Cox

Spectrum Applies $10 Monthly Internet Price Increase

Spectrum has implemented a $10 monthly price increase on many of its residential internet plans, with the higher rates now appearing on customer bills across its multi-state footprint. Customers report encountering elevated costs for tiers that previously had lower fees; some who contact support and threaten to switch to fiber or 5G home internet report receiving temporary retention discounts. The timing coincides with parent company Charter Communications’ expected closing of its acquisition of Cox Communications in August 2026. Cord Cutters News contacted Spectrum for comment but received no response at publication. The change adds to recent TV rate adjustments and comes as fiber rollouts and fixed wireless alternatives expand in many markets.

Comcast Eyes Partnerships as NBCUniversal Prepares Spin-Off

Comcast said NBCUniversal is actively exploring partnerships as part of preparations to become an independent company via a tax-free spin-off expected by summer 2027. Under the plan Comcast will split into two publicly traded entities: one focused on NBCUniversal and Sky (studios, networks, theme parks, Peacock streaming, etc.) and a separate company for cable, broadband and wireless. Comcast expects to temporarily hold up to a 19.9% stake in the newly independent media company for up to one year after the separation. Executives highlighted sports rights and multi-platform distribution as strategic assets for NBCUniversal, while separate industry discussion continues about potential combinations in the cable/broadband space, including prior speculation about a deal involving Charter Communications' Spectrum brand and other consolidation among cable operators.

Charter to Close Cox Communications Deal in August

Charter Communications, parent of Spectrum, said it hopes to finalize its $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications as early as August, pending a California Public Utilities Commission vote scheduled for August 13, 2026. The transaction, first announced in May 2025, has already cleared federal review: the FCC approved the deal in February 2026 and the DOJ cleared it under HSR (with clearance expiring September 15, 2026). The combined company would become the largest U.S. residential ISP with more than 38 million customers across 41 states. Charter would assume roughly $12.6 billion of Cox net debt while Cox Enterprises would retain about a 23% stake. Headquarters will remain in Stamford, CT, with continued operations in Atlanta, GA. The companies are prioritizing an August close to avoid re-filing and delays tied to the federal clearance deadline.