Charter Gets FCC Permission to Buy Cox, Becoming Largest ISP in the United States

The FCC has approved Charter Communications' acquisition of Cox Communications, creating the largest internet service provider in the United States and consolidating further power in an already concentrated broadband market. The combined company will serve tens of millions of American households, raising immediate concerns about pricing, competition, and whether consumers will see any benefit from the merger. The FCC said there is 'no reason to worry about higher internet prices' — an assurance that consumer advocates and telecom analysts met with skepticism given the industry's long history of post-merger price increases. The deal arrives as broadband access has become essential infrastructure and Congress debates whether to classify internet service as a utility subject to greater regulation.