Winfrey said Cox employees will soon have access to the programs and benefits available to Charter’s entirely U.S.-based workforce.

• “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,” Winfrey said. “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.”

What changes for local Cox customers

In mid-September, Charter plans to roll out its full product lineup to Cox customers, including Spectrum Internet, Spectrum Mobile, Spectrum TV and Spectrum Voice. The company said its pricing and packaging will offer “simple and transparent” pricing and greater value.

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, the company said.

Spectrum TV Select plans include ad-supported streaming apps such as Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, Discovery+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock, AMC+, ViX, Tennis Channel and FOX One, which the company said provides up to $127 in monthly retail value at no extra cost.

Within the next year, customers will gain access to Spectrum’s service commitments, which include a 100% U.S.-based customer service team available around the clock, same-day technician dispatch for requests made before 5 p.m. and credits for service outages lasting longer than two hours.

• To meet those commitments, Charter said it will apply its sales and service workforce model to Cox markets over the next 18 months and will fully return Cox’s customer service function to the United States.

Employee and workforce changes

All employees in areas currently served by Cox will earn a starting wage of at least $20 per hour, the company said.

Benefits will include comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage for all full-time and part-time employees, a 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 6% of eligible pay, free or discounted Spectrum services, tuition-free online undergraduate degree and certificate programs and an employee stock purchase plan with matching restricted stock units based on years of service.

Employees will also participate in the Invest in America Trump Accounts program, matching the federal government’s $1,000 contribution for employees’ children, according to the company.

Corporate and governance changes

Alex Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises, has been appointed Chairman of Charter’s Board of Directors. Eric Zinterhofer, who previously served as Chairman, will become Lead Independent Director. Chris Winfrey will continue serving as President and CEO.

Cox Enterprises also appointed Dallas Clement and Mark Greatrex to Charter’s 13-member board.

Within a year, Charter will change its parent company name to Cox Communications but will continue to operate under the Spectrum brand in all markets. The company will remain headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, while maintaining a significant presence in Atlanta.

“For generations, my family has believed in building businesses that matter and stand the test of time,” Taylor said. “The broadband industry has shaped how people live, work and connect with one another, and we believe deeply in its future. I look forward to partnering with Chris and the board to build on a proud legacy and create long-term value for our shareholders, customers, employees and the communities we serve.”