Arizona’s telecommunications landscape is entering a new era after Charter Communications completed its previously announced transaction with Cox Communications, combining two major broadband providers and setting the stage for significant changes for Cox customers and employees across the state.
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The combination creates what the companies describe as the nation’s leading broadband and video company and the fastest-growing mobile provider within its footprint. The expanded Spectrum operation will reach 45 states, bringing Charter’s products, pricing and customer-service model into former Cox markets.
That makes the deal particularly significant in Arizona, where Cox has long been a major provider of internet, television, mobile and business services.
For Arizona Cox customers, some benefits begin immediately. Spectrum is offering one free year of mobile service to Cox internet customers who do not already subscribe to Cox Mobile. In mid-September, Spectrum plans to introduce its full suite of products in former Cox markets, including new pricing, packaging and opportunities for customers to bundle services and save.
Additional changes are expected during the next year. Former Cox customers will gain access to Spectrum’s Customer Service Commitments, which include a 100% U.S.-based customer service team available around the clock, same-day technician dispatch when requested before 5 p.m. when available, and automatic credits for qualifying service outages lasting more than two hours.
The transaction could also have an impact on Arizona’s workforce. Over the next 18 months, Spectrum plans to apply its sales and service workforce model to Cox markets and fully return Cox customer service operations to the United States. Employees will earn a starting wage of at least $20 per hour and have access to medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, tuition-free undergraduate degree and certificate programs and career-development opportunities.
Arizona businesses could also see changes. The combination brings together Spectrum Business and Cox Business, along with fiber provider Segra and cloud-services provider RapidScale, expanding the combined company’s capabilities for businesses ranging from small companies to large enterprises.
Community investment is another potential Arizona impact. Spectrum supports programs focused on digital inclusion, education, food security, housing, employment and small businesses. The company also established the Spectrum Foundation with an initial $50 million investment aimed at addressing local needs and expanding economic opportunity.
Despite the corporate transformation, customers will continue seeing the Spectrum brand. Within a year, the parent company plans to change its name to Cox Communications, while continuing to operate as Spectrum in all markets.
